DIY Water Purification Methods
In a crisis, clean water can be hard to come by. Even if you’ve stored enough, there’s always the chance you’ll need to purify water from an unknown or compromised source. Whether you’re preparing for a power outage, wildfire, flood, or any other emergency, knowing how to make water safe to drink is a vital part of your plan.
If you haven’t yet, start with our Emergency Preparedness Water Guide. It walks through how much water your household should have on hand and links to other essential spoke articles, like this one, to help you build a complete plan.
When You Should Purify Water
If your water source is even slightly questionable — whether it looks cloudy, smells unusual, or simply hasn’t been verified as safe — purification isn’t optional. It’s essential. Relying on untreated water in an emergency could expose you and your family to serious illness.
Here are some common situations where water should always be purified:
- Collected rainwater or water from lakes, streams, or rivers
- Tap water during or after a boil advisory
- Stored water that’s been exposed to heat, light, or air for extended periods
Even if it looks crystal clear, don’t trust it. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are often invisible and odorless. The only way to be sure your water is safe is to treat it like it isn’t — and purify it every time.
Water Purification Method 1: Boiling
Boiling is one of the most reliable purification methods. It kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
What to do:
- Bring water to a rolling boil for 5–10 minutes
- Let it cool naturally before using
- Store it in clean, covered containers
This method is best for clear water. If the water is cloudy, strain it through a clean cloth or coffee filter first.
Method 2: Bleach (Chlorination)
Unscented household bleach can disinfect water when used in the right ratio. Always use bleach that contains 5.25–8.25% sodium hypochlorite.
Treatment ratios:
| Amount of Water | Clear Water | Cloudy Water |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Quart | 2 drops bleach | 4 drops bleach |
| 1 Gallon | 8 drops bleach | 16 drops bleach |
| 5 Gallons | ½ tsp bleach | 1 tsp bleach |
After adding bleach, stir well and let it sit for 30 minutes. You should smell a slight chlorine scent. If not, repeat the dose and wait another 15 minutes.
Method 3: Water Filters
There are a variety of commercial water filters available today, each designed to remove harmful contaminants from untreated water. Most consumer-grade filters effectively remove bacteria and parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which are among the most common causes of waterborne illness. Some high-end models go a step further by reducing or eliminating certain viruses, although this typically requires a filter with an additional purification stage or integrated UV treatment.
What sets filters apart is how they’re used and the volume of water they can handle.
Personal straw filters, like LifeStraw, are lightweight, portable, and ideal for individual use. These are perfect for a go bag or emergency kit and allow you to drink directly from a water source or bottle.
Pump filters use a hand pump to draw water through the filter into a clean container. They’re great for camping, small families, or when you need to treat multiple bottles at once. Some models include interchangeable filters or carbon elements for better taste.
Gravity-fed filters, like the Berkey system, don’t require any electricity or pumping. You simply fill the top chamber and let gravity pull water through the filtration system into a reservoir below. They’re slower but highly effective for households or groups staying in one location.
Whatever system you choose, make sure it meets or exceeds EPA standards for microbiological water purification. Always keep spare filter elements on hand and follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedule. Filters that are clogged, damaged, or past their life expectancy won’t do their job—and in an emergency, you can’t afford that risk.
Method 4: UV Light
Portable UV purifiers, like SteriPen, use ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms. They work best in clear water and are ideal for go bags or travel.
Simply stir the UV wand in your water for the prescribed time. These tools are small, lightweight, and reusable—perfect for emergencies.
Be Ready for Anything
Water purification is just one piece of a complete water preparedness strategy. Combine these methods with proper water storage, regular rotation, and an understanding of your household’s needs.
If you want to be part of a community that brings clean water and hope to disaster survivors, consider getting trained as a Hope Force Reservist. You’ll be equipped to serve when it matters most.
And if you’d like to make a difference today, donate to support disaster survivors. Every gift helps provide clean water, safe shelter, and compassionate care when it’s needed most.
