Can You Purify Water for Drinking? Here Are 5 Ways
Over 30% of the global population doesn’t have access to clean drinking water.
But even if your home faucet runs clear, everyone visits places without purified water at some point or another. Drinking contaminated water puts you at high risk of contracted waterborne diseases or bacterial infections.
So, can you purify water for drinking purposes? Well, there are a few options that can ensure you have clean water no matter where you are.
Read on to learn about water purifying.
- Boiling Water
The oldest trick in the book is definitely boiling water. All you need is water and fire, so it’s one of the most ancient techniques.
Boiling water will remove all pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) if it’s done the right way. However, if the water isn’t boiled for 1-3 minutes, it can leave harmful pathogens there. Boiled water also tastes flat, so if you’re fussy about water taste, this isn’t the option for you.
- Water Purification Systems
Water purification tablets or systems contain chlorine and destroy sediments, bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals.
They’re convenient and easy to use. However, they don’t work on viruses and take around 30-45 minutes to work. Additionally, if you’re using a water purifier system, you’ll need to replace the filter regularly.
- Water Filtration
Water filtration is an excellent option for personal use. You can buy a vast range of water filtration systems in different styles. Whether it’s a device to be fitted in the home, a water jug, or a portable water bottle, there’s a filtration option available.
A high-quality water filter system will ensure water is completely safe for human consumption. However, make sure you’re buying a reputable product first; try chatting to an authorized Berkey dealer to understand the best options on the market.
- UV Purification
Another method of water purification is through ultraviolet light. UV light cleans water very efficiently and is one of the most reliable methods.
However, this method is more popular in commercial enterprises because the systems are high maintenance and require a lot of electricity. It’s not a cheap option for water purification.
- Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is the process of forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This filters out any bacteria, viruses, parasites, impurities, and heavy metals.
This is an effective method that retains the natural taste of water. Reverse osmosis is a high maintenance operation, but it’s popular to purify water in Asian and African countries where water quality is often poor.
Stay Safe: Purify Water for Drinking
That’s the 101 on how to purify water for drinking; if you want to stay safe, it’s a necessity.
Don’t take clean water for granted, but don’t panic if it’s not available. Now you know what to do if you find yourself in a remote area without access to clean water.
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