In an emergency situation, having access to safe drinking water is crucial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day, and that’s just for drinking and basic hygiene. Contaminated water can lead to severe health issues like diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery. Therefore, understanding how to make water safe is life-saving knowledge.

Immediate Steps to Ensure Safe Water
Assess the Water Source
- Visual Inspection:
- Appearance: Clear water is preferable. Avoid water with floating debris, particles, or an unusual color.
- Smell: Does the water have a chemical or foul odor? If so, it’s best to avoid or treat it thoroughly.
- Source Check:
- Natural Sources: Springs and wells are generally safer than rivers or lakes.
- Urban Sources: Tap water might be compromised in emergencies; always verify its safety.
Water Purification Methods
Boiling
Boiling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to kill pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- Instructions:
- Step 1: Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Step 2: Maintain the rolling boil for at least 1 minute (or 3 minutes if you are at an altitude above 6,500 feet).
- Step 3: Let it cool naturally, without adding any ice which could recontaminate the water.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Simple, highly effective.
- Cons: Requires a heat source, fuel, might not remove chemical contaminants.
Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment is effective for killing pathogens and can be convenient in a portable emergency kit.
- Common Chemicals:
- Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite):
- Use unscented household bleach.
- Add 8 drops (or 1/8 teaspoon) of 6% bleach per gallon of water. For 8.25% bleach, use 6 drops per gallon.
- Stir, and let it stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
- Iodine Tablets:
- Follow the instructions on the label.
- Typically, use one tablet per quart of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before drinking.
- Chlorine Dioxide Tablets:
- More effective than iodine against a wider range of pathogens.
- Follow the product instructions; usually, it takes about 4 hours for full effectiveness.
- Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite):
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Portable, effective against bacteria and viruses.
- Cons: Chemical taste, less effective against some parasites like Cryptosporidium, may not remove chemicals or heavy metals.
Filtration
Water filters are designed to remove bacteria, parasites, and sometimes viruses.
- Types of Filters:
- Pump Filters: Use a hand pump to force water through a filter.
- Gravity Filters: Rely on gravity to pass water through a filter.
- Straw Filters: Simple and portable, great for individual use.
- Bottle Filters: Integrated filter within a water bottle.
- Filter Capabilities:
- Microfiltration: Effective against bacteria and protozoa.
- Ultrafiltration: Effective against bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.
- Activated Carbon: Removes chemicals and improves taste but is not effective against most pathogens.
- Use and Maintenance:
- Step 1: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using the filter.
- Step 2: Regularly clean the filter as needed.
- Step 3: Replace the filter element according to the guidelines to ensure continued effectiveness.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Removes particles, some filters can remove viruses and improve taste.
- Cons: More expensive, require regular maintenance.
Solar Disinfection (SODIS)
Using sunlight to purify water is a simple, albeit slower, method.
- Instructions:
- Step 1: Fill clear plastic (PET) bottles with clear water.
- Step 2: Shake the bottle for about 20 seconds (with the cap on) to add oxygen to the water.
- Step 3: Leave the bottles in direct sunlight for 6 hours (if sunny) or 2 days (if cloudy).
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Low cost, easy to implement.
- Cons: Time-consuming, requires sunlight, not effective on water with high turbidity.
Verifying Water Safety
Simple Tests
- Taste and Smell Test: Even after treatment, if the water tastes or smells very unusual, it may still be unsafe.
- Clarity Test: After purification, ensure there is no debris or cloudiness left.
Heat and Chemical Combo
- Double Purification: Use a combination of methods (e.g., boiling followed by chemical treatment) for higher assurance.
Long-Term Water Storage
- Clean Storage Containers: Use food-grade water storage containers, thoroughly cleaned.
- Proper Sealing: Ensure containers are tightly sealed to avoid any contamination.
- Shelf-life Management: Replace stored water every six months, even if treated.
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Every emergency kit should include tools for water purification and storage.
- Must-Haves:
- Bleach or iodine tablets.
- Portable water filter.
- Clear plastic bottles for SODIS.
- Water purification tablets.
- Clean storage containers.
- Additional Suggestions:
- Instructions for each purification method.
- Extra fuel for boiling water if going with that method.
- A small mirror or reflective material to maximize sunlight for SODIS.
Final Thoughts
In summary, ensuring your water is safe to drink in an emergency situation requires planning, knowledge of purification techniques, and the right tools. Whether through boiling, chemical treatments, filtration, or solar disinfection, understanding how to make water safe can prevent health crises. Always aim to have redundancy in your methods and materials, ensuring that you can adapt to changing circumstances without risking your health.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. In any emergency, always prioritize getting the latest advice from local health and safety authorities.
For more detailed guidelines on water safety and emergency preparedness, please consult resources like the CDC and the Red Cross.
Make sure to check out more articles in our News & Views section. Feel free to reach out any time to see how Entropy Survival can help you prepare you and your family for any disaster or survival scenario.