CONTAMINATION: Remember during a disaster, public water supplies or any other free water sources are subject to contamination. Don’t assume otherwise. It could cost you dearly. Obtain a quality purification system as soon as possible. Remember: After an emergency, it’s a little too late.
The order illustrated below moves from the simple to the higher quality water purification options. Our free eBook has helpful information about various water purification systems.
Purification Tablets
You can purchase inexpensive chlorine dioxide tablets and water treatment drops that effectively remove the worst viruses and bacteria. They have a shelf life of approximately four years. The tablets are good for both preserving and purifying water.
Drinking Straws
Drinking straws are compact, and an inexpensive place to start. You might consider getting one for each family member. These straws ca
n provide safe, clean drinking water in almost any situation, removing 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites. The one featured here does remove viruses. We recommend one that removes viruses – even though it may not treat as many gallons of water as another style.
Note: Viruses are the tiniest of the microorganisms and can pass through some of the filters. If the filter does not remove viruses, you may choose to use water tablets to kill the viruses. Generally, you would treat the water with the tablets and then run the water through the filter. This will allow the filter to remove any unpleasant taste the tablets might leave as well as not contaminate the filter with viruses.
Hand Held Filters
There are a number of manufactures that offer different types of water filters for outdoor and emergency use that can be dipped directly into streams, lakes, ponds, and other freshwater (although dirty water) sources. These are mostly pump type devices and filter the range of bacteria, protozoa, chemicals and toxins, but not viruses. (But as mention above, if you want to kill viruses, you can use purification tablets.) They can also be used in extremely cloudy water and can treat up to 500 Gallons at up to two liters per minute.
Ultra Violet Light
These small handheld devices are simple to use. You simply dip the wand into a water bottle and swirl for about 90 seconds. They can purify up to 100 quarts of water using one set of four AA lithium batteries. There is also a rechargeable model that can be recharged via a computer, an outlet, a hand held solar charger, or a portable solar panel (sold separately).
UV lamps will filter out up to 99.99% of water-borne bacteria and viruses, but not chemicals or other non-organic solids. Also, these devices work best in clear water as they will not clear up murky water.
Ceramic & Gravity Filters
Ceramic water filters come with ceramic filters only, or ceramic and carbon filters. Some are treated with a form of silver which helps to kill bacteria, algae and mold.
Two styles fit emergency preparedness purposes as far as portability is concerned: the small hand pump devices and the smaller stackable units. The smaller 1.5 and 2.1 gallon stackable units can be portable.
Both styles can clear murky water into clean fresh tasting water. They filter bacteria, parasites, and microbial cysts. but some models do not remove chemical contaminants or viruses.
To kill viruses, look for the excellent new “Black Element Filter”.