What’s the Safest & Healthiest Way to Filter Drinking Water?

Ensuring that our drinking water is free from contaminants is essential to maintaining our health. There are different ways to filter drinking water, but which one is the best? According to experts, boiling the water is the most effective way to kill harmful bacteria. In fact, heating water to a rolling boil for just one minute is enough to make it safe for drinking. However, there are other methods to filter water. Here are a few options to consider:

• Drops or tablets: These are small tablets or drops that can be added to water to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses. They are suitable for traveling or camping.
• Treatment with UV: Ultraviolet light can be used to destroy bacteria and viruses in the water. This method does not alter the taste or smell of the water.
• Charcoal activated filters: These filters remove impurities, such as chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides, from the water. They can be installed directly on the faucet or used in a pitcher.
• Travel-size sediment filters: These small filters can be used to remove sediment from the water. They are perfect for traveling or camping.
• DIY portable sediment filters: These filters can be made using basic materials, such as sand and gravel, and can be used to remove sediment from the water.
• Fruit peel filters: This method involves using fruit peels, such as banana or orange peels, to filter the water. The peels work as a natural filter, removing impurities from the water.

In conclusion, boiling water is the most effective way of filtering drinking water to make it safe for consumption. However, other options such as drops or tablets, UV treatment, activated charcoal filters, sediment filters, and fruit peel filters, can be used to filter water as well. Depending on your situation and needs, you can choose the most convenient and efficient way to ensure that your drinking water is safe and free of harmful contaminants.

What is the Best Way to Filter Drinking Water?

As someone who is passionate about home and garden, I understand the importance of having access to clean drinking water. Unfortunately, in today’s world, tap water and other sources of drinking water are sometimes contaminated with harmful bacteria or viruses that can cause serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to filter drinking water and make it safe for consumption. Here are some of the most effective methods.

Boiling

Boiling water is one of the oldest and most effective ways of purifying it. This method is especially useful when camping or traveling where you might not have access to other filtration systems. Boiling water heat kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that might be present in the water. All you have to do is bring the water to a rolling boil and let it continue boiling for at least one minute. If you are above 6,500 feet elevation, raise the boiling time to at least three minutes. Once the water is boiled, you can let it cool down to room temperature, refrigerate it, or freeze it. Boiling water works and is affordable, and there’s no need to buy any additional equipment.

Drops or Tablets

Another highly effective method to treat drinking water is using drops or tablets. This filtration method is relatively inexpensive and straightforward. The drops or tablets are usually made of chemicals, such as chlorine, that are designed to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present in the water. When using drops, ensure that you follow the instructions carefully and the right amount of drops to treat the volume of water you have. Tablets are a quicker option as you only need to add the right number of tablets to the water as indicated on the package. This method might alter the taste of the water but is ideal if you need a fast solution. Tip: Carry iodine tablets or chlorine drops in your camping gear.

Treatment with UV

UV radiation has been used for water treatment for many years and is considered one of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods of filtration. This filtration technique uses ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in the water. UV purification systems come in various sizes, and they are easy to install. Some of them are portable, which is ideal for camping trips. As long as the water to be treated is clear and with no large suspended particles, UV filtration is a perfect system to maintain clean drinking water.

Charcoal activated

Activated charcoal is another effective filter option. It uses the natural properties of activated charcoal to purify the water. When water passes through the activated charcoal, it absorbs impurities and contaminants, leaving the water clean and fresh. Activated charcoal filters are used in larger filtration systems, as well as portable water bottles. Unlike other filtration methods, this method is eco-friendly and does not use any chemicals. The disadvantage is that the filtration efficiency can decrease with time, and it needs to be replaced. Tip: Invest in a charcoal activated water filter pitcher to have fresh, filtered water available at home.

Travel-size sediment filters

When camping or hiking, it isn’t always practical to boil the water or carry water purifying drops. In such cases, a travel-size sediment filter is a good option, especially if the water source has an abundance of large sediments or particles. A sediment filter works by removing impurities that are too large for the filter to pass through. As the water passes through the filter, it catches larger sediments, leaving the water cleaner and safer to drink. Tip: Check that the sediment filter is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

DIY portable sediment filters

In a situation where you lack the usual filtration methods, a DIY filter can be made at home with easily accessible materials. One of the easiest DIY methods involves using a 2-liter plastic bottle, cotton, sand, and gravel. To make the filter, cut off the bottom of the bottle. Then, put several layers of cotton on the bottom, then a layer of sand, then a layer of gravel, then another layer of sand, and finally, cotton on top of the last layer of sand. Pass water through the filter, and impurities and sediments will get trapped in the sand and gravel layers. The cotton layers also filter the water as it circulates through the filter. This method is not ideal for removing all contaminants but can be used for a short time in an emergency.

Fruit peel filters

Fruit peel filtration is another DIY filter option that can come in handy in emergencies. To make a fruit peel filter, you can use an orange or a lemon. Cut off the top of the fruit and scoop out the flesh. Then, make a small hole in the bottom of the fruit. Pass the water through the hole, and the fruit’s peel will filter out the larger particles and sediments, leaving the water cleaner. Fruit peel filters provide a short term solution and are not effective in filtering bacteria and viruses.

The Finishing Touch

Having access to clean drinking water is essential for our health and well-being. There are various filtration methods available, some of which have been discussed above. While some of these methods are easier to implement than others, they all ensure that water is safe to drink. Invest in a filtration system that suits your needs and stay safe and hydrated.