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Water can be purified through various methods, such as using filters, chemical treatments, or boiling. It is essential to purify water whenever there is a concern that it may be contaminated. This is typically necessary when camping in the wild or when there are issues with your home's water supply. Regardless of the reason, purifying water helps remove impurities and contaminants, as well as kill bacteria, ensuring you have clean water without the worry of illness.
Steps
Remove Larger Particles
Filter the water. For water contaminated with larger particles such as pebbles, insects, plants, or dirt, you can filter out these impurities. Line a mesh sieve with loosely woven fabric, a clean dish towel, or even a clean cotton shirt. Place the sieve over a bowl and pour the water through to eliminate larger particles.
- Note that this filtration method will only remove large particles, not bacteria, heavy metals, or other contaminants.
DIY Water Filter. You can create your own water filter to remove impurities from water. You will need a few materials, but you can substitute items as necessary, for example:
- Use a rolled-up maple bark as a funnel instead of a bottle and bottle cap.
- Use a cloth or towel instead of coffee filter paper.
- Use seeds, roots, or grass as a substitute for a filter.
Using Sedimentation Method. When no filtration tools are available, you can remove larger particles by settling the water. Pour the water into a bowl or container and leave it undisturbed for 1-2 hours. During this time, heavier particles will sink to the bottom, while lighter materials will float on the surface.
- Remove the light particles floating on the surface.
- To remove heavier sediment, slowly and carefully pour the water into a clean bowl or container. Stop before the water reaches the bottom to leave the heavier particles behind in the original container.
Treating Water with Chemicals
Using Water Purification Tablets and Sterilization. Water purification tablets containing chlorine dioxide or iodine are effective in killing bacteria and viruses. To use these tablets, simply pour water into a container and add the tablet for water treatment. Typically, one tablet purifies one liter of water, and it takes between 30 minutes and 4 hours to work.
- Water purification tablets do not treat water contaminated with protozoan animals or chemicals.
- Iodine tablets are usually not suitable for pregnant women or people allergic to seafood.
Purifying Water with a Small Amount of Bleach. Bleach can be used to kill viruses and bacteria in water, but it’s important to use only a small amount to avoid poisoning. The bleach must still be within its expiration date to be effective. Here's how to clean water using this chemical method:
- Pour water into a bottle or container.
- Add 4 drops (1/16 teaspoon) of bleach for every liter of water.
- Shake or stir the mixture.
- Let the solution sit for 30 minutes.
Purifying Water with Iodine. Liquid iodine can also be used to eliminate pathogens in water, though many people find its taste unpleasant. To purify water with iodine, simply fill a container with water and add a 2% iodine solution. Drop 4 drops of the solution for every liter of water and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Filtering Pollutants
Using Commercial Water Filters. Commercial water filtration devices are one of the easiest and most effective methods for removing sediments, pathogens, metals, and other pollutants from water. These filters utilize materials like charcoal, carbon, ceramic, sand, and fabric, which are specifically designed to remove harmful contaminants. There are several types of filtration systems available, including:
- Whole-house filtration systems that treat all water entering your home.
- Point-of-use filters installed on specific faucets to purify water from that tap.
- Manually filled countertop water filters.
- Water bottles with built-in filters for easy on-the-go purification.
- Portable UV water purifiers that use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants in small amounts of water.
Eliminating Pathogens with Pine Trees. Some plant species are particularly effective at removing pathogens from water, and the pine tree is among the most effective. You can break off a few pine branches to eliminate bacteria and viruses in the water. Peel the bark off the branches and place the bare branches in a bucket. Slowly pour water in a thin stream over the branches to let the water flow into the bucket.
- As the water runs over the resin inside the pine branches, the resin acts as a filter and traps the pathogens in the water.
Removing Heavy Metals with Cilantro. Similar to pine trees' ability to eliminate pathogens, cilantro is highly effective in removing heavy metals from water. Fill a container with water and add a handful of cilantro. Stir the water and leave the cilantro in the water for at least an hour. Remove and discard the cilantro before drinking the water.
- Cilantro has been shown to be effective in removing lead and nickel from water, although its efficacy in removing other heavy metals like arsenic and mercury has not been confirmed.
Filtering Water Through Clay Pots to Remove Bacteria. Clay and ceramic materials are porous, allowing water to pass through while trapping bacteria, protozoa, and sediment. Due to their ability to filter out these contaminants, clay pots can be used to purify water, particularly in cases of E. coli contamination. To filter water using a clay pot, follow these steps:
- Place the clay pot on top of a jar or bucket with an opening that matches the size of the pot.
- Pour water into the clay pot.
- Allow the water to seep into the pot and filter through the clay into the container below.
Eradicating Pathogens with Heat or Sunlight
Boiling Water. Boiling water is an excellent method for killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites in water. Pour water into a pot and heat it on high to medium heat. Allow the water to reach a rolling boil and continue boiling for about 10 minutes. Let the water cool down before drinking.
- Typically, the water will be purified after 3-5 minutes, but if you're at a high altitude, you may need to boil the water longer.
- Boiling water will not remove metal contaminants or chemicals, but boiling water with cactus pulp can help eliminate other pollutants such as arsenic.
Solar Distillation of Water. Distillation is an effective way to remove many impurities from water, including heavy metals, pathogens, salts, and even radiation. You can create your own solar water distiller to collect and purify underground water. You will need a container to collect the water, a shovel, and a plastic sheet.
- Solar water distillers work best in moist soil to capture more water vapor.
- To avoid dismantling the device, you can insert a straw or tube into the distiller.
Using the SODIS Method. SODIS stands for solar water disinfection, a very effective technique for eliminating pathogens when done correctly. Pour water into a transparent, smooth plastic bottle. Tighten the cap and place the bottle directly under the sun for 6 hours to kill parasites, bacteria, and viruses in the water.
- This method works because the plastic material absorbs heat from the sun and transmits it into the bottle, while UVA rays help disinfect the water.
