[at-l] what *IS* the risk of water borne pathology?

[grey.owl at comcast.net]

Aah a subject near and dear to my heart.  You drink water anywhere that is not 
treated you will load your  body up with all sorts of nasties, parasites, E  coli and all 
sorts of Virus including Hep A.  So how to purify water?  Bleach works well, one 
should be able to safely drink the water 15 minutes after treatment.  May not kill all 
of the virus.  Iodine is better, gets it all and there are a number of products on the 
market that work very well. Don't purify water if you are going to use it for cooking; 
it well be sterile if you boil it.  I would not carry a filter; too damn heavy.  Save your 
money when using one of these pens (Steri pens etc).  They don't work, beside iodine 
tablets weigh less.  My two cents worth,

Grey Owl who has contracted a number of water borne diseases while hiking.  
Fortunately not Hep A.