How to Purify Water

The water that is made available to you may or may not be safe for drinking purpose. Water is a major carrier of germs for epidemic diseases. Hence, it is imperative that you take measures to purify the water. Purification of water is a must during epidemics, disasters or other emergencies. Here are a few methods on how to purify water.

How to Purify Water?

How to Purify Water Using Iodine Tincture?
Iodine is traditionally used in purification of water due to its disinfectant properties. It is a quick and easy way of purifying water. Add 20 drops of 2% iodine tincture per gallon of water. If the water is cold or cloudy, double the amount of iodine tincture. The drawback of this method is that the concentration of iodine varies for each brand. Moreover, you need to consult your physician, before opting for iodine as disinfectant, if you suffer from any thyroid disorder or are pregnant.

How to Purify Water During an Emergency?
Emergencies often give you a very little time to prepare. There is a great risk of contamination of water during emergencies or natural disasters. Hence, if you live in a disaster or war prone zone, then you must always be equipped with the essential commodities. Water, obviously forms the crux of our basic needs. Always, have a reserve supply of water in bottles or containers , which can last for minimum 3 days. If you are required to use this bottled water for drinking purpose, then make sure you purify it before drinking. You can use chlorine tablets or any other water purification tablets available at the drug store. More on water purification systems.

How to Purify Water in the Wild?
If you rely on nature's water while camping or trekking, then do not forget to take disinfectant drops along with you. Although, water available in nature is considered to be in its purest form, there are still bacteria present in it. You can use water purifying solutions available at drug store or you can boil water if possible. Boiling water is a sure shot way of killing harmful germs. Many people also use sand water filters for purifying water in the wild. Although, it makes murky water clear, it cannot kill the bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms. More on drinking water filters and water filtration.

How to Purify Water with Solar Distillation?
Solar distillation is one of the most effective ways of purifying water. Solar distillers use solar energy to evaporate the water. This water is then condensed to get clean water. When the water vapor rises, all the contamination is left behind. Thus the water that collects from the condensation of water vapor is free from impurities.

Tips on How to Purify Water for Drinking

• Use a piece of alum to purify water at home. Treat the contaminated water in a container with a piece of alum and let it remain unstirred for a few hours. After a few hours all the impurities are collected at the bottom of the container. Collect the clear water in another container.
• Boiling is the best method of purifying water. Boil the water for at least 10 minutes to make it perfectly safe for drinking water.
• Adding a few drops of chlorine bleach is also an effective method of disinfecting water.

The methods of how to purify water may vary depending upon your geographical location. No matter what method you choose to purify water, just make sure you store it in clean, uncontaminated containers.