10 Ways to clean water.

1. Boiling

• Description: Boiling water for 1-3 minutes (longer at higher altitudes) kills most pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It’s one of the simplest and most effective methods, but doesn’t remove physical contaminants like dirt or heavy metals.

2. Sand and Gravel Filter

• Description: A simple layered filter using fine sand, coarse sand, and gravel. Water passes through the layers, which trap larger particles and sediment. While it removes debris, it won’t remove all pathogens or chemicals.

3. Charcoal (Activated Carbon) Filter

• Description: Charcoal can absorb contaminants, chemicals, and some bacteria. DIY filters often use charcoal from a fire, crushed and placed between sand and gravel layers. It’s good for improving taste and removing some toxins.

4. Solar Still

• Description: A solar still uses evaporation and condensation to purify water. By covering a container of water with plastic and leaving it in the sun, water vapor collects on the plastic and drips into a clean container. It removes contaminants but is slow.

5. Cloth Filtration

• Description: Pouring water through a clean cloth or fabric (like a shirt or bandana) helps remove large particles and debris. While it doesn’t purify the water, it can be combined with other methods like boiling or chemical treatments for better results.

6. DIY Bio-Filter (Sand, Charcoal, and Cloth Layers)

• Description: A bio-filter is made by layering sand, charcoal, and cloth in a container. As water passes through each layer, sediment, bacteria, and some chemicals are removed. It’s a low-cost option for basic water filtration.

7. Plastic Bottle Filter

• Description: Use a plastic bottle filled with layers of charcoal, sand, and small pebbles. Puncture small holes in the cap and pour water in the bottle for gravity filtration. This is easy to make and portable for basic water filtering needs.

8. Tree Branch or Straw Filter

• Description: A piece of tree branch, such as from a pine tree, can be used to filter water. Water is drawn through the wood’s xylem, which acts as a natural filter. It removes bacteria but not viruses or chemicals, making it a good supplementary method.

9. UV Treatment (Sunlight)

• Description: Leave a clear plastic bottle of water in direct sunlight for 6-12 hours. The UV rays from the sun can help kill bacteria and viruses. This method is simple but requires time and adequate sunlight.

10. Chemical Purification (Bleach or Iodine)

• Description: A few drops of household bleach (unscented, 5.25-8.25% concentration) or iodine tablets can disinfect water. Bleach needs to be mixed well and left for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is effective for killing pathogens but doesn’t remove debris.

These methods can be combined for more effective filtration and purification during emergencies.