To start, I must say that I have already printed out and read the LNT guidelines. That's said, I am bit confused about the LNT about bathing, drinking, dirty water, etc. near water sources. Many threads have advised to soak a sweaty shirt in a creek or river to rinse out (no soap) or a hat to cool off, but then in the same sentence will say not to do it near a water source. I'm confused.
Is it bad to use a creek for swimming in? I have heard many people say swimming is ok. If so, then why is rinsing out a sweaty shirt or hat in the same "water source" bad? What's the difference? I do understand not bathing in a creek due to the soap contamination.
Also, after dinner is eaten (plates are eaten clean) we use a bucket or bowl of water to wash and rinse the plate off, do you save the rinse water in a separate bowl and if so, where do you pour it out? I am confused about what "dirty water" is and what to do with it.