Before you travel to a third world country or go out for a long hike, you should consider purchasing portable water filters and portable water purifiers for travel and hiking. These will provide you with safer drinking water so you can stay hydrated. Before you buy, however, there are some things you should know about them.
Water filtration and water purification are two different things. Filtration in its most basic form is the process of filtering dirt and sediment from water while killing bacteria and viruses with boiling or the use of chemicals. Purification uses carbon and reverse osmosis to filter harmful particles from the water. If you are concerned about powering your water purifier, there are currently choices such as the Steripen sidewinder water purifier that feature a hand crank and do not have to have exterior electric power.
Can you elaborate more on filtration? The primary purpose of filtration is to kill bacteria and viruses while removing some dirt and sediment. Boiling for three minutes or more is the safest and most effective method of filtration. Unfortunately, boiling may not kill all harmful microorganisms and the water will still need to be run through a filtering cloth to remove dirt and debris.
Chemical filtration. Another way to filter water is by using chemicals such as iodine or chlorine. These methods are much quicker than boiling and can be used while hiking or when it is not feasible to boil the water. Both chemicals are very cheap and can be carried in small packages or bottles. The major drawback to chemicals is that they can be harmful if overused or improperly used.
Iodine kills most microorganisms, but it may take some time for larger quantities of water. It should not be used for long periods of time and can be hazardous to pregnant women or people with thyroid problems.
Chlorine thins the water, making dirt and sediment sink to the bottom. It will make the water clearer on the upper levels. However, if chlorine is used in excess or improperly mixed with water, it can cause serious illness, organ damage, and lead to death.
Water purification. A more costly, but safer method to clean water is through the use of purification containers. Purification uses a combination of carbon and reverse osmosis to filter out particles and sediment that is dangerous. The carbon is effective at making the water taste better and removing odors, pollutants, and chemicals from the water. Reverse osmosis completes the cycle by removing toxic metals like lead and other impurities.
You did not mention killing bacteria; will it make water safe to drink? Purification will kill some harmful microorganisms, but not all. Many purifiers still recommend boiling water after it is purified. There are ultraviolet (UV) lights in some higher end purifiers that disrupt bacteria and viral reproduction, rendering them mostly harmless.
Also relatively new to the market are solar water disinfection. These can kill many harmful microbes by using radiation and temperatures provided by sunlight. This can be a very effective way to disinfect water in hot and tropical environments.
You can protect yourself and stay hydrate by using portable water filters and portable water purifiers for travel and hiking. Do your research and invest in the one that works best for you. It may save your life.
Water filtration and water purification are two different things. Filtration in its most basic form is the process of filtering dirt and sediment from water while killing bacteria and viruses with boiling or the use of chemicals. Purification uses carbon and reverse osmosis to filter harmful particles from the water. If you are concerned about powering your water purifier, there are currently choices such as the Steripen sidewinder water purifier that feature a hand crank and do not have to have exterior electric power.
Can you elaborate more on filtration? The primary purpose of filtration is to kill bacteria and viruses while removing some dirt and sediment. Boiling for three minutes or more is the safest and most effective method of filtration. Unfortunately, boiling may not kill all harmful microorganisms and the water will still need to be run through a filtering cloth to remove dirt and debris.
Chemical filtration. Another way to filter water is by using chemicals such as iodine or chlorine. These methods are much quicker than boiling and can be used while hiking or when it is not feasible to boil the water. Both chemicals are very cheap and can be carried in small packages or bottles. The major drawback to chemicals is that they can be harmful if overused or improperly used.
Iodine kills most microorganisms, but it may take some time for larger quantities of water. It should not be used for long periods of time and can be hazardous to pregnant women or people with thyroid problems.
Chlorine thins the water, making dirt and sediment sink to the bottom. It will make the water clearer on the upper levels. However, if chlorine is used in excess or improperly mixed with water, it can cause serious illness, organ damage, and lead to death.
Water purification. A more costly, but safer method to clean water is through the use of purification containers. Purification uses a combination of carbon and reverse osmosis to filter out particles and sediment that is dangerous. The carbon is effective at making the water taste better and removing odors, pollutants, and chemicals from the water. Reverse osmosis completes the cycle by removing toxic metals like lead and other impurities.
You did not mention killing bacteria; will it make water safe to drink? Purification will kill some harmful microorganisms, but not all. Many purifiers still recommend boiling water after it is purified. There are ultraviolet (UV) lights in some higher end purifiers that disrupt bacteria and viral reproduction, rendering them mostly harmless.
Also relatively new to the market are solar water disinfection. These can kill many harmful microbes by using radiation and temperatures provided by sunlight. This can be a very effective way to disinfect water in hot and tropical environments.
You can protect yourself and stay hydrate by using portable water filters and portable water purifiers for travel and hiking. Do your research and invest in the one that works best for you. It may save your life.
About the Author:
Gretchen Robertvine plans on using the SteriPEN Sidewinder Water Purifier while she is hiking and camping in the Appalachian Mountains next summer. She is a independent contributor who writes for organizations such as Survival Camping World and Better Health Innovations, two leading internet outfitters.
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