The 9 Water Purification Methods: What They Treat and their Pros and Cons

Having a water purification method is one of the most important parts of disaster prepping. But it is also one of the most confusing.

There is a LOT of information out there about water purification systems, and a lot of the info is purposely misleading because companies want you to buy their products.

The reality is that there is no one “best” method of purifying water in disaster situations.

Which water purification method to use depends on your situation and the types of threats present.

For example, a water treatment system designed for backcountry use where viruses aren’t likely probably won’t be safe for treating flood water in an urban environment.

Here is an overview of the 9 methods of disaster water purification and the pros/cons of each written by Diane Vukovic here.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion lasts a long time, stores well in survival kits and cars, and doesn’t have the laundry-list poison control label like DEET sprays.

Sean Gold
Founder & Lead Writer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Secure a small loop of cord to a trekking pole to create a convenient place to hang a water bladder and filter water.

Nathan Pipenberg
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

It contains 20 percent picaridin, a powerful insect repellent that will make nights around the campfire much more enjoyable.

Liz Provencher
Freelane Writer