Swizzle, I've drank the water out of dozens and dozens of Adirondack water sources with no problems. When I first started backpacking there in high school in the 70's I didn't use any type of water purification. I didn't start using a Katadyn until '90, but I had started to boil water if I thought it suspect. If you research some ADK specific sites, you'll find that there is little to fear. I still drink out of small brooks and springs high up with no filtering, as do many veteran ADK hikers. I'd never wish anyone to get sick and don't advocate not filtering or boiling your water, but some more research should allay your fears. I have filtered water out of lots of lakes like George, Indian, Thirteenth, and a host of others canoe camping, too. I know I mentioned the Sawyer in another thread, I wouldn't have if I hadn't used it in the same areas you'll be hiking in, or at least very similar .