Water Purification Made Simple

Not much has been written on this blog about processes for purifying water.  Directions for boiling water are found on nearly every survival site, although not all of them give identical directions.  Water purification tablets are easily purchased, and most preppers keep extra bleach on hand, specifically for purifying water.  This week, however, I found a product

image by emrank

that makes water purification easier than ever.

The SteriPEN uses ultraviolet (UV) rays to kill waterborne microbes in seconds by simply stirring a liter of water with its’ wand.  Hospitals have used this technology for years, but this handy tools puts the same effective process in our hands.  I tried the SteriPEN Adventurer and was impressed by its’ compact size.  It’s pretty amazing that something that weighs less than four ounces can be so powerful.  For campers, hikers, and travelers, it’s hard to beat something that can purify water from streams, a lake, or even the hotel water in a third-world country!  The price isn’t bad, either.  The basic unit costs a little over $60.

What a great find for purifying a baby bottle of water or stashing in a Bug Out Bag or 72 Hout Kit!  It sure beats trying to plan multiple ways to boil water or remembering how many drops of bleach will purify a gallon of water.  Those are both good back-up plans, as are larger filters such as the Berkey, but for something portable, affordable, and efficient, the SteriPEN is a great choice.

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