Understanding Nonpotable Water and Its Uses

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Quick answer

• Nonpotable water is water that’s not safe to drink.
• It’s fine for washing, cleaning, and even some industrial uses.
• Always confirm water sources and their intended use.
• Treat all nonpotable water as a potential health hazard.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles for all water you use.
• Know your local regulations regarding water use.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about heading out, get a handle on the water situation. This ain’t the time to wing it.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge here? Is it the Forest Service, BLM, a state park, or private land? Each has its own rules about water usage. You don’t want to get sideways with the folks who manage the place.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig even get there? Some water sources are right off the highway, others are deep in the backcountry. Know if you need 4WD, high clearance, or if that last rain turned the road into a mud bog. I learned that lesson the hard way in Moab once. Never again.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: Water and fire go hand-in-hand, but not always in a good way. Check current fire bans. Also, look at the forecast. High winds can make campfires dangerous and can also kick up dust that contaminates water.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where will you get your water? How much do you need? And what are you doing with the greywater and wastewater? This is crucial for LNT. Don’t just dump it anywhere.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Are there bears or other critters around the water source? How far is the nearest ranger station or town if something goes wrong? Do you have cell service or a satellite communicator?

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Here’s how to handle water in the field, nonpotable or otherwise.

1. Identify your water needs.

• What to do: Figure out exactly what you’ll use water for: drinking, cooking, washing dishes, cleaning gear, bathing, or something else.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear list of tasks and the estimated water volume for each.
• Common mistake: Assuming you’ll only need water for drinking. You’ll need way more for cooking and cleaning. Plan for at least a gallon per person per day for all uses, more if it’s hot or you’re doing strenuous activity.

2. Locate potential water sources.

• What to do: Use maps, guidebooks, or local knowledge to find streams, lakes, springs, or even snowpack.
• What “good” looks like: You have a few viable options marked on your map.
• Common mistake: Relying on a single source that might be dry or inaccessible. Always have backups.

3. Assess the source’s legality and safety.

• What to do: Confirm if the water source is on public land and if there are any restrictions on its use. Look for signs of contamination like dead animals or industrial runoff.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve verified it’s legal to access and use the water, and it appears reasonably clean.
• Common mistake: Ignoring the “nonpotable” label on signs or assuming all natural water is safe. Remember, “natural” doesn’t mean “drinkable.”

4. Determine water quality.

• What to do: If it’s not clearly marked as potable, assume it’s nonpotable. Look for clarity, smell, and any visible signs of pollution.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve made a judgment call based on visual and olfactory cues, and you’re leaning towards caution.
• Common mistake: Thinking clear water is always safe water. Giardia and other nasties are invisible.

5. Collect water.

• What to do: Use clean containers. Get water from the clearest, fastest-moving part of the source, away from the bank if possible.
• What “good” looks like: Your containers are clean, and you’re collecting water with minimal sediment.
• Common mistake: Dunking your dirty water bottle directly into the source, or scooping up murky water from the bottom.

6. Transport water responsibly.

• What to do: Secure your water containers so they don’t leak. Keep potable and nonpotable water separate.
• What “good” looks like: No spills, and you know which container holds which type of water.
• Common mistake: Mixing up your drinking water with your cleaning water. That’s a fast track to stomach trouble.

7. Use nonpotable water for appropriate tasks.

• What to do: Use nonpotable water for washing dishes, cleaning camp, rinsing gear, or even flushing toilets if you have that setup.
• What “good” looks like: You’re using the nonpotable water efficiently for tasks where it won’t be ingested.
• Common mistake: Using nonpotable water for brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth. Nope.

8. Dispose of wastewater properly.

• What to do: Scatter greywater at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites. Dig a cathole for human waste if not using a designated toilet.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve dispersed wastewater thinly and far from sensitive areas.
• Common mistake: Dumping dishwater in a concentrated spot right next to a stream. It’s a big LNT no-no.

9. Treat potable water.

• What to do: If you collected water for drinking or cooking, treat it using a filter, chemical treatment, or by boiling.
• What “good” looks like: Your drinking water is safe and ready to consume.
• Common mistake: Skipping the treatment step because the water “looks fine.” This is how you get sick.

