When it comes to the best water purification systems, a lot of people think they need to invest in an expensive device that takes up space and is difficult to use.
The truth is, there are a number of water purification methods that you can use at home that don’t require any technical know-how or fancy gadgets.
In fact, some of them have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years! So here are 15 common household items that will help you make sure your drinking water is safe:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The importance of water purification for health and safety |
| Different water purification methods and how they work |
| Tips and tricks for purifying water in emergency situations |
| Common contaminants found in tap water |
| How to choose the best water purification system for your needs |
UV Sterilization
UV sterilization is the process of using ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses and protozoa. This is a popular method for purifying water because it’s effective at killing most harmful microorganisms without leaving behind chemicals or byproducts that could harm people.
UV Sterilizers can be used in any container that is safe for water storage, including plastic jugs and 5-gallon buckets. You can also use UV Sterilizers to purify your water while you travel!
When it comes to emergency situations, the best water purification tablets should be at the top of your list. Check out our article on the benefits of water purification tablets to learn more about how these tablets can help you stay safe and hydrated in any situation.
Chlorine Dioxide Drops
Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound that can be used as a disinfectant or an oxidizer, killing bacteria, viruses and protozoa. It’s been approved by the EPA to disinfect drinking water.
Best Brands of Chlorine Dioxide Drops for Water Purification
| Brand | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aquamira | Works quickly, neutralizes odors, and improves the taste of water. | $15.99 per kit |
| Potable Aqua | Kills bacteria, viruses, and cysts in water, and does not leave an aftertaste in the water. | $14.99 per 20-pack |
| MSR | Treats up to 30 gallons of water and eliminates unpleasant odors and flavor in drinking water. | $19.95 per kit |
| Katadyn | Easy-to-use and effective at neutralizing viruses, bacteria, and protozoa in water. | $27.95 per kit |
| Oasis | Effective at treating water contaminated with viruses, bacteria, and cysts and can treat large quantities of water. | $23.99 per kit |
Berkey Water Filter
The Berkey Water Filter is a gravity-fed water purifier. This means that it uses gravity to clean and filter water, instead of electricity or motors. It’s a stainless steel water filter system that can be installed in your home, apartment or office and only takes up about two square feet of counter space.
The Berkey Water Filter was created by Gary and Mary Berkey, who live in Arizona. They have been selling the filters since 1996, so they have years of experience creating them!
Choosing the best water purification system can be overwhelming, but it’s an important decision for your health and safety. Check out our ultimate guide to choosing the best water purification system for expert advice on finding the right system for your needs and budget.
Boiling
Boiling is the most basic method of purifying water, and it’s also the simplest. You can boil water using any heat source by placing a pot over an open flame, using an electric stovetop burner, or even putting the pot directly on the coals of a campfire (if you’re lucky enough to be in an area with no fire restrictions).
If you’re boiling water on your own at home and have access to electricity or gas power:
- Heat your pot until its contents are bubbling vigorously (at least 10 minutes)
- Remove from heat as soon as residue begins to appear in bottom of pot—this is when all bacteria have been killed! You should use some kind of thermometer for this step so you don’t burn yourself or accidentally put way too much pressure on those microbes down there.
For those who don’t have access to electricity or gas power:
Boil for 20 minutes if you’re close enough to civilization that there might still be some traces of pollutants left behind by industrialization; otherwise try 30-45 minutes in areas far away from cities; and finally 60+ minutes if there hasn’t been any human activity within 100 miles before now (for example while camping).
Best Brands of Stove-Top and Electric Water Boilers
| Brand | Type | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-fal | Stove-Top | 1.8 liters | $24.99 |
| Secura | Electric | 1.7 liters | $32.99 |
| Ovente | Electric | 1.7 liters | $19.99 |
| Hamilton Beach | Electric | 1.7 liters | $36.68 |
| Zojirushi | Electric | 1 liter | $75.00 |
Note: Stove-top boilers are typically less expensive but require a stove or open flame to operate. Electric boilers are more expensive but offer convenience as they can be plugged in and set on a countertop or table.
