Emergency Drinking Water: Water Purification Techniques

Whether you are lost in the woods or surviving the aftermath of natural or civil disaster at home, knowing where to find water and how to ensure that it is safe to drink is an essential part of surviving. When you have the knowledge of how to deal with basics like emergency drinking water, you are better equipped mentally and emotionally to figure out what you need to do next. It you are unfamiliar with where to find sources of water in the wilderness or in an urban crisis, check out my articles on those subjects located here on Associated Content. This article will cover the basic water purification techniques of boiling water, chemical treatments, commercial water filters and primitive water purification techniques.

Boiling Water for Purification

The simplest water purification technique is simply getting questionable water just until it reaches the boiling point. Survivaltopics.com, a particular useful sight for tips on these matters, has a great article on the misinformation out there on how long you need to boil the water before it is safe. The article quotes a variety of solid sources that explain that water becomes pasteurized at around 160 degrees Fahrenheit and that the time that it takes for the water to reach the actual boiling point is more than enough to eliminate biological water contaminants . This is good to know if when you are staring at a pot in wilderness fire waiting for it to boil so you can use it for survival.

Chemical Purification and Commercial Products

Although boiling water is usually cited as the best water purification technique, it is time consuming and not always practical. One of the best known alternative methods of water purification is the use of iodine tablets. In recent years, breakthroughs in filter technologies and chemical purification methods have led to some incredible advances in portable water filters that are light weight and reliable.

Primitive Water Purification Techniques

Unfortunately, some people find themselves in need of emergency water water without even the most basic of water purification supplies. The important thing to do then is to remain calm and to make do with what you have. One option is to create a make shift solar still, a device that harnessing the power of the sun to distill questionable water. I have a couple of articles discussing solar stills located here on Associated Content. Another option is using sand that you run questionable water through until it is completely clear. Obviously, this is not an ideal water purification technique, but it is better than nothing.

Sources:

http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-do-you-need-to-boil-water/
Boy Scouts of America Field Book
http://www.natureskills.com/water_purification_process.html