Quick Answer
Dispose of human waste at least 200 feet away from water sources, and in a shallow, cathole 6-8 inches deep, covered with soil to prevent bacterial and parasite contamination. Use toilet paper or a hand sanitizer when no water is available.
Digging a Cathole
Properly disposing of human waste is crucial to prevent diarrhea outbreaks in backcountry settings. Dig a cathole that is at least 6-8 inches deep and 2-3 inches wider than the toilet paper. The location should be at least 200 feet away from water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. Use a trowel or a shovel to dig the cathole, and avoid digging on or near rocks, as this can contaminate the water supply.
Disinfecting and Covering the Cathole
After using the cathole, disinfect the area with hand sanitizer or a small amount of water. Then, cover the cathole with at least 6 inches of soil to prevent bacterial and parasite contamination. This will help to prevent the spread of diarrhea-causing pathogens, such as Giardia and E. coli. If no water is available, use toilet paper and dispose of it in the cathole.
Personal Hygiene and Prevention
In addition to proper waste disposal, it’s essential to practice good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of diarrhea. Wash hands with soap and water after using the cathole, and before handling food. If no water is available, use hand sanitizer. It’s also crucial to avoid cross-contaminating food and water with fecal matter. Use a small stick or a trowel to scoop out fecal matter, and avoid touching food or water with contaminated hands.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.