CDC

This Giardia parasite might live in the gut of anyone who drinks untreated water. Photo courtesy of Center for Disease Control

This Giardia parasite might live in the gut of anyone who drinks untreated water. Photo courtesy of Center for Disease Control

Think before you drink creek water

“The best water in the world rolls off lizard backs.” This is a common refrain in areas where the water runs clear and seemingly pure, but folk wisdom fails to account for the variety of RWIs (recreational water illnesses), that humans can catch from drinking untreated water.