Top 5 off the Grid Water Purification Methods

The demand for clean water can never end, even if you are in the wilderness. The scenario gets worse when dealing with a disaster or a natural accident. Contamination of water sources is among the most unexpected events. A flood or an earthquake can disrupt the supply of safe, clean water to your city. It's essential to have a few off the grid water purification tips since we need water to carry out plenty of things not to mention to keep us healthy and hydrated.

When planning to start a water purification process, it's vital that you start by cleaning the debris. A contaminated water source will have waste that must be removed or else the debris will clog the purification system you are using. The debris is the big sized dirt particles.

Below are the best five methods that users can utilize in purifying water.

1.         The sand filtration

This method should be used to filter water that is reasonably clear. If the water has a lot of rough dirt, then the sand filter can get too clogged up. An apparent reference to the above picture shows how simple it is to build a sand filter. Fine sand is the best filter but then the water flow will be prolonged, while coarse sand offers faster water flow with below average filtration ability. Before you sue the sand, sift it first, and then wash it until the water is running clear. Unless dealing with an emergency clean water shortage, its best to go for the subtle sand since they have very high-quality filtration results.

2.         The tree branch water filtration system

Another method that is useful for those who love spending some time in the wilderness. The needed items are a fastener, an averagely sized tube, and a cut branch. According to research done by the MIT experts, you can purify water using the sapwood branch if the bacteria and the experimental dye are removed. The method can be quite slow. However, the final results are excellent. The picture above clearly shows how the filtration system should be after setting it up.

3.         The homemade water filter

This is the simplest method, and the steps are very comprehensible and accessible. Take a container and cover it with a clean cloth/fabric. Slowly pour the contaminated water into the tank through the cloth (which acts as a temporary shift filter). You can use several layers of fabric (even paper coffee filters are reliable homemade water filters). You will need to reposition the fabric after some time to make sure the water flow is not interrupted. Continue repeating the process tile your water is very clear.

4.         The SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) method

This method is considered to be the cheapest and simplest method of disinfecting contaminated water. You only use the sun to heat and boil the infected water. Scientifically if you can keep water for a minimum of 3 minutes past the boiling point, then most harmful organisms and bacteria will be eradicated. This method needs PET bottles or glass bottles. The containers must be clean before being used. After filling them with water, place them in the sun. This is the natural alternative to the tradition filtration method of boiling water.

5.         Using the different water purification chemicals

The method is advantageous and can be used in every situation. There are various chemical compounds which can be used to purify water. You can use the Chlorine Dioxide tablets, which take about four hours to dissolve and disinfect the contaminated water thoroughly. There are also the liquid bleaching agents who take a much shorter time than the tablets. Avoid using the scented bleaching agents or those that have additives. To determine the effectiveness of the method, your water should smell like chlorine, if not, then you should redo the filtration process again.

Just a recap:

1.         The sand filtration

2.         The tree branch water filtration system

3.         The homemade water filter

4.         The SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) method

5.         Using the different water purification chemicals