a hiker asked in another forum:
…white spots are starting to appear on the inside of the drinking hose,
turning to a solid film after a while [it scrapes off]. Whats the best
way to keep a drinking hose clean and free of contamination?<
The following reply might be interesting for some:
To say it short:
We: white, gray, bright green or yellow spots tending to confluent are bacterial contamination.
Our brothers and sisters: dark spots or other shapes (in wet environment): fungus, can have countless intriguing shapes and colours in other places.
Drinking hoses are really great gadgets but keeping the drinking hose and the nipple (?) for the mouth clean is a bit of a challenge. Actually it is not possible. If the water bladder is filled up with already treated water from a faucet the use of a drinking hose while running or for a short walkout - o.k. From a hygienic point of view the hose, water blader, water bottles, etc. are contaminated very quick under conditions prevailing on long distance hikes.
BTW, a water filter device as well. It is difficult to use a water filter hygienically correct. For instance: in case you wind the filter hose you have put into the water source around the filtercase the filter will get contaminated.
In the alpes I’ ve been told from a Mtn guide it is possible to clean your thermos flask with baking powder. It works great. Put the powder and water inside and let it there over night. It is said one can also use corega tabs the same way. So, perhaps it is possible to clean a water hose and the bladder filling them up with a solution made from one of these chemicals. The outside of the devices has to be treated as well. Put the whole thing a few hours into a solution. I have no experience whether the material of the hose/containers might get destroyed by such a treatment or for humans toxic substance might get released. (Other chemicals like bleach and similar ones can maybe prevent a contamination but NOT clean the container.) For further advice I recommend asking a chemist.
Keeping water container clean on a long distance hike where you have to fill them up with water from “wild” sources is nearly impossible. Using chemicals like bleach or similar ones (Aqua mira, Kleanwater, Iodine, etc.) should be the best prevention. But certainly not 100 per cent sure. The effect of these substances is limited when they are used in muddy/silky water. I know many people reject the use of chemicals. I can understand that. And it is well known that some people don’ t treat their water at all and never suffer and infection. That some get an infection some not can have multiple reasons. To much to explain that in this already too long contribution. Anyway, the drinking water you use at your home is treated with chemical substances.
My way: trying to keep the biggest particles of mudd, leaves, etc. away I put a part of nylon tights over the bottle (or whatever) when I fill up on a water source.
I treat the water in the bottles and the water bladder after they are filled with chemicals.
I try to exchange the water bottles I directly drink from as often as possible with new ones.
Never drink directly from the water bladder.
The described method has worked fine for me - so far. It is certainly not 100 % sure.
Pssst, they are everywhere. Everywhere !
Hope that helps
rita
Frankfurt, Germany
P.s.: Please, everybody be careful not to pollute the water sources. Near the water:
Don’ t use soap or another detergent, even not a socalled “biological” one
Don’ t wash your pots, cloths or what else near the the water source, avoid to clean them with soap
Take water in a container away from the water source and do your cleaning chores there
Dont’ t pee or poo near the water source.
I know I sound meddlesome and all these matters have been already well discussed. But one can see again and again hikers and the remnants of hikers who have behave like mentioned above.
hiker asked in another forum:
rita