Phillip Elden cautions first that you should never drink water from a natural source, no matter how clean it looks. There are plenty of waterborne diseases you can contract from viruses, parasites, and bacteria. These germs are invisible to the eye, and you can guarantee that your G.I. tract pick up on them.
How To Purify Water
If you find yourself in the wild with no clean water handy, look for a flowing water source. Phillip Elden says it’s best to find water on a higher elevation close to where it originates from. In other words, if you see a natural spring, get your water directly from where it flows. If you are collecting water from a creek, try to do so away from campsites and grazing areas.
Next, you’ll need to filter the water you have. If you’ve prepared, you’ll have a commercial water filtration kit packed along with your tent. But, you may also be able to use coffee filters in a pinch. Phillip Elden says your next step is to boil the water. This is the best way to kill most organisms that cause disease. Depending on your elevation, you’ll need to boil for at least one to three minutes.
In an emergency, such as if you experienced a flood or other issue that can affect your drinking water at home, you may be able to use plain unscented, chlorine bleach. For every gallon of water, use six to eight droplets of bleach to purify.
According to Phillip Elden, you have to stay hydrated. Whether you’re in the wild or experiencing an emergency of mother nature, clean water is crucial. When you can’t get it from the store, you may have to take steps to clean it yourself. From boiling to bleach, the above information can help you avoid illness from water-borne germs.
