Water Jugs?

_tears_ · Post by **_tears_** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 1:42 am

I have met some new burners who have never been and they are brining X number of 5 gallon water jubs......

Water jugs? For there drinking what? Is this a good idea?

It doesnt seem like one to me, but i would be wrong.

I would just like some advice to pass onto them

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 5:19 am

_tears_ wrote:Water jugs? For there drinking what? Is this a good idea?

It doesnt seem like one to me, but i would be wrong.

Yes, it's a great idea to bring jugs of water. Last year I could only find ONE drinking fountain, and it was way out on the open Playa.

dragonfly Jafe · Post by **dragonfly Jafe** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 5:24 am

robotland wrote:
_tears_ wrote:Water jugs? For there drinking what? Is this a good idea?

It doesnt seem like one to me, but i would be wrong.

Yes, it's a great idea to bring jugs of water. Last year I could only find ONE drinking fountain, and it was way out on the open Playa.

I'll bet it was chlorinated too! I hate city water. that's why I bring my own.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 7:42 am

_tears_, are you talking about extra EMPTY water jugs?

Full ones, well of course you must bring water, it is a desert...

dragonfly Jafe · Post by **dragonfly Jafe** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:01 am

Seriously, 1-1/2 to 2 gallons is a good amount to bring per person per day. You will not drink all of that, some will be for washing (self and dishes), some will be for cooking, some will be to donate to that really cool mister system your neighbor has in their shade structure (or shower). Whatever is left plan on donating to the clean-up crew (assuming you can spare the container). I usually bring around 30 gallons (in 6 gallon jugs) just for myself, but then I am there around 10 days.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:17 am

It was Year One for me last year, but Knowledgeable Sources have indicated that it was a REMARKABLY temperate year in the scheme of things....We drank water regularly, about a gallon and change a day, and had no problems and even less hangover grief than consumption of a similar amount of booze back home, thanks to good hydration...(sounds like the Beach Boys!)
I love a warm, dry climate in contrast to my Michigan home, and it can be hotter'n hell on the Playa without seeming like it while moisture is leaving your body like a house on fire....Better too much agua than too little! It's never THAT long of a walk to the JOTS (Jonny On The Spot, or PortaPotties) afterward.....

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:28 am

Yes, bring water in large containers, but also bring easy to carry water jugs as well. I bring juice containers, and Crystal Springs has a great gallon jug that has a large opening and a built in handle. These I buy in bulk, and refill them. Generally, when I'm out on Poop Patrol, I keep a couple in with me, so to hydrate my volunteers. I also keep a few small Gaterade bottles that fit nicely in the back of my bike-baskets. The 2.5 gallon water "suitcases" are very nice to have at camp, to fill personal mugs. Another way to do this is to bring a Coleman cooler jug w/ a spiggot. Then you can make mixed drinks should you choose. I like to put a couple scoops of Gaterade in the water to make it more palatable and more hydrating.

Think about how you'd want to use your water, and bring appropriate gear.

Refrain from dropping off water when you're leaving the Event, as the DPW generally has WAY too much donated water, and can turn you away. Bathe in your leftover water instead.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:46 am

On the wish wall of the sports store, You can find 2 1/2 gall. folding water jugs. That way you don't end up with plastic moop. They have two handles for easy lifting. You may have to file the little ridge on the bottom of the handles. This just part of the mold release.

Desi Arnaz · Post by **Desi Arnaz** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 9:21 am

I've been bringing those Reliance brand 5 gallon plastic collapsible carriers to bman for years. They work well plus they take up a whole lot less space on the drive home. We bring a generous 5 gals per person per day. We really love our showers out there.

http://www.campmor.com/images/acc/80820.jpg

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:22 am

Desi Arnaz wrote:I've been bringing those Reliance brand 5 gallon plastic collapsible carriers to bman for years. They work well plus they take up a whole lot less space on the drive home. We bring a generous 5 gals per person per day. We really love our showers out there.

http://www.campmor.com/images/acc/80820.jpg

/\ Was thinking two1/2 gal. for a couple reasons. My hands don't work so great ay more. It's painful to load then to much. Next I can stash then "around"in the van. A good space filler. Also the ladys could handle then easier.

Icepack · Post by **Icepack** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:47 am

robotland wrote:It was Year One for me last year, but Knowledgeable Sources have indicated that it was a REMARKABLY temperate year in the scheme of things....We drank water regularly, about a gallon and change a day, and had no problems and even less hangover grief than consumption of a similar amount of booze back home, thanks to good hydration...(sounds like the Beach Boys!)
I love a warm, dry climate in contrast to my Michigan home, and it can be hotter'n hell on the Playa without seeming like it while moisture is leaving your body like a house on fire....Better too much agua than too little! It's never THAT long of a walk to the JOTS (Jonny On The Spot, or PortaPotties) afterward.....

