Clean water is your top priority in any survival situation. Without it, dehydration and waterborne illnesses can set in quickly. Whether you’re facing a natural disaster, a power outage, or a wilderness emergency, knowing how to purify water is a critical skill.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best water purification methods, recommend essential gear, and link to helpful videos and books from our Survival Library. Let’s dive in!
Why Water Purification Matters
💧 Survival: The human body can only survive a few days without water.
🦠 Health: Contaminated water can cause serious illnesses like cholera and dysentery.
🧠 Peace of Mind: Knowing how to purify water ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
Top Water Purification Methods
1. Boiling ♨️
The simplest and most reliable method for killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- How-to: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitudes).
- Tip: Let the water cool before drinking.
2. Water Filters ✅
Portable filters remove bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses.
- How-to: Pump or gravity-feed water through the filter.
- Best For: Backpacking and on-the-go purification.
3. Chemical Purification 🧪
Tablets or drops (e.g., chlorine or iodine) kill bacteria and viruses.
- How-to: Follow the instructions on the product label.
- Tip: Let the water sit for the recommended time before drinking.
4. UV Purification 💡
UV light devices destroy bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
- How-to: Stir the UV pen in the water for the recommended time.
- Best For: Quick purification without altering taste.
5. Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) ☀️
Uses sunlight to kill pathogens in clear plastic bottles.
- How-to: Fill a clear bottle with water and leave it in direct sunlight for 6 hours (or 2 days if cloudy).
- Tip: Works best in sunny climates.
▶️ For a visual guide, check out this Water Purification explainer video:
Essential Water Purification Equipment
Every prepper should have these items in their kit:
- Portable Water Filter: A reliable option like the LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini.
- Water Purification Tablets: Lightweight and easy to use.
- Collapsible Water Container: For storing and transporting water.
- Pot or Kettle: For boiling water over a fire or stove.
- UV Purifier: A compact device for quick purification.
🔗 Check out our [Water Purification Gear Guide] for product recommendations.
Recommended Books from Our Survival Library
📖 The Prepper’s Water Survival Guide by Daisy Luther
This book covers everything from finding water sources to purifying and storing water for long-term emergencies. (Read our full review!)
📖 Where There Is No Doctor by David Werner
A practical resource for treating waterborne illnesses and purifying water in resource-limited settings. (Read our full review!)
Water Purification Playlist
To help you master these techniques, we’ve curated a playlist of beginner-friendly water purification videos:
- Boiling Water for Safe Drinking
- How to Use a Water Filter
- Purification Tablet Use
- UV Water Disinfection
- Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)
▶️ Watch our Water Purification in Emergencies playlist:
Final Thoughts
Water is life, and knowing how to purify it is one of the most important survival skills you can learn. By mastering these methods and equipping yourself with the right gear, you’ll be ready to stay hydrated and healthy in any situation.
🔙 Return to Water -or- Prepping 101 for more beginner-friendly guides.
📚 Explore our Survival Library for in-depth resources on preparedness.
