Back-country water purification systems and methods usually include a variety of portable water filters and chemical treatments. Boiling the water, however, remains one of the more reliable and cost-effective ways to purify drinking water. When water is brought to a high rolling boil over at least one to three minutes, all contaminates are effectively removed. Sometimes boiled water can have a flat or smoky taste. To fix this, pour the water into another bottle to add oxygen, or add a lemon, orange or lime peel or teabag to the water after it is boiled.
There are a variety of water purification systems available that are designed to be compact, while removing bacteria, viruses and other impurities. When considering a purifier, compare the weight of the filter, its level of effectiveness, cleaning ease and pumping force. Purchase a system that has an adequate size for the amount of time it will be needed, as well as the anticipated amount of water that will be filtered. Try to find filters that use reverse osmosis for ease of use and that have a National Science Foundation recommended rating of 53 or 58 for drinking water.
There are iodine tablets, liquids and crystals that effectively kill many types of impurities in water. Iodine is not effective for all kinds of impurities, however, and it is sensitive to water temperature. Cool water can take as much as eight hours to purify. Warm water can require as much as 30 minutes to be effective. Iodine-treated water can sometimes have a less than palatable taste, which can be handled with a citrus peel after treatment. Products also are available that can adjust the taste of iodine-treated water. Avoid drinking iodine-treated water for at least 10 minutes after treatment. Iodine has a limited shelf life; so check the expiration date. Also, iodine-treated water should be consumed for only a few weeks at a time.
