treating water in the alpine

A recent experience slurping directly from an alpine trickle got me wondering about general practices and trends. What is your threshold for not bothering to filter/treat water in the backcountry?

I figure if the water is moving reasonably fast, and you can see the snowfield the water is coming from, and it seems like not too many humans or animals have been pooping on that snow, then go for it! In desperation, I'll drink flowing water below treeline. I pretty much always treat lake water. No intestinal distress yet!

I figure if the water is moving reasonably fast, and you can see the snowfield the water is coming from, and it seems like not too many humans or animals have been pooping on that snow, then go for it! In desperation, I'll drink flowing water below treeline. I pretty much always treat lake water.

I'm of the same mind on water sources.  Also, if its warm out, I mix/melt snow in my water bottle to save weight, as long as it's not off a busy route.  We did have a funny experience doing this once below treeline when we were making snow margaritas. We thought we were getting a lot of pine needles mixed in, but then noticed that the needles appeared to be moving.  After closer inspection, we realized we had been drinking snow-worm margaritas.  No ill effects, but my girlfriend now insists that any snowmelt she drinks is filtered first.

I am a dirtbag and will drink mostly anything. I do gravitate towards the quicker moving water though.

I am a dirtbag and will drink mostly anything. I do gravitate towards the quicker moving water though.

Did you have to pay your dues for this convenience?

Did you have to pay your dues for this convenience?

Not dearly...