Clean water is survival’s foundation. Without it, you have 3-4 days. Understanding multiple purification methods isn’t paranoia—it’s preparedness.
Method 1: Boiling (Most Reliable)
How: Rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet elevation).
Kills: All bacteria, viruses, parasites.
Doesn’t Remove: Chemical contaminants, heavy metals.
Cost: Just fuel.
This is your gold standard. If you can boil water, you can purify it.
Method 2: Household Bleach
How: 6 drops regular bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) per gallon. Wait 30 minutes.
Kills: Most bacteria and viruses.
Limitations: Less effective against parasites like Cryptosporidium.
Shelf Life: Bleach degrades—use within 1 year.
Method 3: UV Purification
How: SteriPEN or similar device. 90 seconds per liter.
Kills: All microorganisms.
Limitations: Requires batteries. Water must be clear.
Best For: Travel, short-term emergencies.
Method 4: Filtration Systems
Sawyer Mini: 100,000 gallon capacity, $20
LifeStraw: 1,000 gallons, $15
Removes: Bacteria, parasites
Doesn’t Remove: Viruses, chemicals
Method 5: DIY Sand/Charcoal Filter
Layer from bottom: gravel, sand, activated charcoal, sand, cloth. Water flows down through layers. This removes particles and some chemicals but doesn’t kill microorganisms—combine with boiling.
Reality Check
Have multiple methods. Filters break, fuel runs out, power fails. The best purification system is the one you have when you need it.
