If the quality of your water source is not completely trustworthy, it will be necessary to sanitize it before using as drinking water, cooking water, etc. There are a number of ways to do this. But before we look at them, remember: the fewer chemicals that are put in your body, the better. There are many good solutions which are free from chemicals. Another factor is the original quality of your water source. There can be a big difference between the pristine water in a mountain creek and the muddy, contaminated water downstream (even if it is in the country). The further upstream you are, the better!

Ceraminc Drip Filters
These filters are an excellent, energy-free means of sanitizing your drinking water. The "raw" water is poured in the top compartment which has a number of ceramic filters. Gravity then pushes the water through the filters and it drips down to the bottom compartment as clean, drinkable water. These units remove pathogenic bacteria and cysts and some are even able to remove most chemicals. Good units are capable of filtering as much as 15-25 gal. per day. Two of the best filters made are by Katadyn and by British Berkefield. We have used and are very satisfied with the TRK drip filter by Katadyn but hear good things about the Big Berkey and the Berkey Light, made by British Berkefield. Click here 21 for manufacturers and distributors of ceramic drip filters.

UV Ray Purifiers
If using electricity is not a problem, this could be a chemical-free solution to sanitizing your water. UV rays kill bacteria, and this filter uses that principle. A key issue when using a UV purifier is to properly filter the sediment out before running the water through the UV purifier. Also, an activated carbon filter should be used to filter the water after it has passed through the UV purifier. This catches cysts (i.e. giardia) that UV rays do not kill.

Testing You water
It is necessary to test your water source before using it. Handy water test kits may be purchased, or samples may be sent to a laboratory for thorough testing. If unsafe amounts of anything are found, contact the manufacturer of your water filter to see if it will remove them. It is also a wise practice to test your sanitized water before the first use in order to make sure everything that is unsafe has been removed.

As stated above, the quality of the water to begin with is very important. Don't expect to miraculously transform chemical filled, contaminated, muddy water into pristine drinking water without a lot of expense and hassle, if you can do it at all. Water is so important. Look as far upstream and away from possible contaminates as possible.