I've always liked the word 'potable'; it sounds so scientific and learned. At any rate, it means 'safe to drink', and in a disaster (i.e. Hurricane Isabel), knowing how to purify water can be lifesaving.
According to the U.S. Army Survival Manual (my husband is a history and WWII buff), boil water for 1 minute at sea level, adding 1 minute for each additional 1,000 feet above sea level, or preferably boil hard (vigorous rolling boil) for 10 minutes no matter where you live. You can also use water purification tablets or tincture of iodine, but I feel that the boiling method is easiest to do and remember too.
According to the U.S. Army Survival Manual (my husband is a history and WWII buff), boil water for 1 minute at sea level, adding 1 minute for each additional 1,000 feet above sea level, or preferably boil hard (vigorous rolling boil) for 10 minutes no matter where you live. You can also use water purification tablets or tincture of iodine, but I feel that the boiling method is easiest to do and remember too.
Comments
That may take care of bacterial contaminants, but what about chemical contaminants or other non-living pollutants?
I know that this isn’t the fix-all answer; but in cases of chemical contaminants, etc., I would greatly urge the old-fashioned straining of water through sterile cloth, coffee filters, and the like. (That is, in addition to boiling.)
Marian,
You do not need “power” to boil the water,
all you need is a fire.
So, simply build a fire.