I go to SW Colorado yearly for various activities. The areas I would like to backpack there does usually have plenty of water from streams and small pools. However, every stream at some point runs through or across mine tailings. There are pools usually near mine tailings as well. Is this water usable after filter and tablets? Asking because of the metals and other possible toxins. The streams always "look" good, but the pools usually look like crap.

I need to add, these tailings are not from active mining. The tailing are usually at least 80 years old.


Edited by Tye (10/05/11 11:14 AM)