A camper obtained a sample of water from a mountain stream for cooking, but the water appeared to be cloudy with silt. What would be the best method of separating the silt from the water?

I would filter it with a coffee filter. I might try setting the sample aside and see if the silt would settle to the bottom, then decant it.

To separate the silt from the water, you can use the process of sedimentation followed by decantation. Here's how you can do it:

1. Allow the water to sit undisturbed in a container for some time. The sedimentation process takes place as the heavier silt particles settle down to the bottom of the container due to gravity. The time required for sedimentation varies based on the amount of silt and the size of the particles. It is ideal to wait for at least a few hours or overnight for effective separation.

2. Once the sedimentation is complete, you will notice a clear separation between the water and the settled silt at the bottom of the container. Gently pour the clear water into another container, ensuring that you don't disturb the settled silt.

3. The silt that remains in the original container can be discarded, as it is separate from the water and no longer needed.

It's important to note that this method may not be completely effective in removing all silt particles from the water, especially if they are very fine. If the water is still not clear after sedimentation and decantation, you can consider using additional purification methods such as filtration or using a water treatment system if available.