As an experienced camper, I have learned over time that the most important aspect of camping in a remote campsite is access to safe drinking water. Clean water is not only necessary for drinking, but also for cooking and personal hygiene purposes.
Therefore, it is essential that you master the art of water purification to ensure a successful camping trip.
In this article, I will guide you through the importance of water purification, its benefits, and how to choose the right method for your camping needs.
The importance of water purification while camping
Water purification while camping is essential because natural water sources such as rivers, streams, and lakes can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause waterborne diseases.
Examples of waterborne diseases are cholera, typhoid fever, and giardiasis. These diseases are no fun and can lead to severe health complications, especially if you are far from medical facilities. Therefore, it is crucial to purify water before consuming it or using it for cooking or washing.
Apart from preventing waterborne diseases, water purification also improves the taste and quality of the water. Purified water tastes better and is free from unpleasant odors, sediments, and chemicals that may be present in natural water sources.
Additionally, purified water is clearer and cleaner, making it ideal for cooking and personal hygiene purposes
Understanding risks of waterborne diseases
Waterborne diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are present in contaminated water. These microorganisms can cause various health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and fever.
The severity of these diseases depends on the type of microorganism and the immune system of the infected person. Therefore, it is essential to purify your water if you want to stay away from sickness and enjoy your trip.
Types of water purification methods for camping
There are several water purification methods that you can use while camping. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to choose the right one for your camping needs.
The most common water purification methods for camping are water filters, water purification tablets, and boiling water.
- Water filters for camping
Water filters are devices that remove impurities from water by physically straining them. Water filters come in various sizes and designs, from hand-held filters to pump filters and gravity-fed filters.
Hand-held filters are small and portable and are ideal for backpacking or hiking trips.
Pump filters are larger and more efficient and can filter larger quantities of water.
Gravity-fed filters are the most convenient and user-friendly and can filter water without any effort from the user.
Water filters are effective in removing bacteria, protozoa, and sediments but are not effective in removing viruses. Therefore, it is essential to choose a water filter that has a pore size of 0.2 microns or less, which can remove most bacteria and protozoa.
It is also important to clean and maintain your water filter regularly to ensure its effectiveness.
- Water purification tablets for camping
Water purification tablets come in various forms, such as chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, and chlorine dioxide tablets. Chlorine and iodine tablets are the most common and are effective in killing bacteria and viruses but are not effective in killing cryptosporidium and giardia.
Chlorine dioxide tablets are more expensive but are more effective in killing a broader range of microorganisms, including cryptosporidium and giardia.
When using water purification tablets, it is important to follow the dosage and waiting time instructions and shake the container to distribute the tablets evenly.
Water purification tablets are easy to use and convenient, especially for backpacking or hiking trips. However, they can alter the taste and smell of the water and may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or allergies.
When not using your water purification tablets, it is important to store them in a cool and dry place and replace them regularly as they have a shelf life.
- Boiling water for purification
Boiling water is the oldest and most traditional method of water purification. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill most microorganisms present in water, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Boiling water is effective, easy, and requires no special equipment or chemicals.
Don’t forget to let it cool before consuming.
However, boiling water can be time-consuming and requires a heat source such as a stove or fire. Boiled water may also have a flat taste and may not remove sediments or chemicals present in the water.
Emergency water purification methods
In some cases, emergency water purification methods may be necessary, especially in situations where access to clean water is limited or unavailable. Emergency water purification methods include using household bleach, ultraviolet (UV) light, and solar disinfection.
Household bleach can be used to purify water by adding eight drops of 6% bleach to one gallon of water and stirring it well. The water should be left to sit for at least 30 minutes before consuming.
UV light can be used to purify water by using a UV water purifier, which uses UV-C light to kill microorganisms.
Solar disinfection can be used to purify water by exposing the water to direct sunlight for at least six hours.
Conclusion and the importance of prioritizing water purification while camping
Waterborne diseases have the potential to ruin your camping trip and cause severe health complications. Therefore, it is important to choose the right water purification method for your camping needs according to what you have at your disposal.
Prioritizing water purification while camping is a small step that allows you to be healthy and it can make a big difference in your camping experience.
Now that you know the importance of water purification while camping, it’s time to gear up and plan your next camping trip. Remember to pack your water purifying equipment and prioritize safe and clean water sources.
Happy camping! Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow campers so that they too can master the art of water purification.