Micropur Purification Tablets
If you’re in a survival situation, or if you just want to make sure that your drinking water is as pure as possible, then the Micropur Purification Tablets are the way to go.
They’re easy to use, effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa, lightweight and affordable. You can purchase them in single or double packs depending on your needs.
These tablets are made by Aquamira Technologies Inc., who have been making water purifiers since 1989.
If you’re heading into the wilderness or facing a crisis situation, knowing how to purify water is essential for your survival. Check out our guide on how to purify water in the wilderness for tips and techniques that can help you stay hydrated and healthy no matter where you are.
Katadyn Vario Water Filter
The Katadyn Vario Water Filter is a portable water filter that provides clean water on demand. It is easy to use and compact, making it ideal for backpacking.
The filter removes 99.9% of all bacteria and 99.9% of all protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. One cartridge can produce up to 1 liter (33 ounces) of clean water per minute in even very dirty conditions—perfect for emergency situations or backcountry adventures where finding a freshwater source may be difficult or impossible.
Comparison of Katadyn Vario Water Filter Models
| Model | Features | Filtration Capacity | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katadyn Vario Water Filter | Dual-piston technology, adjustable for faster flow, and removes bacteria and protozoa. | Up to 500 gallons | 15 ounces | $94.95 |
| Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter | Easy to use, lightweight and compact, and removes bacteria and protozoa. | Up to 200 gallons | 11 ounces | $84.95 |
| Katadyn BeFree Water Filter | Packs small and weighs next to nothing, and features a 0.1-micron hollow fiber membrane that removes bacteria and protozoa. | Up to 1,000 liters | 2 ounces | $44.95 |
| Katadyn Combi Water Filter | Can be used as a pump or with gravity bag, ceramic filter removes bacteria, protozoa, and larger particles. | Up to 13,000 gallons | 21 ounces | $219.95 |
| Katadyn Pocket Water Filter | Durable, long-lasting, and compact design with a silver-impregnated ceramic filter that removes bacteria, protozoa, and larger particles. | Up to 13,000 gallons | 20 ounces | $369.95 |
Note: The prices listed are for reference only and are subject to change.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
LifeStraw is a filter that you can use to drink directly from a water source. It’s a straw with a filter on the end that you can suck water through and it’s good for up to 1000 liters of water.
However, LifeStraw is only effective at filtering particulates like dirt and sand (not viruses or bacteria). So if your goal is purifying drinking water in the wild, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Drinking impure water can have serious health consequences, from stomach upset to long-term diseases. Check out our article on the dangers of drinking impure water to learn about the common contaminants found in tap water and how you can protect yourself and your family.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is a portable water filter that uses a hollow fiber membrane to filter out protozoa and bacteria.
The filter is activated by pumping the water through the filter, which creates pressure to move liquid through it.
This system comes in at a mere 0.1 ounces (3 grams), making it perfect for backpacking or hiking trips where you don’t want to carry too much weight.
The Sawyer filters out 99.99% of all microbes as well as removing chemicals like chlorine and iodine from your drinking water source.
It also removes turbidity from muddy sources like streams, lakes or rivers so you can have clean drinking water no matter what your source may be!
Gravity-Powered Filters
Gravity-powered filters are usually made of ceramic and can be used to filter out sediments, other impurities and even viruses, bacteria and protozoa.
These filters work by placing water in the top section and letting gravity gradually pull it through the filtration system.
They are often used for backpacking or camping because they take up very little space in your pack and they don’t require power to run.
Gravity-powered filters do not filter out chemicals like chlorine or fluoride, but they do remove most harmful pathogens that could make you sick if consumed (such as E. coli).
Purifying your water at home is a simple step you can take to protect your health and ensure your water tastes great. Check out our guide on simple ways to purify your water at home for tips and tricks on how to achieve clean, delicious water without breaking the bank.
Iodine Treatment with Polar Pure
The Polar Pure water purifier is a chemical treatment that uses iodine to kill bacteria and viruses. It’s one of the most effective and widely used methods, but it can be quite unpleasant.
