Survival Water Purification
In a survival situation, access to clean drinking water is essential for your survival. Without it, your body can quickly become dehydrated, leading to fatigue, confusion, and even death. While it’s important to have a supply of clean drinking water stored away for emergencies, it’s also crucial to know how to purify water from natural sources when necessary. In this article, we will explore different methods of survival water purification that you should be familiar with.
Boiling Water
One of the simplest and most effective methods of purifying water is by boiling it. Boiling water kills most types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you sick. To properly purify water through boiling, follow these steps:
- Fill a pot or container with water from a natural source.
- Place the pot on a heat source, such as a campfire or stove.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
- Allow the water to cool before drinking.
It’s important to note that boiling water will not remove any chemical contaminants. However, in a survival situation, when your priority is hydration and preventing waterborne illnesses, boiling is a highly effective method.
Water Filtration
Another effective way to purify water is by using a water filtration system. These systems work by removing bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants from the water, making it safe to drink. There are different types of water filtration systems available, including:
- Portable water filters: These compact filters are lightweight and easy to carry. They typically use a combination of activated carbon and a ceramic or fiberglass filter to remove contaminants.
- Gravity filters: As the name suggests, gravity filters rely on the force of gravity to move water through the filtration process. They are ideal for filtering larger quantities of water.
- Pump filters: These filters use a hand pump to force water through the filtration system. They are effective at removing contaminants and are suitable for individual use or small groups.
When choosing a water filtration system for survival use, look for one that meets industry standards for water purification, such as the ones certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Chemical Water Treatment
If you don’t have access to a heat source for boiling or a water filtration system, chemical water treatment can be a good alternative. There are several chemical treatments available that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites in water, including:
- Chlorine tablets: These tablets can be easily carried and are a popular choice for emergency water purification. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct dosage.
- Iodine tablets: Similar to chlorine tablets, iodine tablets are used to disinfect water. However, they should not be used by people with allergies to iodine or pregnant women.
- Water disinfectant drops: These drops contain a chemical solution that can kill harmful organisms in water. Follow the instructions on the packaging for proper usage.
Chemical water treatment methods can be useful when you need to purify water on the go or in situations where boiling is not possible.
Solar Water Disinfection
When sunlight is available, solar water disinfection can be a viable method of purifying water. This low-cost method uses the sun’s UV rays and heat to kill pathogens in the water. To use the solar water disinfection method, follow these steps:
- Fill a clear plastic or glass container with water from a natural source.
- Place the container in direct sunlight for at least six hours.
- Make sure the container is not shaded during the disinfection process.
- After six hours, the water should be safe to drink.
It’s important to note that this method is not effective in removing chemical contaminants from the water. It is best used as a secondary method of water purification when chemical or filtration methods are not available.
My 2 Cents
Having the knowledge and skills to purify water in a survival situation is essential for your well-being. While having a supply of clean drinking water stored away is important, it may not be enough to sustain you for an extended period. Familiarize yourself with the different methods of water purification, such as boiling, filtration, chemical treatment, and solar disinfection, as they can help you obtain safe drinking water from natural sources.
I highly recommend having multiple water purification methods in your survival kit to ensure you have options, as some methods may not be suitable or available in certain situations. Additionally, remember to always purify any water from natural sources before drinking it, even if it appears clean.
Water is one of the most vital resources for survival, so take the time to learn about different water purification techniques and practice them whenever possible. Your future self may thank you one day.
