Sojourner #023: Accessing Clean Water During Mission Trips

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

Waterborne Illnesses And How To Avoid Them

In many parts of the world, water can provide a home to many different types of parasites, pollutants, viruses, and bacteria that can cause all manner of waterborne diseases. 

This is due to the fact that many of the different water sources available in-country are contaminated by chemical / agricultural waste, human waste (yes, you read that right), plastic pollution, and substandard (should they even exist) water treatment facilities. 

There are three main things to watch out for in the water: 

1. Bacteria: Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella

2. Protozoa: Cryptosporidium, Heterotrophic Giardia

3. Viruses: Norovirus, HEV, Hepatitis A

If you are anything like us, you read that and thought to yourself: what does any of that mean? If you did, you aren't alone. To put it simply, it means that drinking impure water will have a devastating impact on your health. These pathogens are invisible to the naked eye and can cause significant problems. 

As important as having clean water is, we want to cover the three easiest ways to ensure your water is clean and safe. But first, we want to really hit home on how important access to clean water is to conducting international missions. 

To do so, we reached out to Brian Nelson, the co-founder of Mayhem Mission, an international missions organization that is using CrossFit to take the Gospel to the unreached, provide clean water to those in need, end human trafficking once and for all, and support at-risk youth. 

This is what he had to say:

"Based on my experience, clean water has always been a major issue. From Africa, to the Amazon, and even in the Himalayas, access to clean water is vital. Understanding that clean water is the number one thing on the packing list is huge. You have to plan your trip around either access to or the creation of clean water. 

We are so vulnerable to impure water that it has an ability to put us down faster than anything else. The places we go, we have to understand that the people local to that area have probably been drinking the water there since birth and have built up a tolerance. While at the same time, that water is their leading cause of bacterial sickness. They don't realize that the dirty water is killing them, so they have no way to provide clean water. For these reasons, I never travel without a Sawyer Water Filter. They are $25 and fit in a pocket."

Three Ways To Make Sure Your Water Is Safe To Drink

The different bacteria, protozoa, and viruses mentioned above can cause infections and pain and in some cases, even death. As such, we must take great care when traveling to developing nations that lack the adequate infrastructure and resources to ensure widespread, sustainable access to clean water sources. 

Option 1: Bring A Portable Water Filter / Purifier

Like Brian said, the ability to filter water is a game changer. 

There is a big difference between water filtration and water purification. To put it in the simplest terms possible: if you do not want to contract any viruses from your drinking water - you need a water filter that is capable of purifying water, not just filtering it. The reason for this is that the most common waterborne viruses are too small for water filters to catch. We'll explain why.

Water filters, depending on which variation you use, contain a membrane that blocks bacteria, protozoa, dirt, and anything else that may be found in the water source - with the exception of viruses. If viruses are a concern, then you will need a water filter that is able to block viruses from passing through the system. Standard water filters, when used in conjunction with other purification techniques like chemical purification or boiling, can be effective. 

Now, however unfortunately, dedicated water purifiers can be very expensive. Though, they are certainly worth the price. The best water filters we have used are the LifeStraw Purifiers. These filters, as well as the Sawyer Water Filters, often have the ability to screw onto a traditional water bottle or hose mouth. 

There are also filter bottles available that allow you to store / use your filter inside of a traditional bottle. Both models are highly recommend for their ease of use, storage, and affordability. Most importantly, they will help you stay safe as you carry the living water of the Gospel to the nations.

Option 2: Boil Everything

That's right. Boiling water for one to three minutes (depending on your altitude) will largely eliminate the different pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc) that like to cause problems in your gut. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) actually describes boiling as the best method for eliminating disease-causing organisms. When in doubt, if you have access to a stainless steel canteen and a reliable fire source, boil your water. 

Option 3: Only Drink Factory-Bottled Water 

If you find yourself thinking that the other two options leave way too much room for user error or require too much effort - the easiest way to make sure the water you are drinking is safe is to exclusively drink water that has been bottled by a reputable manufacturer. Ensure that the seal has not been tampered with and that the bottle has not been punctured before drinking. The only "downside" to this method is that it is somewhat restrictive and logistically challenging in some cases.

In some cases, the local mission organization has established water security and can provide you with access to clean water. Should this be the case in your situation, consider traveling with a refillable Nalgene Bottle or water bladder to store water for later use. 

Two Things To Avoid In Developing Nations:

1. Tap Water / Ice

Tap water, whether that be from a faucet or kitchen sink, is an often overlooked source of contaminated water. Though, the most forgotten source of contaminated water is tap water that has been frozen to make ice cubes and placed into your glass. If you want to play it safe, forego the ice and drink your beverage room temperature. 

Bonus: Do NOT brush your teeth with tap water (You know who you are). The water that comes out of the sink is often not safe to drink. Should you wish to wet your toothbrush / toothpaste, please use bottled water or water that you know is purified.

2. Fountain Drinks / Mixed Drinks

We know the thought of going without Dr. Pepper is torturous, but the drink machines that produce fountain drinks use tap water that may not always be purified. However, canned and bottled drinks are safe.

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Regardless of the water filtration / purification system you use, our earnest desire is that you stay healthy and safe as you carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Traveling internationally can be daunting, especially when you are traveling to a developing nation that forces you to consider things like water security and sustainability. 

However, we know the God in whom we trust, and we know that He is able to keep you safe within His arms. Diligently plan for success and trust that no matter what happens, the Lord is working for His glory and for the good of His people, no matter what.

Please, join us in praying for mission organizations like Mayhem Mission as they seek to follow the Lord wherever He leads. If you would like more information about their mission, you can read more at the bottom of this article and click the link to visit their website.

Brian Nelson (Center, Left) on a recent trip to Peru with Luke Parker (Center, Right)

About Mayhem Mission: Mayhem Mission began in 2020 when Rich Froning and Brian Nelson decided to join forces to use CrossFit Mayhem's platform as a vehicle to serve others. Both Rich and Brian, as well as Mayhem, had already been participating in overseas missions as well as local fundraisers and service projects. In their establishment of Mayhem Mission, they solidified and organized their efforts around four pillars: Human Trafficking, Clean Water, Unreached People Groups, and At-Risk Youth. (Learn more here)

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Disclaimer: We are not the ultimate source of information on this topic. There are medical institutions that specialize in waterborne illness and how to maintain water security that you should consult for more information. One of the best resources on the internet is the Center for Disease Control (CDC). They have an abundance of articles on this topic that we highly recommend you consult before your next international trip.

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