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Water Purification Tips

According to the World Health Organization, unclean water takes the lives of approximately 1.5 million children under the age of 5 every year. Because of the health risks and possible diseases that come from contaminated water, proper water purification is vital. Purification methods range from primitive techniques to recent technological developments. Whatever purification method used, consider a few tips to ensure the process is done effectively.

  1. Boiling

    • Boiling is a reliable method of water purification in any circumstance, but makes for a lengthy and often inconvenient process. Remember that the boiling temperature varies based on the altitude of your location. For instance, at sea level the temperature is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, but higher altitude results in a lower boiling temperature. By 29,000 feet above sea level, you only need to heat the water to 160 degrees. While boiling rids unclean water of bacteria and viruses, it does tend to negatively affect the taste of the water.

    Filtration Systems

    • The typical micro filtration systems weighs anywhere from 7 to 32 oz. and is effective at removing bacteria and larger viruses, though it may miss smaller contaminants. Replace the filter often, as they do clog over time and lose effectiveness with frequent use. Study the listed pore size of the filter element, keeping in mind that smaller sizes mean better performance when it comes to removing foreign contaminants. Lastly, ensure the filter that comes with your system is readily available so replacement is a simple process. Otherwise, your investment will only last as long as the filter.

    Chemicals

    • Using chemicals to purify water effectively removes contamination at a much quicker rate than is accomplished by boiling. The easiest chemicals to obtain and utilize are iodine and chlorine. Treating cold water may take longer to purify when using iodine, usually around half an hour. While these chemicals have a negative impact on the taste of the water, this problem is offset by adding Vitamin C to the mixture after the treatment is completed. This is only possible when treating with iodine.

    Ultraviolet Light

    • Compared to the other methods, ultraviolet light is a newcomer to the field of water purification. Avoid relying on this option with murky water; it works best when purifying water that is clear to begin with. If you must treat murky water with this method, first filter the water through a fabric such as a bandana.

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