Water Purification Tablets

While your primary water supply should be stored bottled water, a backup purification method is essential. Water Purification Tablets are a lightweight, compact, and effective way to treat additional water sources if your initial supply runs out or becomes compromised. These tablets typically use iodine or chlorine dioxide to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause serious illness, such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. In an emergency scenario, such as being stranded after a flood or needing to find water during an evacuation, you may have to rely on questionable sources like rivers, lakes, or collected rainwater. Without purification, drinking from these sources is extremely risky.

When choosing purification tablets, consider the type and treatment time. Chlorine dioxide tablets are generally more effective against a wider range of pathogens, including the resilient Cryptosporidium, but they can take up to four hours to work. Iodine tablets work faster, usually within 30 minutes, but may not be effective against Cryptosporidium and can leave a distinct taste. Some people with thyroid conditions or iodine allergies should avoid them. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for the correct dosage and wait time. It's also wise to filter any cloudy or debris-filled water through a cloth or a Portable Water Filter before adding the tablets to improve their effectiveness.

Having Water Purification Tablets in your kit embodies the preparedness principle of redundancy. They provide a critical secondary system for ensuring your hydration needs are met safely. In a prolonged emergency, the ability to make found water safe to drink can be the difference between staying healthy and succumbing to a preventable waterborne illness, making these small tablets an invaluable asset.