Water on Cape Town hikes

How much to carry

Silvermine and some Constantiaberg trails have refill points. Table Mountain and Lion's Head do not — carry all your water from the trailhead.

Stream safety

Mountain streams on Table Mountain look clean but can carry bacteria and parasites from animals upstream. Do not drink untreated stream water.

Water treatment

• Boil for at least one minute to kill disease-causing germs; boiling does not remove chemicals or toxins
• Use a purifier, or a filter specifically rated for the organisms you need to remove — most portable filters do not reliably remove viruses
• For the broadest protection, filter first and then disinfect exactly as the product label directs; chlorine and iodine are less effective against some parasites

Signs of dehydration

• Thirst — you are already mildly dehydrated by the time you feel it
• Dark yellow urine
• Headache or dizziness
• Reduced coordination or poor decision-making
• Cramps in the legs or stomach