Wa t e r a n d S a n i t a ti o n

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Wa t e r

•Co

ld W

eath

er L

eade

r Tr

aini

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• Having plenty of water will prevent

dehydration.

• Winter environment can be similar to a

desert. Water not in usable form.

• Each camper needs to drink 2 – 3 quarts

of water per day to prevent dehydration.

S a f e D r i n k i n g Wa t e r

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• 1 pint water bottle w/ pouch

• Silo water bottles

• Kettle

• Water buckets

• Thermos

Wa t e r C o n t a i n e r s

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• Snow – time consuming

• Ratio of air to water in snow can be as high as 16

parts air to 1 part water.

• Ice – more efficient than snow

• Liquid Water from lakes/streams – most

efficient

All water must come from a safe source or be treated if uncertain.

Wa t e r S o u r c e s

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• Preferred method: Boiling

• Chemical treatments not recommended due

to slow reaction times

• It’s too cold!

• To be considered safe, it needs to be at a

rolling boil for a minimum of 1 minute.

• Cool before using.

Wa t e r Tr e a t m e n t

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• Alcohol is not permitted at Scouting events.

• Alcohol – doesn’t freeze at 32 degrees

• Alcohol causes frostbite to throat if super

cold

• Alcohol is a vasodilator – can give you a

false sense of warmth

• Nicotine – Is a vasoconstrictor.

A l c o h o l a n d N i c o ti n e

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• Caffeine – Is a diuretic.

• Can contribute to dehydration

• Use decaffeinated coffee or limit the

amount of coffee consumed.

C a ff e i n e

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S a n i t a ti o n

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• Hand sanitation is important even in the

winter.

• Particularly after dealing with waste.

• Hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes can be used

if kept warm.

• Minimize hand exposure, particularly during

cold, windy days.

• Prevent chapping/frost bite.

H a n d Wa s h i n g

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F o o d H a n d l i n g

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ing• Cooks wash hands

• Prevent food contamination with dirt, water, strong

odors, people’s dirty hands.

• Use perishable foods very quickly.

• Don’t save leftovers – eat it or pack it out

• Be cautious of animals – raccoons, gray jays, etc.

• OKPIK – Each individual cleans their personal bowls, cups, spoons (sumping).

• Due to below freezing temperatures minimal worries about personal dishes being a source of contamination.

• Oven bags used in pot to prevent pot from getting dirty.

• If concerned, use boiling water as a disinfectant.

D i s h w a s h i n g

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• Extra fruit drink, cocoa, coffee or any

colored liquid should be drunk.

• If poured on snow it will leave a stain.

• Pour it down a dead tree trunk or large

boulder if it must be disposed.

D i s p o s i n g Wa s t e Wa t e r

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• Urine – Urinate away from trails, camp, and

water sources.

• No snow cover – find a rock or bare ground

to urinate on.

• In a snow environment – find a pee tree for

all to use.

D i s p o s i n g H u m a n Wa s t e

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• Use a Cathole

o 200 feet away from trails, camp, and water sources.

o No snow cover – standard cat hole.

o In a snow environment – dig down though the snow to the ground, do your business, and cover with snow.

o Pack out your toilet paper in your garbage bag

D i s p o s i n g H u m a n Wa s t e

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• Packing it out

• Required in some pristine environments such as

deserts, canyons, caves, alpine tundra, and

glaciers.

• These are places waste might not decompose

readily.

• Check with land managers as to how to deal with

packed out human waste.

D i s p o s i n g H u m a n Wa s t e

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