You really need to check the source and the date of what you read on the internet. There's an horrendous amount of material out there from spurious sources or which is outdated. This is particularly true of health related material! I personally prefer to rely on the Centers for Disease Control literature on water purity issues.

Sandia, your posts might be a little more believable if you'd list some specific reputable medical sources for your information! I'm certainly not hearing what you say from the medical sources I know and trust! I haven't seen a single scientific article listed in your posts, just "medical literature says...." What specific medical literature?

My concern here is sending beginners (who have no experience in evaluating their risk) out on the trail thinking they can safely drink any water without treatment!