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About the project

Information collected:

  • AT mileage and coordinates of every water source where I drank

  • Took pictures and videos of (almost) every water source

  • Tested for bacteria approximately once per week using Quick Bacteria Test Strips

  • Performed water quality testing approximately 2 times per week using an eXact iDip photometer. Tests included:

    • Alkalinity

    • Calcium

    • Hardness

    • Metals

    • pH

    • Sulfate

    • Phosphate

    • Nitrate


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About me

Bill “Locks” Finney - NOBO 2019

I grew up in the notorious AT state of Pennsylvania and now reside in Evergreen, Colorado. I work in ESG and sustainability consulting, specifically focusing on decarbonization and climate strategies. I began my career as an environmental engineer designing water infrastructure.

I was curious to learn about the water I would be drinking on the AT, so I documented every water source I drank from during my 5 months on trail. People often ask, “what do you for water while backpacking?”… I built this site to answer that question.

Licenses and Education:

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) - Civil Engineering, Water Resources and Environmental

  • Master of Engineering, MIT

  • Bachelor of Science, Penn State