Field Notes Care and Cleaning of Hydration Systems
A recent field study of firefighter hydration systems found that water bottles and hydration reservoirs with their associated tubing need regular care and cleaning. Water bottles are easier to clean than hydration reservoirs. Reservoirs are easier to clean at home than in fire camp. A system used for nothing but water is easier to clean than one that sometimes carries sport drinks. This section suggests several ways to clean water bottles and hydration reservoirs.
An insulated hydration reservoir.
Cleaning
Water bottles and hydration reservoirs should be rinsed with warm water after each use. Regular use of a biodegradable dishwashing detergent deters microbial growth. Wash and rinse thoroughly with warm water, then allow the system to dry. Cleaning tablets that generate chlorine dioxide are designed for hydration systems. They clean the system without leaving an unpleasant taste. Allow the chlorine dioxide tablet to soak in the system for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry. A mild bleach solution is cheaper than tablets, but it can leave a taste and it could shorten the life of the system.
Cleaning Kit
Kits are available for cleaning the hydration reservoir and its associated tubing. The kits include brushes for the reservoir and tubing and a frame to hold the reservoir open so it can dry. Some kits include cleaning tablets. The brushes are used to clean hard-to-reach areas of the reservoir and tubing. Some reservoirs can be turned inside out to dry. Complete drying is the only way to avoid microbial growth.
Water bottle or sipping hydration systems should be cleaned regularly. Those used to carry carbohydrate sport drinks will require more care to avoid microbial growth. Use detergent or cleaning tablets on a regular schedule or whenever the water bottle, reservoir, or tubing is dirty or shows signs of microbial growth.
Cleaning kit for a sipping
hydration system.
Water bottles are easier to clean than a hydration reservoir and its tubing. We recommend that firefighters use a water bottle to mix and carry sport drinks, carrying additional water in a water bottle or hydration reservoir. We discourage the use of hydration reservoirs for anything other than water. Putting carbohydrate sport drinks or other fluids with sugar into the hydration reservoirs greatly increases the potential for microbial growth and cleaning problems. Crews that use hydration reservoirs should order and use cleaning kits and cleaning tablets.
