Fresh Water

[Rancocas]

On a recent canoe trip I pulled out two days short of my goal due to a lack of safe drinking water. I used a good, portable, backpacker's water filter to get my drinking and cooking water right out of the river. It works well for removing most bacteria and viruses, however it does little to remove dissolved chemical pollutants. After passing too many pipes that were spewing who-knows-what into the river I decided that I couldn't trust my fresh water supply any longer.

So, here is my question:
Does anyone have a suggestion or ideas for a portable, water distillation system? It doesn't have to be small enough for backpacking, but needs to be compact and light enough for canoe travel. It should be efficient enough to produce a gallon of fresh water within a couple of hours time. I don't think a solar still could meet that requirement. Anyway, I need something that would work regardless of the weather or time of day or night. Perhaps something that works by boiling water over a campfire.
Anyone?

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

People speak highly of the Survivor 35
http://www.ahoycaptain.com/shop/watermakers.html

Not cheap.

Usually where there are pipes, there are people and plumbing.

[The Bigfella]

On a related note - just how long is carried water safe?

I take a 5 litre insulated jug of treated tap water to the boat for drinking water. I'll normally throw what's left out after two or three days - but would like to know if its OK to go longer?

Grantala has 700 litres of tankage in twin tanks under the galley sole - but they are empty at the moment until I get the fitout a bit further along.

[Rancocas]

When I go I'm often out for a week or more. Carrying a week's water supply in a canoe would be quite a burden. However, tap water if kept covered, should certainly last at least that long. Adding a drop of bleach per gallon will keep it even longer.
My water filter is a Katadyn, but a lot less expensive than those desalination models.

I also posted this thread in the bilge. I got more responses there, so if you're interested - go there to see what has been said.

Thank you, everyone.

[The Bigfella]

OK - thanks mate

[few3]

Bleach is a good substitute for Iodine if your pregnant. Otherwise, use Iodine.