Water Purification

Water is a precious resource, and necessary for life. Wherever there is good health, you find clean drinkable water.  The number one concern (after determining physical safety) following a disaster, cited by The Red Cross, is providing a clean water supply. Often, the deaths from water borne illnesses can rival those of the original catastrophe. It doesn't have to be that way.

Obtaining clean water can be tricky if one has not planned for it. Waiting for the government or another agency to do it for you will probably be life-threatening and is simply not wise. However, putting together a plan and the supplies necessary for obtaining clean water can be an inexpensive and easy part of your strategy when you are prepared.

In my previous post, we discussed storing water. This is an essential part of your plan. It gives you a window of time, allowing you to use safe water for up to two weeks, while putting things into place to maintain a supply of clean, safe water for consumption. Make sure you have water stored first--then determine what method of purification will work best for you and your family. Thinking ahead and putting needed items away today--may save your life tomorrow.

There are several different methods of water purification, each with its own pros and cons. A combination of efforts is the most effective method of producing safe drinking water from rivers, lakes, streams, etc. Below is information giving a basic outline of several methods. 

COMMON WAYS TO DISINFECT WATER

IODINE 

Pros:

• Minimal storage space
• Easy to use
• Kills most bacteria and viruses

Cons:

• Unpleasant taste
• Ineffective against cryptosporidium
• Short shelf life
• Use with caution. Unsafe for pregnant women, and those with thyroid conditions.
• Does not remove chemicals
• Not recommended for long term use by Red Cross

Cost:

• Inexpensive

CHLORINE

Pros:

• Easy to obtain and use
• Kills most bacteria and viruses
• More effective than Iodine

Cons:

• Effects taste of water
• Ineffective against cryptosporidium
• Short shelf life (6 mo to 1 year in bottle form--2 years if stored in powdered form of Calcium Hypochlorite. Powdered form stable, but user must take proper precautions and know how to store and use safely.)
• Does not remove chemicals from water

Cost:

• Inexpensive

BOILING

Pros:

• Kills most bacteria and viruses
• Easy to do

Cons:

• Uses fuel--which may be scarce
• Time consuming. Many recommend a 10 minute boil.
• Higher altitudes require more boiling time
• Does not remove chemicals

Cost:

• Price could vary depending on fuel source and availability                                      

CERAMIC FILTRATION 

Silver Impregnated with Activated Charcoal

Pros:

• Removes/kills bacteria and most viruses
• Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. Coli, and more removed
• Filters/removes 85-90% heavy metals and chemicals
• Gravity fed filtration systems typically filter 1 gallon per hour--water is ready for use
• Typical filter good for 5000 gallons or up to 1 year
• Has been used in the field (taken to disaster areas) and has proven track record of stopping and preventing water borne disease

Inexpensive DIY dome filter

Cons:

• Ceramic is breakable
• Do your research. All brands are not created equal.
• Requires periodic cleaning with soft brush.
• Requires replacement every 5000+ gallons (depends on how contaminated original water source is). 

Cost:

• Price varies depending on brand purchased.

There are additional gadgets available that can kill viruses and bacteria. The ones listed are the most common and readily available options. 

A Word About Chlorine

If water is treated with chlorine, use only plain fragrance-free bleach. To disinfect one gallon of water, use 1/8 of a teaspoon or 16 drops of household chlorine. Allow to stand 30 minutes before using. Be aware that liquid bleach has a shelf life of only 6 months to a year.

Powdered chlorine, or calcium hypochlorite, can be stored for several years. It can be obtained at pool supply stores, and make sure it does not contain additional chemicals. It is important to know exactly how to store it and how to use it, as it can be very dangerous. The EPA instructs one teaspoon calcium hypochlorite to 2 gallons of water. This makes the concentrated bleach solution (*Not intended for drinking). One part of this solution added to 100 parts of water is the proper ratio for disinfecting. That would equal one cup solution to 6 1/4 gallons of water. This website offers additional information on using calcium hypochlorite: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pool-Shock-for-water-Purification/
Just make sure you feel educated and understand how to use whatever you use, so you have a safe supply of drinking water.

Although chlorine kills bacteria and viruses and has helped our society maintain healthy water supplies, it too has its own effects on health. My own plan for drinking water includes using chlorine for disinfecting, and then filtering to remove the chlorine and other chemicals.

Whatever method you plan on, prepare today by obtaining necessary equipment/supplies. When the emergency happens and you are living it, be diligent in keeping your drinking water clean and free from disease causing organisms. Having a plan and following it will insure having a safe, reliable source of water, no matter what your circumstances.

Additional information on being prepared--including water, can be found at:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4440181_Food_and_Water-English.revised_7-09.pdf