Why This Skill Matters in an Emergency or Survival Situation

Access to clean water is crucial for survival. In an emergency or survival situation, water sources can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Understanding how to purify different types of water ensures you can safely drink and use water for cooking, washing, and sanitation.

What You Need

Materials and Tools

  • Water containers
  • Water filter
  • Water purification tablets or drops
  • Boiling pot
  • Heat source (camp stove, fire)
  • Iodine crystals or tincture
  • Bleach (unscented, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite)
  • Strainer or coffee filter
  • Stirring stick
  • Thermometer

Knowledge

  • Basic understanding of waterborne pathogens
  • Ability to identify safe water sources
  • Knowledge of water purification methods

Step-by-Step Instructions or Key Techniques

Filtering

  1. Collect water from a safe source.
  2. Strain the water through a coffee filter or cloth to remove large particles.
  3. Pour the water through a water filter.
  4. Store the filtered water in a clean container.

Boiling

  1. Collect water from a safe source.
  2. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (three minutes at high altitudes).
  3. Allow the water to cool before using.
  4. Store the boiled water in a clean container.

Chemical Purification

Iodine

  1. Add 5 drops of 2% tincture of iodine or 10 crystals of iodine to each liter of water.
  2. Stir well.
  3. Let the water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.
  4. If the water is cloudy, double the amount of iodine.
  5. Store the treated water in a clean container.

Bleach

  1. Add 2 drops of unscented bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) to each liter of water.
  2. Stir well.
  3. Let the water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.
  4. If the water is cloudy, double the amount of bleach.
  5. Store the treated water in a clean container.

Solar Disinfection

  1. Fill a clear plastic bottle with water.
  2. Leave the bottle in direct sunlight for at least six hours.
  3. The UV rays from the sun will kill most pathogens.
  4. Store the disinfected water in a clean container.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Not filtering before boiling: Always filter water before boiling to remove large particles that can clog your pot or filter.
  • Using too much or too little chemical: Follow the instructions on the purification tablets or drops exactly.
  • Not letting water sit long enough after chemical treatment: Ensure the water sits for the recommended time to allow the chemicals to kill pathogens.
  • Using contaminated containers: Always use clean containers for storing purified water.

Variations, Tips, or Related Techniques Worth Knowing

  • Combining methods: For extra safety, you can combine methods. For example, filter the water, then boil it.
  • Emergency water sources: In an emergency, you can use rainwater, melted snow, or dew as water sources.
  • Testing water quality: If you have access to a water testing kit, use it to check the quality of your water before and after purification.
  • Storage: Store purified water in a cool, dark place to prevent contamination and reduce evaporation.

TLDR: Understanding how to purify different types of water is essential for survival. Use filters, boiling, chemical treatments, or solar disinfection to ensure safe drinking water. Avoid common mistakes like using contaminated containers or not following instructions carefully. Combine methods for extra safety and test water quality when possible.

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