How to find and purify water in emergencies

One of the constant resources that people need and want is water. It is important for the quality of life and being alive in general.

Of course, there are various ways of purifying water for different needs, or it could be for drinking. And with that knowledge, you can get very creative with how you can get potable purified water

Note: none of the information on this page/website should be taken as medical advice. Do your own research and consult with a medical professional if you need to find or purify water. We are not responsible for the accuracy.

The Difference between Purified and Distilled Water

This is an important distinction to make, for reasons of the actual process being used.

Distilled water is water that is purified to the extent of having both minerals and contaminants removed. Purified is when only contaminants are removed.

Both can be done at home rather than buying water that is purified or distilled. But the cost of purifying water isn’t the main concerning this article, it’s doing these things in an accessible way.

The 5 Best Ways to Purify Water

As mentioned above, water is a resource that we as humans can’t live without, and it is all the better if you have a reliable source of it that could sustain you in a survival situation or everyday life.

This list is going to have a mix of solutions that could be used in any situation and give some preparation so that it’s SHTF or any other event you have something to use.

1. Water From a Natural Source

When trying to procure water from a natural source, one of the most common means to do that which you may already have is a well but, that may not be accessible if the grid went down.

So, what else could get it from? You could catch water from rain and collect it in any kind of container you want.

It is also possible to go as simple as getting water from a pond, river, or lake.

Whatever natural source you use, it is important to get to boil water.

2. SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection)

This is a bit of an unconventional way of getting clean water. It is commonly done with plastic water bottles and with contaminated water if left in a water bottle in full sun for 10 hours or more UV light could destroy most if not all pathogens that could be found in the water.

Although, this is a more barebones solution for water treatment.

3. Disinfection with Iodine

A more common item that can be found cheaply, specifically iodine, can be used to disinfect water in a quick way.

These can be found in any grocery store and online.

There are two types- one form is tablets which work very fast or in the form of a liquid that comes in a small tincture bottle with a dropper.

It would take up to 30 minutes for it to be fully disinfected when the liquid form is used. For tablets, the time it would take may vary.

4. Water Straw Filter

This is a great solution that could be used as a backup way of getting water especially if you are a hiker.

If you run out of the water you carry having a filter system as a backup could save your life.

It is possible to use something like a LifeStraw that has a five-stage filter. They even have filtered water bottles or filters designed to be used in a water bottle.

5. UV Light Purifier

This is a form of purification that is convenient but also could be harder to use as it may take batteries. Although, you can find hand crank units that work just as well.

It is also important to note that this is a different form of UV light than sunlight.

But it affects and breaks down the DNA of harmful types of bacteria and pathogens in a very efficient way. Brands like Steripen have a good reputation for making compact and user-friendly devices that will last.