How to Avoid Rookie Survival Water Purification Mistakes: Top Tips with Business Connect Adventure

When it comes to packing your go-bag, you’ve got it all: the fire starter, the pocket knife, the first aid kit . . . But you won’t be really prepared unless you have a plan to access the number 1 survival necessity.

That necessity? Clean water.

We Get It

We’re Business Connect Adventure—and our team of researchers, scientists, and outdoorspeople have been there. Believe us.

That’s why we’re committed to providing top-of-the-line water filtration systems for survival that are built for efficiency, practicality, and sustainability.

We know that when it’s just you and the wild, anything can happen. You have to be prepared for any eventuality, and your gear has to keep up with you. When it matters most, understanding water in emergency situations can make all the difference.

Our experiences have taught us (sometimes the hard way) a couple of key things that can help guide your search for water solutions. We’re spilling all our secrets - read on to learn how to get certified, battl-tested safe water on all of your adventures.

Why Water?

It’s one thing to say that clean water is important for your health, but what does that really mean?

Drinking water is essential to your body functioning properly. It helps bring nutrients to cells, get rid of wastes, protects joints and organs, and maintains your body temperature. Without proper hydration, our bodies start to shut down.

However, not just any water will do. At its most mild, drinking contaminated water can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. If you can access the right care and substitute your contaminated water for purified water, effects are uncomfortable but rarely life-threatening.

This isn’t the case in survival, emergency, or off-grid situations. In these moments, it’s vital to stay focused and healthy. Making a mistake with your water preparedness can cost time and supplies - which is a luxury you might not have.

Drinking v. Non-Drinking Water

How can you tell what water is safe to drink?

Is it the color?

Sometimes, it’s easy to tell if water is suspect. Always be suspicious of dark, muddy water with bits of debris floating in it. However, though color and smell are good places to start when it comes to identifying clean water, they aren’t enough. Clear, scent-less water can still be contaminated.

Is it the temperature?

You might be tempted by cold, crisp water—especially after a long hike in hot weather. Don’t be fooled! A water source’s temperature has little to do with how safe it is to consume.

Is it the current?

Probably the biggest myth is that swift-moving water makes it difficult for bacteria or other contaminants to enter. While it’s true that fast-moving water might be saf-er than stagnant water, these sources can still contain microorganisms that will make you sick.

The truth is: there’s no sure way of telling if water will be safe or not without a water testing kit. Our senses are not enough to determine what will make us sick or not. That’s why survival water purification is always recommended - no matter how inviting or refreshing that crystal-clear river looks in the moment.

Common Water Contaminants & Risks

When it comes to water contaminants, you can pick your poison - there are hundreds of different types of intruders to your water sources that can potentially make you ill.

The EPA breaks them down into four general categories: physical, chemical, biological, and radiological.

It’s best to protect yourself against contaminants in all of these categories, but in the wild, you most commonly run into physical and biological ones. These include: viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.

Viruses - Viruses that can be transmitted through water include hepatitis A and E, rotavirus, norovirus, poliovirus, and more. These can cause fever, liver inflammation, gastroenteritis, as well as more serious conditions.

Bacteria - Common bacterial contaminants include legionella and E. coli. Consuming these bacteria inadvertently can cause severe illness. At its most mild, E. coli can make you feel uncomfortable and feverish. At its most serious, it can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and permanent health problems.

Protozoa - Protozoa in your water can transmit a host of parasitic diseases. One of the most common of these in the US is giardia. Giardia infection can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.

It’s Not Just What You Drink

We have some bad news: you can get sick from water contamination without even drinking water!

How can that be? If the water you use for cleaning fruits, cooking, or brushing your teeth isn’t clean, it can still wreak havoc on your system.

That’s why it’s important to purify all of your water - no matter the use.

Essential Tips for Safe Water Consumption

So what can you do to protect yourself when you’re on the move?

In emergency situations, you might not have time to grab all the supplies you need. If you find yourself exposed and on your own, it’s still important to treat your water.

You can do this by boiling your water before drinking it. The CDC recommends bringing the water you collect to a full, rolling boil for 1 minute, then allow it to cool. This can help kill viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

During emergencies, you can also use solar disinfection, which can at least improve the quality of your water. To do this, you should collect water in a clear plastic container (soda bottles work well), and allow it to rest in a sunny spot for 6 hours (if sunny) or 2 days (if cloudy). Something to note here is that the water must be clear before disinfecting it in this way; this method will not work on opaque water.

Water Filtration Systems for Survival

Some of the best ways to make sure you’re drinking clean water is through filtration and purification solutions.

Filtration refers to systems that water is run through to help remove contaminants. The smaller the filter pore size, the more it will be able to catch. A filter that has been certified by NSF Standards 53 or 58 will remove parasites if used correctly. Reverse osmosis filters can remove bacteria and viruses.

Purification works a bit differently in that they use chemical reactions to neutralize contaminants like giardia, viruses, and bacteria. We find that these solutions are especially useful for emergency and adventure needs. Most come in easy-to-pack sizes and get to work fast.

Our Top Choices

When it comes to portable and powerful water safety, we never get tired of recommending these solutions:

P&G Purifier of Water packets combine flocculation and disinfection to remove dirt, cysts, and pollutants, and kill bacteria and viruses. The powder inside the packets purifies water after just 30 minutes, and one packet can treat up to 2.5 gallons so that you can stay prepared no matter where you find yourself.

Aquatabs 49mg Tablets are designed to purify ½ gallon of water in 30 minutes. All you have to do is place the tablet in water, wait, and drink. These purifiers come in packs of 10 and can fit in your pocket, backpack, first aid kit, or emergency bag. 

Aquatabs 397gmg Tablets can be helpful when purifying larger quantities of water. One tablet is perfect for securing rain barrels and home water catches so that you can be sure that your supply is always trustworthy.

The Uzima UZ-2 bucket filter system combines efficiency and portability. All you have to do is pour water directly into the 5-gallon bucket system and enjoy clean water from the tap whenever you need it - perfect for cabins or off-grid camping.

Thyrosafe is a US FDA-approved radiation protection tablet. In the event of a radiation emergency, nuclear accident, or attack, it can be a crucial line of defense. By preventing the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodide, Thyrosafe may reduce the risk of thyroid cancer and other radiation-related illnesses.

The Aquagenx Alert offers a reliable, portable way to test your water. The test detects both E. coli and Total Coliform Bacteria so that you can trust the water you drink.

The VFX-All-in-One Filter is a practical water solution that can attach to spigots, water bottles, and more to adapt to any situation. Using VF100 filtration technology, this compact and durable system can help you be ready for anything.

All of these water purification solutions are compact and fast-acting so that you can have peace of mind without sacrificing time, space, or expenses.

You Have Options

As all experienced outdoorspeople know, no two situations are exactly the same. That’s why you have to choose a system that works for you and your unique needs.

Thankfully, you have options! From water purifiers to filters to backpacks - your perfect fit is out there. You can visit our site to explore more resources and start your safe water journey.