Portable Drinking Water Systems and Emergency Disinfection

Boiling and chemical treatment are the two basic methods for disinfecting small quantities of water.

Portable drinking water systems or chemical additives such as chlorine and iodine preparations are used in camping, hiking, and traveling in remote areas to purify drinking water. Commercially available portable pumps come with ceramic filters that will handle from 5,000 to 50,000 quarts per cartridge. Some filters use activated charcoal.

Portable drinking water systems and chemical disinfectants are also good to have on hand in the event of an emergency, natural disaster, or other crisis that could interrupt or contaminate the main water supply.

Boiling and chemical treatment are the two basic methods for disinfecting small quantities of water. Boiling water for a few minutes is the surest way to kill most bacteria. Adding the correct amount of bleach or iodine to water will also kill many common fresh water pathogens and organisms.

However, it is important to note that chlorine and iodine are not effective against Cryptosporidium, and their effectiveness against Giardia is limited, although chlorine is a little better than iodine against Giardia. Both work better in warmer weather. Iodine and chlorine are best used primarily to disinfect well water, as it is not likely to contain these organisms.

Water for drinking, cooking, or brushing the teeth should always be properly disinfected!

Iodine

Chlorine Bleach

Boiling

Ultraviolet Light

Emergency Sources of Drinking Water

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