Drinking Water Purification Can Be Important

Drinking water helps sustain life in every living being, whether plant or animal. Drinking water that is contaminated, however, can bring death rather than life. Most municipal water supplies in developed countries offer relatively clean water. You may trust that supply, or you may want a drinking water purification system. It depends on the level of purity you desire.

Drinking water purification is a process by which nearly 100 percent of all microorganisms and contaminants are removed from drinking water. It is more efficient than filtration of drinking water.

Drinking Water Purification Systems

There are many types and many brands of drinking water purification systems. Some purify all water entering the home, while others purify only that being drawn for immediate use as drinking water. All drinking water purification systems must, by law, remove lead, arsenic, disinfectants, chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, parasites, and other harmful substances or organisms.

Drinking Water Purification in Emergencies

In emergency situations such as a flood or earthquake, drinking water may become contaminated when sewage systems are damaged. Breaks in water lines underground can also cause drinking water to be contaminated. You can do your own drinking water purification at home. Strain your water through a coffee filter or cheesecloth first to remove dirt and other particles. Then, use one of the methods listed below.

* Boil Water: Fill a large pan or kettle with the strained water. Bring it to a rolling boil, and keep it boiling rapidly for 3 minutes. Pour the boiled water into a disinfected drinking water bottle. If possible, store your purified drinking water in a refrigerator or ice chest. This is not a fail-safe method of drinking water purification, since many contaminants can be removed only with proper drinking water filtration.

* Chlorine: Use 1-gallon size drinking water containers. Fill each container with the strained water. Add 1/8 teaspoon, or 16 drops, of pure, unscented, household chlorine bleach to each container. Let the water stand at least 30 minutes before drinking it. Check the water after 30 minutes. If it is still cloudy, add an additional 1/8 teaspoon or 16 drops of chlorine bleach to the 1-gallon container. Let the water stand another 30 minutes. Check the water again. If it is still cloudy, do not drink it. It is not safe drinking water.

CAUTION: Never use more chlorine bleach than recommended! Chlorine bleach can be poisonous if more is used!

Drinking Water Purification for Travelers

Backpackers and other travelers frequently have occasion to purify drinking water. Drinking from streams or lakes is unsafe in almost every country. Some claim that 90 percent of the world’s water is now contaminated to some degree. Travelers must purify drinking water if they have none with them. Several simple drinking water purification methods are available at outdoor supply and emergency retailers. Iodine tablets may be added to the water. Small drinking water purification containers are also available and easily carried. You may want to use both methods in combination for the safest drinking water.