Emergency Outdoor Water Sources Evaluation/Purification

http://www.homemergencypro.com/page/1072902

Water Purification – Camping Forum – GardenWeb

Planning on returning to New Orleans soon. What do you folks think is the most effective water purification/filtration system?

Lady … when it comes to water purification, hard to beat plain old boiling, especially when … For example, if you were to use povidone iodine (Betadine), … And the iodine taste can be countered with a drop of liquid vitiman C -

Lady … when it comes to water purification, hard to beat plain old boiling, especially when your in a residence and can set it aside to cool off. And you don’t have to leave it boilng for for a set period of time, just bringing it to a boil will suffice to kill any and all pathogens. Here the cost is only that of the fuel or electric used to heat the water. The next best method in my experience, dating back to years ago in the military was iodine. For example, if you were to use povidone iodine (Betadine), four drops to a quart or liter of water will do the job. If the water is clear, let it set for maybe 30 minutes before use. And the iodine taste can be countered with a drop of liquid vitiman C – Of course, you don’t want to be messing with iodine if your pregnant or have a thyroid condition. I know there have been a zillion filtration systems that have came out on the market in past few years, but there’s a cost factor to them.
I see Cabela’s offer an MSR ceramic filter that’s toted as a high performer; also they have other microfiltering systems. I carry in my fishing vest a microfilter straw just in case I get somewhere “up-the-river” and need a drink real bad NOW. Also carry one of those “Brita” water filtering pitchers in the camper, which is not for water purification, of course, but does a fair job of removing chlorine taste and has even removed a respectable degree of rust removal from well water (with a hand pump) at a state forest campground that we like to frequent.

Again, boiling is my favorite and a sure bet to get the job done. Chemical and filtration will cost more, just depending on how precise you want to go.
http://nature.gardenweb.com/forums/load/camping/msg1012111920924.html

A Note in boiling water: Use only the top clear water after cooling. That is for real bad water!

Locoweed:
Individually wrapped Betadine (also called 10% povidone-iodine solution) antiseptic pads are not only good for cuts and scrapes but two of them (or seven drops of the liquid) in a quart canteen of water and shaken will kill all the bad bugs.  I usually filter the water through a [sweat-soaked] bandana first and then drop in two pads, shake it up, and let it sit for twenty minutes or so (the colder the water the longer it must sit).  The Betadine doesn’t taste as bad as iodine or chlorine-based water purification pills.  To remove the bad taste of any of these bug killers carry a small vitamin C tablet and when your waiting period is over, crush the tablet and shake it up in the water — removes the halogen taste.  Don’t swallow and choke on the pads!  I’ve used this method to treat some incredibly foul water (green scum, insects, cow urine) in remote canyons in Arizona and had no ill effects.  I have a small pouch on the side of my water bottle carrier and in it I carry a few salt packets from a fast food joint, a coffee filter (to use instead of the aforementioned crusty bandana), and four or five Betadine pads.

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