I just came across this article, suggesting that water filtration in the backcountry isn't as necessary as everyone thinks.

https://slate.com/technology/2018/02/fil...nnecessary.html

I recall there was a much more in-depth article quite a few years back suggesting the same thing (can't find a link). I suspect he's right, although the need would differ from location to location.
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Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else. -Margaret Mead