Camping Supplies: Iodine Crystals
When you're camping, you can't always trust the water around you. Whether you're in the back country where there is no running water, or staying at a campsite where you don't know how clean the water is, you will want to treat your water somehow. Iodine crystals are one popular way to purify water. Cheap, easy and trustworthy, iodine crystals may be a key item to bring on your next camping trip.
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Description
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Iodine crystals can be purchased in individual bottles. Polar Pure is the most popular brand of crystals and can be found online or in some outdoor supply stores. Iodine crystals are essentially solid iodine particles. They differ from iodine tablets or solutions in that you do not put the crystals themselves into your water bottle. The crystals, undiluted, would be toxic to drink and must be dissolved in water before use.
Use
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Allow your water to sit for at least one half hour after treatment before drinking. To use iodine crystals, first fill the iodine bottle with water and shake. Allow about an hour for the crystals to dissolve. When ready to treat, use the cap to measure the proper amount of solution, as listed on the bottle, into your water. Shake your water bottle and let it sit at least one half hour before drinking. One bottle of iodine crystals will treat about 2,000 quarts of water.
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Safety
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Though iodine has been used effectively for decades to treat water, some concerns remain about its safety and efficacy in certain situations. Some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a purification method. Iodine may contribute to thyroid problems and should not be used by people with existing thyroid issues. Pregnant women and women over 50 should consult their doctor before using iodine. Finally, iodine is best used for short periods of time rather than as a long term water treatment.
Taste
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One aspect of iodine that many people take issue with is the taste that it gives water. Though some people can easily ignore this, others find it annoying or gross, especially if they are using iodine for more than a few days. To fix this problem, you can add a small amount of vitamin C to your water once is has been treated. Fifty mg to one liter of water should clear up the taste.
Alternatives
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It is always a good idea to bring at least two forms of water treatment whenever you camp. That way you have a backup in case one fails. The easiest alternative is boiling your water since this does not require any extra equipment. Chlorine is another popular chemical treatment. Hand-held water filters are another popular method of water treatment. Though bulky, water filters are great to use in conjunction with iodine as they will remove dirt, pine needles and other pieces of debris.
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