Canadians doing some camping this summer are being reminded that the soaps they bathe and clean with can leave an impact on the nature around them.

Scouts Canada volunteer Graham Rice says using biodegradable soap to wash with is beneficial to the environment. The typical soaps we us are harmful, and soapy water should not have any opportunity to seep into the ground and mix with clean water sources. On the topic of water, Rice says campers should not consume just any naturally occurring water they find without treating it properly. He says bacteria can be filtered out with a purifier, chemical tablets, and if all else fails, boiling the water for a few minutes will ensure it is safe to drink. Scouts Canada has launched a campers help line to assist people caught in a pinch without any helpful resources. Prerecorded messages will be available 24/7 on topics such as animals, water safety and first aid. The number is 1-844-SCOUT-101.