How to Disinfect Drinking Water in the Wilderness
Disinfecting drinking water in the wilderness is an important step in preventing gastrointestinal illness.
Things You'll Need
- Water Filters
- First Aid Kits
- Iodine Tablets
- Water Purifiers
- Camp-stove Fuels
- Camping Cookwares
- Camping Stoves
Instructions
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Choose one of the following methods, depending on your preference.
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Boil water, then let it cool.
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Disinfect water with iodine tablets, making sure to follow the directions on the bottle.
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Pump drinking water through a filter or purifier.
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Tips & Warnings
Some say that iodine-treated water has a strange and unpleasant taste; others don't mind, and find this to be the most convenient method.
Don't use iodine with murky water, since the iodine will bond with the solid particulate and won't disinfect the water.
You probably don't need a water purifier - which protects you from viruses as well as from bacteria and giardia - unless traveling abroad.
It's a myth that water needs to be boiled for longer periods at high altitudes. Even though the boiling point is lower up high, it's still hot enough to kill whatever could make you sick.
Iodine treatment could be dangerous for those with thyroid disorders; use one of the other methods.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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Comments
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cyclops19
Jun 24, 2010
Another way I have heard of is to filter water through a charcoal filter = start a fire, cause it to smolder by partially smothering it, collect cool charcoals in cloth, run water through. -
cyclops19
Jun 24, 2010
It may be possible to disinfect using pennies (The copper in the pennies may kill organisims ) I am not sure if this method will work but do know of coppers use on sailing vessels to inhibit barnacles,organisims from attaching to the ship hull, also use of copper in water piping is said to kill germs.