I actually read an article after returning from Burning Man last year that talked about the dangers of over-hydration. You can get really sick if you drink TOO MUCH water.

Icepack · Post by **Icepack** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:52 am

One word of advice- test out your water containers ahead of time for taste. Some people do not like the taste of the water from various containers.

I do agree that a variety of sizes of containers are a good idea. Last year we had several of the big blue (5-7 gal) containers that we used to fill a smaller refillable 2 1/2 gallon container. It was much easier for me to maneuver the smaller containers for filling up my water bottle than to struggle with the bigger blue ones.

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 11:35 am

Icepack wrote:I actually read an article after returning from Burning Man last year that talked about the dangers of over-hydration. You can get really sick if you drink TOO MUCH water.

My answer is no. You're going to be pissing a lot for several days, until your body catches up. But this is a good thing. Unless you already live out there, you need to take extra precautions to over-hydrate prior to the event anyway.

I know of only one guy who doesn't live out in a desert, and doesn't have a problem w/ dehydration. He's a scuba instructor.

Icepack · Post by **Icepack** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 12:12 pm

robbidobbs wrote:
Icepack wrote:I actually read an article after returning from Burning Man last year that talked about the dangers of over-hydration. You can get really sick if you drink TOO MUCH water.
My answer is no. You're going to be pissing a lot for several days, until your body catches up. But this is a good thing. Unless you already live out there, you need to take extra precautions to over-hydrate prior to the event anyway.

I know of only one guy who doesn't live out in a desert, and doesn't have a problem w/ dehydration. He's a scuba instructor.

Um.... your answer is No? I'm sorry Robbi. I respect you a lot, but my answer is YES I DID read an article that warned about over-hydration. It was in National Geographic Explorer or something like that. You can get sick from over-hydration. This is not something I am making up.

Angel Ben · Post by **Angel Ben** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 1:00 pm

I believe what's commonly referred to as overhydration is actually sodium depletion due to increased sweating and urination. I doubt this is much of a problem on the playa, because so many people eat preserved foods (loaded with sodium) and drink sports beverages or even margaritas.

To be really safe, get some powdered sports beverage mix, and add a dash to your canteen/camelback whenever you fill up.

Angel Ben · Post by **Angel Ben** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 1:06 pm

Here's some more info I found with a quick google:
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/At ... ation.html
http://www.cptips.com/water.htm

Everything seems to agree that the problem is not too much water, but too little sodium, often caused by water consumption without sodium consumption to match. So you cannot drink too much water, just make sure you're getting some sodium along with it.

VerbenaMaya · Post by **VerbenaMaya** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 1:11 pm

What I believe Icepack is referring to is Hyponatremia, (google it if you want to know more), which occurs when there is excessive water intake and very low sodium and potassium levels to balance water distribution in the body. It is usually associated with endurance runners/ironman athletes, although I believe I have seen a link to MDMA use. The likely-hood of this occuring is probably low, and I would worry more about de-hydration, but it may just be a good idea to continue to encourage folks to add a little gatorade, pedialyte, emergen-c or similar in addition to their daily water intake. Replenishing ones electrolytes will prevent any risk associated with over-hydration.

VerbenaMaya · Post by **VerbenaMaya** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 1:13 pm

hehe, guess i was typing a bit slow ... sorry to be basically repeating what angel ben said

DangerMouse · Post by **DangerMouse** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 1:17 pm

Then there's that whole issue of drinking lots of water without replacing lost electrolytes...

_tears_ · Post by **_tears_** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 3:25 pm

They are those large plastic ones I believe.

I buy those disposible smaller ones with the litle spickets. and just crush them down after use so i can take them home. And I cut a few open to make mini sinks which i used to wash my hair and brush my teeth.

Thank you for the info everyone

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 4:21 pm

Here's the quick-n-dirty on "overhydration".
http://blueprint.bluecrossmn.com/topic/topic100587242

This phenomenon is not a problem for Black Rock City, but not consuming enough electrolytes is. In '99 I went down for dehydratration, although I was drinking plenty of water, I was excreting too much electrolytes. That's when I got geeky about proper hydration for the desert.

I was not saying "No, you had not read an article on overhydration." But rather I was responding to the embedded question, "Is this an issue during Burningman?" Drinking "too much" water isnt a problem out there, not drinking enough electrolytes IS. Both salt and potassium are essential, so just having a margarita won't cover it. Taking a bottle of potassium is a good idea.

