How to purify water for drinking while hiking

When hiking, staying hydrated is crucial, and access to clean drinking water can sometimes be a challenge. Knowing how to purify water effectively ensures that you can stay healthy and safe during your outdoor adventures. In this blog, we’ll delve into various methods for purifying water while hiking, discussing their pros and cons, and providing practical tips for each method.

Understanding the Importance of Water Purification

Water sources in the wild can be contaminated with harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Drinking untreated water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and other serious health issues. Therefore, it’s essential to purify any water you collect from natural sources.

Common Water Contaminants

1. Bacteria: Such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause severe digestive issues.
2. Viruses: Including norovirus and hepatitis A, though these are less common in backcountry water sources.
3. Protozoa: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common in freshwater and can be harmful if ingested.

Methods for Purifying Water

1. Boiling

Overview: Boiling water is one of the most reliable methods for purification. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

How to Do It:

• Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (three minutes at higher altitudes).
• Let it cool before drinking.

Pros:

• Highly effective against all pathogens.
• Requires minimal equipment (just a heat source and a container).

Cons:

• Time-consuming.
• Requires fuel, which may not always be available.
• Can be impractical for large quantities.

2. Chemical Treatments

Overview: Chemical purification involves using tablets or drops that kill pathogens.

Types of Chemicals:

• Chlorine Dioxide Tablets: Effective against bacteria and viruses, and can reduce Giardia.
• Iodine Tablets: Effective but not recommended for pregnant women or those with thyroid issues.

How to Use:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and wait time (usually around 30 minutes).

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry.
• Quick to use.

Cons:

• Some chemicals have a taste or may not be effective against all protozoa.
• Requires planning ahead and purchasing specific products.

3. Water Filters

Overview: Portable water filters are effective at removing bacteria and protozoa, and some can even remove viruses if they have a small enough pore size.

Types:

• Pump Filters: Require manual pumping to draw water through the filter.
• Gravity Filters: Use gravity to filter water, making them easy to use but often slower.
• Straw Filters: Allow you to drink directly from the water source.

How to Use:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setup and use.

Pros:

• Instant access to clean water.
• Usually improves taste.

Cons:

• Requires maintenance (cleaning or replacing filters).
• Some filters may not remove viruses unless specified.

4. UV Light Purification

Overview: UV light purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill pathogens in water.

How to Use:

• Submerge the UV light device in water and wait for the specified duration (usually around 90 seconds).

Pros:

• Quick and effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
• Lightweight and portable.

Cons:

• Requires batteries, which may not be available on extended trips.
• Does not remove chemical contaminants or sediment.

5. Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)

Overview: This method uses sunlight to purify water by placing it in clear plastic bottles.

How to Do It:

• Fill clear bottles with water and leave them in direct sunlight for at least six hours (or two days if it's cloudy).

Pros:

• No equipment or chemicals needed.
• Environmentally friendly.

Cons:

• Time-consuming.
• Requires sunny weather and clear bottles.

Practical Tips for Collecting Water

Finding a Water Source

• Look for flowing water like rivers or streams, as it’s less likely to be contaminated than stagnant water.
• Avoid collecting water near campsites, livestock areas, or any visible pollution.

Pre-Filtering

Before purifying, you may want to pre-filter water to remove sediment and debris. You can do this using:

• A bandana or coffee filter.
• A piece of clean cloth.

Safety Tips

• Always carry a backup method of purification in case your primary method fails.
• Keep an eye on expiration dates for chemical treatments and filters.
• Test your purification method on known safe sources before relying on it in the wilderness.

Conclusion

Purifying water while hiking is a crucial skill that ensures your safety and enjoyment during outdoor adventures. Whether you choose to boil, use chemical treatments, filter, or apply UV light, being prepared with the right tools and knowledge can make all the difference. Always remember to collect water from safe sources and to have multiple purification methods at your disposal.

With this guide, you can confidently explore the great outdoors, knowing you have the means to stay hydrated and healthy. Happy hiking!