10. Store water securely.

• What to do: Keep water containers clean and sealed. Protect them from sun and extreme temperatures if possible.
• What “good” looks like: Your water stays clean and usable for your trip.
• Common mistake: Leaving water bottles open in camp, attracting bugs or getting dusty.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Drinking untreated nonpotable water	Severe gastrointestinal illness (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium), dehydration	Always treat water intended for drinking/cooking. Use filters, purifiers, or boil.
Using potable water for cleaning	Depletes your supply of safe drinking water faster than planned	Designate nonpotable water for washing dishes, gear, and yourself. Keep potable water strictly for ingestion.
Dumping greywater near water sources	Contaminates water for others, harms aquatic ecosystems	Scatter greywater at least 200 feet from any water source, trails, and campsites.
Collecting water from stagnant pools	Higher concentration of bacteria, parasites, and algae	Collect from clear, flowing water if possible. Avoid murky or still water bodies.
Not checking land manager rules	Fines, citations, or being asked to leave the area	Always research who manages the land and their specific regulations regarding water use.
Assuming clear water is safe to drink	Ingesting invisible pathogens leading to illness	Treat all water from natural sources, regardless of appearance, if it’s intended for drinking.
Not having a backup water plan	Stranded without water, leading to dehydration or needing to hike out early	Identify multiple water sources and carry enough water to reach the next reliable source.
Washing hands with nonpotable water before eating	Transferring pathogens to food	Always use treated or potable water for handwashing before preparing or eating food.
Not properly sealing water containers	Spills, contamination from dust/insects, or evaporation	Ensure all water containers are tightly sealed when not in use.
Using soap directly in natural water sources	Harms aquatic life, pollutes water	Use biodegradable soap sparingly, and do so at least 200 feet from water sources.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If water is clearly labeled “potable,” then you can drink it directly, because it has met safety standards.
• If water is not labeled and looks clear, then treat it before drinking, because clarity doesn’t guarantee safety.
• If you need water for washing dishes, then nonpotable water is acceptable, because it won’t be ingested.
• If you are collecting water near livestock or industrial sites, then avoid it, because it’s likely contaminated.
• If the water source is stagnant and murky, then do not use it for any purpose if avoidable, because it’s a breeding ground for pathogens.
• If you are in a desert environment, then carry significantly more water than you think you’ll need, because water sources are scarce and evaporation is high.
• If you see signs of dead animals near a water source, then find another source, because they may have died from waterborne illness.
• If you are unsure about the water source’s safety, then err on the side of caution and treat it, because a little extra effort prevents a lot of misery.
• If you are using a water filter, then backflush it regularly, because a clogged filter is an ineffective filter.
• If you are using chemical treatments, then follow the contact time precisely, because insufficient contact time means the water isn’t fully purified.
• If you are near a national park or forest, then check their specific regulations regarding water collection, because rules can vary even within agencies.
• If you are planning a trip and know water sources are limited, then research reliable sources beforehand, because winging it can be dangerous.

FAQ

What is the main difference between potable and nonpotable water?

Potable water is safe to drink and meets strict health standards. Nonpotable water is not safe for human consumption and can cause illness.

Can I wash my dishes with nonpotable water?

Yes, you can wash dishes with nonpotable water, but you must dispose of the greywater properly, at least 200 feet away from any water source.

Is it safe to bathe in nonpotable water?

Generally, yes, for a quick rinse. However, avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, and never use it to brush your teeth.

What are the risks of drinking nonpotable water?

You risk contracting serious gastrointestinal illnesses like Giardiasis or Cryptosporidiosis, which can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

How can I make nonpotable water safe to drink?

You need to treat it. Common methods include using a water filter, chemical purification tablets, or boiling the water vigorously for at least one minute.

Are there specific legal restrictions on using nonpotable water?

Yes, land managers often have rules. Always check with the relevant agency (like the USFS or BLM) about water usage in their areas.

What if I accidentally drink a little nonpotable water?

Don’t panic, but monitor yourself for symptoms of illness. If you develop severe symptoms, seek medical attention.

How should I store nonpotable water differently from drinking water?

Keep them in separate, clearly labeled containers. Never use a nonpotable water container for your drinking water.

Can nonpotable water be used for campfires?

Yes, it can be used to extinguish campfires, but it’s not ideal for starting them as it might contain minerals that affect combustion.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific water treatment device reviews.
• Detailed explanations of waterborne pathogens.
• In-depth analysis of geological water sources.
• Advanced backcountry navigation for finding remote water.
• Regulations for commercial water usage or industrial applications.