Also, Gatorade should be cut 1/2 and 1/2 with water, or you're consuming way too much sugar, and further depleting your body of water. Electrolyte replacement beverages like Emergen-C should be used sparingly, and not as a replacement for drinking enough water. There are many articles about this issue, and the Survival Guide covers it.

Icepack · Post by **Icepack** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 4:41 pm

VerbenaMaya wrote:What I believe Icepack is referring to is Hyponatremia, (google it if you want to know more), which occurs when there is excessive water intake and very low sodium and potassium levels to balance water distribution in the body. It is usually associated with endurance runners/ironman athletes, although I believe I have seen a link to MDMA use. The likely-hood of this occuring is probably low, and I would worry more about de-hydration, but it may just be a good idea to continue to encourage folks to add a little gatorade, pedialyte, emergen-c or similar in addition to their daily water intake. Replenishing ones electrolytes will prevent any risk associated with over-hydration.

THANK YOU! Yes, Hyponatremia is what I read about. I couldn't remember the word, but that is it. I personally can't stand Gatorade. I like clean, pure water with no additives. If I'm going add stuff to the water, I may as well drink something with caffine in it like a Diet Coke, which as we all know dehydrates you because of the caffine. Although this overhydration thing may SEEM unlikely, I think it may be underreported since most people aren't aware of it's existance. I had never heard of it myself until I read the article. If you are working for DPW, the Rangers, or a theme camp, or doing other construction work and you are out in the sun for several hours doing hard work building structures before the event starts or early in the week, I think this over-hydration thing is quite possible. Everyone is so worried about not hydrating enough I think it could be easy to fill up the Camelback a few times because you are hot and not add the emergen-c or whatever to it and get over-hydrated.

_tears_ · Post by **_tears_** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 5:34 pm

Wow this conversation sure took a turn lol

I just love how conversations change.. and with such grace!

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 6:36 pm

Icepack wrote: If you are working for DPW, the Rangers....

Having worked for the Man for 5 yrs running, I know that there are a lot of eyes watching you. A good manager will notice if a volunteer is about to go down. Behavior will change dramatically: anxiety is a biggie. Some get mean, some get weepy. A volunteer going down from dehydration (or not enough electrolytes), is all too common, and they are taken off-line to get hydration back. Either that, or they get hooked up to an IV at Medical. Not fun.

Volunteers get both electrolyte drink and water available to them via the Commissary, and it's your own dumb fault if you don't drink the stuff.

"Overhydration" is misleading IMO, what happens is still de-hydration. You may be drinking a lot of water, but it's not actually being absorbed.

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 7:15 pm

This phenomenon is not a problem for Black Rock City, but not consuming enough electrolytes is.

Actually, it has been a problem before - although the number of incidents can probably be counted on one hand.

The thing I look for with dehydration is very radical mood swings. No particular mood to watch out for but sometimes annoyance at minor things, yelling over spilt milk, crying for (often) no reason, etc.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 11:14 pm

robbidobbs wrote: Both salt and potassium are essential, so just having a margarita won't cover it. Taking a bottle of potassium is a good idea.

Have taken note; will be salting rims of margarita cups this year!

Angel Ben · Post by **Angel Ben** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 7:22 am

Badger wrote:The thing I look for with dehydration is very radical mood swings. No particular mood to watch out for but sometimes annoyance at minor things, yelling over spilt milk, crying for (often) no reason, etc.

Holy crap! Half the burners I know live in a constant state of dehydration! I'm going to start bringing an IV setup with me whenever we hang out, so I can jab people with it whenever they get all pissed off or emotional.

diane o'thirst · Post by **diane o'thirst** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 1:57 am

If you're bringing carboys (5-gallon bottles), the bottle-top pump that various grocery stores, bottled water vendors and camping outlets sell is kinda pricey ($30) but apparently worth it. I've seen it in many camps I've visited. Less waste from spillage, works well, sturdily-made.

Been wanting one for the past couple years, finally getting one this year.

jbelson · Post by **jbelson** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:16 am

my choice this year are the collapsable 5 gallon plastic jugs. I have the hard sided ones too, but when they're empty, the still take up space and are harder to manage on the way home. last year I had only one soft sided one. I was able to fill it up in reno easilly, and due to the soft sides it was easier to pack because it was a softer shape and could bend around things. But also beware that it's not on anything that could puncture it, that would suck in your car.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 2:53 pm

Water Jugs?

Water Jugs?

Re: Water Jugs?

Re: Water Jugs?

Water jugs

over-hydration

collapsable containers

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Re: over-hydration