International traveler and content creator Liam Porter is drinking pond water every day until he pukes.
TikToker Porter (@liamporter65), who currently seems to be somewhere in Yosemite National Park, is on a mission—one with potentially deleterious side effects.
Project Pond Water
In a recent series of TikTok videos, the adventurer is documenting his pond water consumption. Filming like a budget Bear Grylls, Porter barks into the camera, “Day one, drinking pond water until I get giardia,” he says. Next, he bends down and scoops up a big blue cup full of water. Then he proceeds to guzzle it down, all while keeping one wild eye on his camera.
There’s no reason given in this video or any of the five subsequent posts he’s made. But considering his first video racked up 1.6 million views, that might be reason enough.
Biology & Parasites
But according to one user (posting on the day three video), a self-identified health professional admits, “as a healthcare worker, I’m urged to beg you to stop. However, as a microbiologist I’m fascinated.”
Consuming untreated water can expose you to things like cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio. These are diseases that have wiped out entire populations. Or, you could simply end up with diarrhea.
The unverified account of Massachusetts General Hospital also checked in, saying, “hey buddy.”
But perhaps the best comments goes to the verified Dudewipes account. “Dude, you’re gonna need us,” the account quipped.
What has followers of Porter’s antics concerned is that his final post was nearly a week ago. It was his “day six” video.
“Day 7 No Post Yet…” one ominously pointed out.
“Day 9 and still nothing. I hope he is ok,” another said.
“It appears the pond got bro,” a third quipped.
What’s Really Happening Here?
If Porter really is in Yosemite, then he’s not taking the huge risk that’s got dozens of users worried. Because much of the water there is managed and treated for potability. Nevertheless, according to Yosemite’s own information, he’s still playing with liquid fire.
That’s because that site notes that when collecting water from wild sites in the park, hikers should use some sort of filtration or chemical purification. Even so, source water from flowing water when possible. Don’t collect water downstream of human activity, campsites, or animal grazing areas. Plan to carry one liter of water per hour of hiking in warm weather, and plot out where reliable water sources are.
And, if for some reason you don’t have a portable water filter (like a survival straw) or purification tablets, boiling water is a good way to kill nasty things.
More Tips For Hiking The Backcounty
One thing to consider is camping a minimum of 100 feet from lakes and streams. Additionally, plan to dispose of any wastewater or human waste at least 100 feet from water (and away from camp).
Finally, always make sure you’re properly permitted and that you file your planned route with the rangers as well as someone back home.
BroBible reached out to Porter via TikTok direct message and with a comment on his post. We will update this if he responds.
@liamporter65 Day one of drinking pond water till I get Giardia