Purification tablets do not treat water contaminated with protozoa or chemicals. Iodine tablets are generally not suitable for pregnant women or people with shellfish allergies.
Fill a pitcher or jug with water Add four drops (1/16 teaspoon) of bleach per quart (liter) of water Shake or stir the mixture Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes
Whole-home filters that filter all the water that comes into your house Point-of-use filters that get installed on specific taps and filter water that comes out of the faucet[5] X Research source Countertop filters that you fill manually with water Water bottles and straws with built-in water filters[6] X Research source Handheld UV water purifiers that kill bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from small quantities of water Refrigerator filters, deionizers, and certain water tanks (like Brita or Pur) can further purify water so it is safe and tastes good
As the water flows over the sap inside the stick, the sap will trap and collect pathogens in the water.
Cilantro has been shown to be effective at removing lead and nickel from water, but it has not been tested for other heavy metals like arsenic and mercury.
Place the bottom of a clay pot on top of a jar or bucket with a similar sized opening Fill the clay pot with water Allow the water to soak the pot and trickle through the clay, filling the jar below
Water purification typically happens after three to five minutes, but especially at higher elevations, you must boil the water for longer. Boiling alone will not remove heavy metals or chemical contaminants from water, but boiling the water with the inside of a cactus could remove additional pollutants, such as arsenic. [12] X Research source
A solar still will work best in damp soil that has lots of moisture to collect. To make the still so you don’t have to take it apart, insert a drinking straw or tube into the container. [13] X Research source
This method works because the plastic acts to trap heat from the sun inside the bottle, and the UVA rays pasteurize the water. [14] X Research source
Note that straining the water like this will only remove large particulates, not pathogens, heavy metals or other contaminants.
Use birch bark curled into a cone in place of the bottle and cap Use a shirt or towel in place of the coffee filter Use nuts, roots, or grass in place of the filtration materials[16] X Research source
To remove lightweight particles, skim them from the surface of the water. To remove heavier sediment, gently and slowly pour the water into a clean bowl or jar. Stop pouring before you get to the bottom, as this will leave the heavier sediment behind in the original container.
