How to purify water when SHTF: Everything you need to know!
In a SHTF scenario, water quickly becomes one of the most valuable commodities around. And while you might have stored up some water ahead of time, it's always a good idea to know how to purify water in case you run out or your stored water becomes contaminated.
Since water is one of the first things you'll need when an emergency or disaster strikes, it's important to have a plan in place for how you'll find and collect water when the water supply is disrupted
Identify potential water sources
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for water sources:
- Look for sources of fresh water, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. Avoid stagnant water, which can be contaminated.
- If you can't find any fresh water sources, you can try collecting rainwater. Set up a tarp or other catchment system to collect the water as it falls.
- If all else fails, you can try collecting water from plants. Many plants, such as cacti, store water in their stems. You can also gather morning dew from plants.
Keep in mind that you'll need to purify any water you collect, as it may be contaminated with bacteria or other pollutants. Boiling is the best way to purify your water.
Best ways to purify water
There are a few different ways to purify water, and the best method will depend on the resources you have available. One simple way to purify water is to boil it for at least 1 minute. This will kill any harmful bacteria or viruses that might be present.
If boiling is not an option, you can also purify water using bleach. Add 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will also kill any harmful bacteria or viruses.
Another option is to filter your water, it is important to choose one that is designed to remove the specific contaminants present in the water. For example, if there is a risk of bacteria, choose a filter that is designed to remove bacteria. If you don't have something to filter your water with you can build your own water purification system with charcoal, sand and small rocks. you can even filter your water through a coffee filter or piece of cloth. This will remove any large particles that might be present. When filtering your water with a coffee filter or a cloth you should rinse and repeat as necessary.
The UV rays from the sun can also help clean contaminated water, when leaving glass bottles with water outside for minumum 6 hours the UV rays will kill all bacterias, viruses and worms in the water making it safe to consume. Keep in mind that the container needs to be clean. This method works best in hot places.
Boiling water is a simple and effective way to purify it, but it is important to boil it for at least 1 minute to ensure that all the harmful bacteria are killed.
Store purified water in containers
Here are some tips on how to store your purified the water:
- Store the water in clean, food-grade containers. Glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic are all good options.
- Avoid using containers that have previously held toxic substances, as they may still contain residue that could contaminate the water.
- If using plastic containers, make sure to wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water before use.
- Be sure to label the containers with the date the water was purified, so you know how long it will be safe to drink.
- Store the containers in a cool, dark place to prevent the water from becoming contaminated again.
With proper care, purified water can be stored indefinitely. However, it's always best to use the water as soon as possible for the best taste and quality.