Water Treatment Methods a Person Might Wish to Use

A person might find they are in a location where they cannot know the quality of the water. This situation may arise when they are camping, hiking, or traveling to a foreign country. In addition, a person might worry about water quality following a natural disaster, such as an earthquake. Regardless of what situation they find themselves in, these individuals must take steps to treat the water before consuming it. Doing so will ensure it is safe to drink.

People can choose from several methods to treat water. Knowing which method to use when is important, as taking in contaminated water can make a person ill. This goes beyond drinking water. A person needs to treat the water they will use for cooking, making ice, brushing their teeth, and more. Otherwise, they could end up with stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. When a person is away from home, treating these symptoms can be challenging and they may not have access to quality healthcare.

To prevent this from happening, people take measures to treat their water. This may be as simple as boiling the water or the person might choose to invest in a portable water filtration system, such as The Berkey. The method used often depends on where the water came from. Consider the following when determining if boiling the water will be adequate or if you need to take other steps.

Know the Water Source

A person must know where the water they are using or drinking comes from. Once a person knows the source, it becomes easier to determine whether the water has undergone any treatment and if it is safe for use. Many places today lack access to water treatment infrastructure. They have no sanitation measures in place. People must know this because it increases their likelihood of being exposed to contaminated water.

Never judge the quality of water by sight alone. A person cannot look at water and know whether it is safe. Water may look clean while still being filled with viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Knowing the source of the water and any treatment methods used will help a person determine if they need to take additional steps to ensure the safety of the water before using it.

People might turn to bottled water in these situations. However, they must know where the bottled water comes from and the treatment method used with this water. They also need a plan in place if the bottled water runs out.

Certain groups have to be extremely careful with their water. Individuals with a weakened immune system, for example, can become extremely ill and may die if they drink contaminated water. The same holds for young children and older adults. Pregnant women must take care because contaminated water can harm the developing baby. Fortunately, there are several methods used to treat water today.

Boil Water

The easiest way to remove contaminants from water is to boil it. This method kills viruses, parasites, and bacteria. However, a person must boil the water properly to ensure the organisms are fully removed. In addition, a person must realize this process doesn’t sterilize the water. Its purpose is only to remove those contaminants harmful to human health.

The water must reach a rolling boil and continue at a rolling boil for at least one minute. At elevations over 6,500 feet, allow the water to remain at a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Let the water cool and then use it for any purpose.

At times, there is no way to boil the water. Turn the faucet to the hottest temperature possible. If the water has remained hot at this temperature for some time, pathogens may have died off. However, the water must be a minimum of 131 degrees Fahrenheit if using this method.

However, this method isn’t appropriate in all situations. If there are chemicals in the water, such as solvents or nitrates, boiling won’t be enough to remove them. In addition, if the water contains raw sewage, boiling it will not be enough, as the particulate matter reduces the effectiveness. Use alternate methods to treat the water in these situations.

Disinfect the Water

A word of caution before there is any discussion regarding how to disinfect water. Women who are pregnant need to consider other methods for improving the quality of the water. They should never use iodine for this purpose. The same holds for men and women who are extremely sensitive to iodine and those who have thyroid issues. Furthermore, never disinfect water using iodine for more than a few weeks. Turn to other methods to improve the water quality rather than continuing to use this method.

Disinfectants are only beneficial in certain situations. They are capable of killing most viruses and bacteria that affect humans. Resistant organisms, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia parasites, will not die when a disinfectant is used. If it is believed the water is contaminated with Cryptosporidium, use chlorine dioxide tablets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. In addition, disinfectants are of no help if the water contains chemicals.

Ultraviolet Light

A person may use UV light to kill certain pathogens in water. A portable unit may be used to deliver UV light in measured doses. This light can disinfect water, but only in small quantities. However, people find the light isn’t very effective if the water is cloudy. Small particles in the water will prevent the light from doing its job. If using a UV light, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

One drawback to using this method is that it requires a person to carry the light. Most people try to keep their gear to a minimum when hiking, backpacking, or going into remote areas. The light adds to the weight they must carry. In addition, Cryptosporidium and Giardia parasites are also resistant to UV light, so a high-power light will be needed if these organisms may be present in the water.

Filtration Devices

Portable water filtration devices are the preferred choice of many people today. However, when choosing a device, they must know which one to purchase. For example, the filter pore size needs to be small so it will remove parasites. Look for a filter that adheres to NSF Standards 53 or 38. This certification shows the filter removes parasites and some bacteria. However, some bacteria will remain as well as any viruses in the water.

If a person is looking to remove bacteria and viruses, they will need a reverse osmosis filter. Devices making use of gravity-fed filters are always an excellent option. This type of system removes numerous contaminants from water, including protozoa, heavy metals, pesticides, and petroleum products. In addition, the filer removes silt and sediment, which are often present in water collected from a natural body of water, such as a lake or river.

When choosing a filtration device, look for one that can be assembled quickly with no tools. Any added weight is not appreciated when you are traveling to a remote area. Gravity-fed devices are great for these situations, as no electricity or running water is needed to operate them. Add water from the selected source and nature takes care of the rest.

In addition, look for a system that allows filters to be reused. Although a person might not want to reuse a filter in the wild, the device may be so useful they want to use it when they are at home as well. Reusable filters help keep costs low while providing access to clean drinking water.

Take Preventative Measures

The easiest way to prevent contracting a waterborne disease is to take preventative measures. Always wash your hands before preparing food or eating. In addition, wash them after using the toilet. In situations where soap and water aren’t readily available, such as when you hiking, carry a hand sanitizer that contains a minimum of 60 percent alcohol. Use hand sanitizer in these situations to reduce the risk of contracting a waterborne illness.

In areas where there are no toilets, bury human waste a minimum of 200 feet from natural bodies of water. Ensure the hole is eight inches deep or greater before burying the waste. Furthermore, bury this waste downstream from any water collection sites.

Water quality must be a concern for every person today. While municipalities take on water treatment tasks, contaminants may remain behind once the treatment process is complete. Any person out in the wilderness or in a remote area will need a source of clean drinking water, one that can be used with a range of available water sources. Bottled water may not be readily available, so these other sources become essential.

People living in developed parts of the world must also have clean water available if disaster strikes. A water main might break, an earthquake might take place, or another event may disrupt the normal flow of treated water. One can never be too prepared in these situations. Invest in a portable water filtration system and know you are covered regardless of the situation. Doing so will give you peace of mind, which is priceless.