Do Waterfalls Purify Water?

Waterfall water is not safe to drink because it is often contaminated with pollutants including harmful parasites or bacteria that enter the water from upstream. Unless you are positive the waterfall is spring-fed, it's best to err on the side of caution and purify the water by boiling or some other means.

Do waterfalls filter water?

Unfortunately, there is no mechanical or chemical process at play that purifies the water moving through rapids or down a babbling brook, or over the long drop of a waterfall. Whatever contaminants are in the water remain even as it sloshes and froths.

Is waterfall water OK to drink?

If there had been a problem, you'd have spent a day and a half with severe stomach issues. I wouldn't recommend trying to drink the water from any of the backcountry locations, just too much chance of illness that would ruin a vacation. NO! Filter, fill bottles with the park's treated water or use purification tablets.