Purification Techniques For Water| Lisa Stone of Buffalo Grove, Illinois

Purification Techniques For Water (OTHER THAN WATER FILTERS)

LISA STONE

Water filters on tap, in bottles, and as standalone pumps are easy and convenient tools that you can buy online or at most department stores. Unfortunately, emergency situations aren’t always as convenient.If you’re ever stranded without a filter and can’t get to a filter, what can you do? Boiling works, but not for all problems and sometimes a specific temperature is needed.

Dissolving Solutions, Additives, and UV light There are many specific products and complex techniques that can purify water, but what can you use in an emergency? Here are a few techniques that can be used or sourced during the worst of times:

Iodine When using iodine for water purification, keep in mind that some people may be allergic to iodine. Get an allergy test now before an emergency arises, and be sure to ask before using iodine. Allergic response is a good reason to have multiple purification methods available. Iodine is light-sensitive, so you need to store it in a dark water. Use it on water that is over 68 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

Chlorine If you or someone using your water is allergic to iodine, use chlorine instead.

Chlorine drops and tablets are available for dilution and dissolving, and is often used in local water supplies. You may recognize the smell of pool water in some water supplies, which is an effect of chlorine. The smell is strongest when chlorine reacts with substances for a purifying effect.

UV Light UV light is effective against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Unfortunately, UV doesn’t work in all situations. The light must travel in a straight line to damage cellular structures. Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and some other microorganisms are too thick to be penetrated, which is why methods such as iodine or chlorine–as well as products advertised as effective against certain contaminants–are suggested.