Ensuring safe hydration is essential while camping, and knowing how to make water safe to drink while camping is crucial. Water is a necessity on any outdoor adventure. Whether hiking, camping, or just traveling, you need to know what water treatment options are available. Here are some of the best options for treating water on the road or in the wilderness. Purification Options You may be thinking, “why would I want to purify my water?” It’s not always that simple. You don’t always have the luxury of a clean and safe tap water source.
Knowing the Source of Your Water during Camping
You will come across many different types of water while camping or traveling. The first thing to know is how to tell the difference between each type of water. This way, you can keep yourself safe and hydrated at all times. Water is one of the most basic requirements for living. Without it, we cannot survive. It is essential to our survival. For this reason, it is often the first thing people need to know about when they go Camping.
How To Make Water Safe To Drink While Camping?
Treat your water. It is an essential part of Camping, especially in the desert, where you can quickly dehydrate. Different methods to treat water, such as boiling, adding chemicals, filtering, etc. We’ll be using a chemical-based method of treating our water, which is called “chlorine dioxide” (or just “chlorine”). It’s relatively easy to add chlorine to your water, and it’s even easier to test if it has been added correctly.
Boiling Water:
A great way to treat your water is to boil it. The best way to do this is by boiling the water in a pot with a lid. If you don’t have a pot with a cover, you can use a disposable aluminium pot. It is also essential to boil the water for at least one minute. If you’re unsure how long to boil your water, here are some guidelines:
Do not use a plastic or metal pot, as these materials can leach chemicals into your water. Never use any non-recyclable paper or plastic to store your water. Do not place the lid on the pot; add the water. It will allow the heat to escape, which could cause the water to boil. When boiling the water, keep the temperature at 180°F (82°C) or higher. You can test the temperature with an inexpensive thermometer.
Disinfection:
Disinfection during Camping is also essential. Keep a small bottle of chlorine bleach or iodine in the tent for treating water. For more information on how to disinfect water, click here. As with all other body parts, the skin is the body’s largest organ and acts as a protective barrier against the elements. However, the skin can become dry or damaged if exposed to the elements for prolonged periods. Exposure to UV rays from the sun can also damage the skin.
Read More: Boiling Water While Camping | 5 Quick and Easy Ways
Filtration:
Filteration systems are available that will remove particulates and bacteria from the air. Prevention The best prevention for insect bites is to use insect repellent. Insect repellents contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET is the most effective and widely used insect repellent. The concentration of DEET in an insect repellent is often expressed in percentage.
Chemical Treatment:
Water can be made safe to drink by chemical treatment while camping. It uses chemicals like chlorine dioxide or iodine in water purification tablets or drops. This is how it works:
If you’re using chemical treatment, make sure you follow the instructions. It usually takes 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the product and water temperature, to add the right number of tablets or drops to your water container. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are killed by the chemicals during this time.
Backpackers and minimalist campers like chemical treatment for its portability and long shelf life. You should test the water source’s quality before treating it, since it might not remove particulate matter or chemicals.
Carry Clean Containers:
You need clean water containers when camping to make sure your drinking water is safe. Why it’s so important:
You need clean containers to store purified water. Water-proof containers designed specifically for holding water are key. It’s important to have tight lids on these containers to keep debris, insects, and other contaminants out.
It’s best to keep untreated water and treated water in separate containers to prevent cross-contamination. You can tell the difference between the two by labeling them. You can also check the clarity and cleanliness of the water with transparent containers.
It’s important to maintain containers properly. Keep your water containers clean and sanitized to prevent bacteria from growing. You’ll keep your stored water safe and potable throughout your camping trip if you keep your containers in good condition.
UV Sterilization:
You can purify water while camping with UV sterilization. The UV light destroys the DNA of microorganisms so they can’t reproduce, making the water safe to drink. How UV sterilization works:
UV sterilizing devices, like UV pens or portable UV purifiers, emit a specific wavelength of UV-C light that kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. UV sterilization works best when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The speed and effectiveness of UV sterilization are big advantages. It purifies water in seconds, making it a great on-the-go option. Water doesn’t taste, smell, or change color after UV treatment, and no chemicals are needed.
The UV sterilization process may not remove particulates or chemicals, so it’s important to start with clean water. In case of power outages, it’s good to have spare batteries or an alternative purification method.
Additional Tips:
- Choose a spot upstream from any humans or animals when collecting water from nature.
- Before purifying water, remove sediment and debris with a fine mesh filter or a cloth.
- Always treat or purify water from uncertain sources, even if it appears clear.
- If one of your purification methods fails or you run out, you’ll have another.
- Avoid dehydration, especially if you’re in a hot environment.
If you follow these steps and take a vigilant approach to water safety, you can make sure the water you drink while camping is safe.
Read More: How To Keep Water Cold In Hydration Pack?
Conclusion
Knowing how to make water safe to drink while camping is crucial for a successful and enjoyable trip. By following these tips for selecting clean water sources, using effective filtration methods, and considering backup options like purification tablets, you can confidently quench your thirst without compromising your health.