In a survival situation, water quickly becomes a priority. Dehydration can occur within a few hours, significantly worsening your physical and mental state. However, finding water is not enough: it is also necessary to ensure that it is drinkable. Contaminated water can lead to serious, even fatal, illnesses.
In this article, discover 10 effective techniques to purify your water in any situation. Some are modern, others are improvised, but all will allow you to transform an uncertain source into survival water.
Boiling: A simple and reliable method
Boiling remains the basic method for purifying water. Bringing water to a boil for at least one minute eliminates the majority of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This technique is ideal in the great outdoors, provided you have a sufficient heat source.
However, boiling does not remove heavy metals or chemical pollutants. It remains essential for making water biologically safe, but does not replace other more comprehensive methods.
Filter the water: Eliminate visible and invisible impurities
Filtration has been used for centuries to purify water. Modern filters are capable of capturing microscopic particles, including some viruses. In an emergency situation, it is also possible to improvise a filter with charcoal, sand, and gravel.
A good filter can reduce turbidity, remove debris, and prepare the water for additional disinfection. Combining filtration and boiling allows for maximizing safety.
Solar purification: Enjoying natural UV rays
Solar purification uses the sun's UV rays to destroy the micro-organisms present in water. Simply fill a clear bottle, place it in direct sunlight, and wait for about 6 hours.
This method requires no artificial energy and works well with clear water. However, it remains ineffective against chemical pollutants or turbid water.
Use bleach: A simple chemical disinfection
The bleach, unscented and non-concentrated, is a quick solution for disinfecting water. A small dose, followed by a resting time of about 30 minutes, is enough to destroy most pathogens.
It is essential to dose correctly to avoid intoxication. Bleach does not remove heavy metals or chemicals, but remains a reliable rescue option in many situations.
Iodine: A practical alternative on the go
Iodine is another effective chemical disinfectant. Easy to carry, it destroys bacteria, viruses, and the majority of parasites present in freshwater. Its ease of use makes it a valuable ally for hikers and travelers.
Attention, iodine modifies the taste of water and is not recommended for allergic individuals or pregnant women. It does not treat chemical contaminants or heavy metals.
UV Ray Sterilization: Portable and Effective Technology
UV lamps and sterilization pens can destroy pathogens in a matter of seconds. This method is convenient, fast, and does not alter the taste of the water.
"However, it requires a reliable energy source and only works on clear water. Suspended particles reduce its efficiency, hence the importance of pre-filtration."
Sterilization tablets: A compact and lightweight solution
The purifying tablets, such as AquaTabs, are used by NGOs, military, and travelers. They are easy to use: just immerse the tablet in a quantity of water and wait between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
These tablets eliminate most of the pathogens, but often leave an unpleasant taste. They are to be reserved for situations where the weight and volume of the material are limited.
Coriander: A natural solution against heavy metals
Coriander has a surprising property: it can absorb certain heavy metals present in water. This method is simple: just mix coriander leaves with water and let it sit for 24 hours.
This process is effective for industrial pollutants, but does not replace disinfection against micro-organisms. It is advisable to combine this method with another, such as boiling.
Desalination: Making seawater drinkable
Desalination allows for the removal of salt from seawater, making it drinkable. This technique is crucial for people at sea or living in arid regions.
There are portable desalination devices, although their use is generally reserved for professionals. The process requires a lot of energy and time, but it is essential for processing large quantities of saltwater.
Distillation: A complete purification for ultra-healthy water
Distillation consists of evaporating water before recondensing it, thus eliminating almost all contaminants. This process is particularly effective against heavy metals, chemical pollutants, and even pathogens.
Distillation requires specific equipment or an improvised setup, as well as a constant heat source. Although it is slow, it is a method of complete purification, capable of producing ultra-pure water even from very polluted sources.
Conclusion :
The purification of water is an essential skill in any emergency situation. Relying on a single method is risky. By mastering these 10 techniques, you increase your chances of surviving, no matter the environment.
Water is vital, and drinking contaminated water is a risk you cannot afford. Prepare now, equip your survival kit, and learn to use several complementary methods to ensure your safe hydration.
