Keith Thomas: 0:05

Thank you. Welcome to another episode of Survival Sense, your go-to podcast for all things disaster preparedness. I'm your host, keith Thomas, and today we're diving into one of the most critical survival skills water purification. Whether you're in the wilderness, facing a natural disaster or experiencing an emergency, knowing how to purify water can be the difference between life and death. Before we get started, I want to remind you to check out our Send Us a Text Message link in the show notes to share your thoughts, questions and survival stories with us. So let's get into it.

Keith Thomas: 1:37

Water is essential for survival, but not all water is safe to drink. Contaminated water can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemicals. Drinking untreated water can lead to severe health issues like diarrhea, cholera and dysentery, which can be fatal in survival situations. In this episode, we'll explore various methods to ensure your water is safe to drink, no matter where you find yourself. Boiling is one of the simplest and most effective methods of water purification. Bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute three minutes at higher altitudes kills most pathogens. Here's a step-by-step guide. Step one gather your supplies. You'll need a pot or container to hold the water and a heat source like a camp stove or fire. Step two filter the water. If the water is murky, filter it through a clean cloth or coffee filter to remove debris. Step 3. Boil the water. Place the pot over your heat source and bring the water to a rolling boil. And Step 4. Cool and store. Let the water cool naturally and store it in a clean container. Boiling can be highly effective, but it doesn't ensure that all pathogens and viruses are killed in the water.

Keith Thomas: 3:17

Chemical purification involves using disinfectants like iodine, chlorine or water purification tablets. These methods are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for emergency kits. For iodine. Add iodine tablets to your water and wait 30 minutes before drinking. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct dosage. Instructions on the package for the correct dosage For chlorine. Household bleach can be used in small amounts. Add eight drops of bleach per gallon of water, mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes. Keep in mind household bleach needs to be unscented, just plain bleach. Unscented, just plain bleach. Water purification tablets. These tablets are specifically designed for purifying water. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results. While effective against most pathogens, chemical methods may leave an unpleasant taste and don't remove chemical contaminants.

Keith Thomas: 4:28

Water filters are a popular choice by outdoor enthusiasts and preppers. They come in various forms, from portable straw filters to pump filters and gravity fed systems. Here's a quick overview. Straw filters these are small, lightweight and perfect for individual use. Simply sip water through the straw to filter out contaminants. Pump filters these use a manual pump to force water through a filter. They're efficient for purifying larger quantities of water. And gravity-fed systems Ideal for groups. These systems use gravity to pull water through a filter. Set up the system, fill the reservoir and let gravity do the work. Filters are effective at removing bacteria and protozoa, but not all are capable of removing viruses. Always check the specifications of the filter.

Keith Thomas: 5:36

Solar disinfection, or SODIS, is a low-cost method that uses the sun's UV rays to kill pathogens in water. Here's how it works You'll need a clear plastic bottle. Use clear PET bottles, as these allow UV rays to penetrate effectively. Fill the bottles with water and shake them to oxygenate the water. Place the bottles on a reflective surface in direct sunlight for at least six hours After exposure. The water is ready to drink. You just have to let it cool down. Sodis or SOTUS is effective and doesn't require any additional supplies, but it's time-consuming and depends on sunny weather.

Keith Thomas: 6:37

Uv light purifiers are compact and easy to use. These devices use UVC light to destroy the DNA of pathogens, rendering them harmless. Here's a quick guide Prepare the water by filtering out any debris before using the UV purifier. Activate the device. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to turn on the UV purifier, then steer and purify. Insert the device into the water and steer for the recommended time, usually about 90 seconds per liter. Uv purifiers are effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa, but they do require batteries and don't remove chemical contaminants.

Keith Thomas: 7:21

If you're in a pinch and don't have access to commercial purification methods, there are some DIY options you can use. The first option is improvised sand and charcoal filter. Basically, you're going to create a basic filter using layers of sand, charcoal and gravel and pour water through the filter to remove large particles and some pathogens. Large particles and some pathogens no-transcript. Your next option is a solar still here, you dig a hole, place a container in the center of the hole, cover the hole with plastic and put a small weight in the center. The sun will evaporate water, which then condenses and drips into the container. And your third option is cloth filtration Use a clean cloth to filter out larger particles. While this method doesn't purify water, it's a first step before using other methods For maximum safety. Combining methods can be very effective. For example, filter water to remove debris, then boil or use chemical purification to kill pathogens. This multi-step approach ensures you're tackling various types of contaminants.

Keith Thomas: 8:58

Well, that's a wrap on today's episode of Survival Sense. Water purification is a critical skill and now you have several methods to ensure your water is safe to drink in any situation. Remember, the key is to always be prepared and have multiple options at your disposal. Don't forget to visit the send us a text message link in the show notes to share your experiences and ask any questions you have about water purification or any other survival topics. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Before we go, a quick plug for the book SAS Survival Handbook. This comprehensive guide is packed with survival skills and knowledge passed down through generations. It's a must-have for anyone who's serious about preparedness. Find the link in the show notes and get your copy today. Stay safe, stay prepared and until next time. This is Keith Thomas signing off.