The solution is added to water in a container and stirred for five minutes, after which the container must sit for 20 minutes before being consumed or used for cooking.
The main benefit of using this method is that it does not require boiling, but it does have some downsides as well: It doesn’t work well on cloudy water or turbid water (that would otherwise be good candidates for boiling),
Requires special equipment (like an iodine concentration meter) to ensure proper dosage levels, has an unpleasant taste when consumed untreated (though some people add sugar or salt), and may leave behind toxic byproducts like hexavalent chromium if not properly filtered out prior to consumption.
Comparison of Iodine Treatment Brands for Water Purification
| Brand | Features | Filtration Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potable Aqua | Kills viruses, bacteria, and cysts in water, and has a shelf life of up to four years. | Up to 25 quarts | $9.99 per pack |
| Polar Pure | Uses iodine crystals to purify water and is highly effective against bacteria and viruses. | Up to 2,000 liters | $22.99 per bottle |
| Coghlan’s | Made with 2% tincture of iodine and easy to use. | Up to 50 quarts | $7.99 per pack |
| World Health Products | Kills bacteria, viruses, and cysts, and comes with a neutralizer to remove the iodine taste from the water. | Up to 2,500 liters | $15.99 per kit |
| Oasis | Simple design and easy to use and effective at treating water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. | Up to 6,000 liters | $21.99 per kit |
Note: The prices listed are for reference only and are subject to change. Please read the instructions carefully before using any iodine treatment product for water purification.
Lifestraw Mission Gravity-Fed Water Purifier
The Lifestraw Mission Gravity-Fed Water Purifier is a compact and portable gravity-fed water filter. It works by using a hollow fiber membrane that filters out bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The filter only requires a few drops of water to start purifying it.
To use this model, simply fill the tank with dirty water, shake it up, attach the hose to your source of clean water (such as a faucet), screw on the lid tightly and let gravity do its magic!
The Lifestraw Mission Gravity-Fed Water Purifier comes in three different sizes: Small (for individuals traveling solo or with one other person), Medium (for those traveling in groups), and Large (for larger groups).
It is made from BPA free materials and has been tested by independent third parties for durability under extreme conditions. All models come standard with an attached handle so you can easily carry them where ever you go!
The SteriPEN Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier
The SteriPEN Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier is the perfect choice for outdoor adventures, as it’s both easy to use and highly effective.
UV light kills bacteria and viruses, while the light is activated by battery-powered pump. The device purifies up to 25 gallons of water per battery charge.
Conclusion
The best way to ensure that the water you drink and cook with is safe is by using one of the methods listed above.
You can find a water filter at your local hardware store or online retailer. The most important thing is that you choose something that will work for your needs, whether it’s easy to use and portable or requires no maintenance at all!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on water purification methods and their importance:
Wychwood Water: Water Purification Methods: This article provides a comprehensive overview of different water purification methods and how they work, including filtration, chemical treatment, and reverse osmosis.
Public Health Notes: Importance of Water Purification and Different Methods: This piece highlights the importance of water purification and covers different methods such as boiling, chemical treatments, and UV treatment.
Schultz Soft Water: 4 Methods to Purify Your Water: This blog post covers four effective water purification methods, including distillation, reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, and UV sterilization.
FAQs
What are the most common methods for purifying water?
Filtration, distillation, boiling, chemical treatments, and UV sterilization are some of the most commonly used methods for purifying water.
What does water filtration do, and how does it work?
Water filtration is the process of removing impurities and contaminants from water by passing it through a porous material such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis membrane, or ceramic filter. The contaminants get trapped in the filter, and the clean water passes through.
Is boiling an effective method for water purification?
Yes, boiling is one of the most effective methods for purifying water. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill most disease-causing organisms and make the water safe to drink.
What is the difference between water distillation and reverse osmosis?
Water distillation involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which condenses to form pure water. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, involves using a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities from water under pressure for a more efficient purification process.
Can chlorine be used to purify water?
Yes, chlorine is a common chemical used to purify water. It kills many disease-causing pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, by disrupting their DNA.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.