WHAT HAPPENS TO THE NASTIES THAT MY WATER FILTER TRAPS?

QI always use a filter to treat wild water, but where does all the stuff that’s filtered out go? Does it sit there mutating into some sort of super bacteria-virus?

Trail says Yes and no. Yes, the stuff stays in the filter. That’s how the filtration works – the minging stuff is trapped by, and in, the filter. But, no – there’s no mutating. What does happen is that the filter will gradually become bunged up. At this point, what you do depends on the filter device you have. If it’s disposable, throw it way and purchase a new one. If just the filter component needs to be replaced, then do that. Some filters are designed to be washed and reused. This requires water being forced back through the filter and these often come with a syringe and tube for this process. If you don’t clean or replace your filter, then the chances are that the worst that will happen is that it will clog up and stop working. But if you notice that the water starts to taste strange or you spot particles in the filtered water, it’s best to stop using it immediately, just to be sure.