Water purification bottles are a great way to get clean, safe drinking water during times when you don't know if the water is safe to drink. You want to know
how to purify water in a bottle to obtain purified water, below we explain different methods.
- Boiling water: This method is one of the oldest and most effective for obtaining purified water. Simply fill a heat-resistant bottle with water and place it on a heat source. We leave the water until it boils for at least a minute. If you are above 2,000 meters above sea level, it is advisable to boil the water for at least 3 minutes after reducing the boiling temperature. After boiling the water, we let it cool before drinking it.
- Filter water: Another common way to purify water in a bottle is to use a filter. We can find portable water filters designed for this purpose. There are also bottles with filters already incorporated.
- Use tablets or chemicals: There are tablets and chemicals on the market that are designed to disinfect and purify water. The products contain chlorine, iodine or other disinfectants that help kill microorganisms and make water safer for consumption.
- Solar distillation: This natural and effective method allows you to purify water using solar energy. For this process, you must partially fill a bottle with water and close it tightly. Then, the bottle will be placed in a sufficiently sunny place for a couple of hours. Solar radiation will heat the water, causing it to evaporate. This vapor condenses the internal walls of the bottle, falling to the bottom and leaving behind impurities and contaminants.
- Ultraviolet radiation: Some bottles and portable devices use ultraviolet (UV) radiation to purify water. These devices emit ultraviolet light that destroys microorganisms present in the water, such as viruses and bacteria, thus preventing their reproduction.
What can be added to water to purify water?
There are different methods and substances that can be put into bottles to purify water. Some of the most common are:
- Hydrogen peroxide: Or hydrogen peroxide, can be used to disinfect water. Add a few drops to water and let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking it. This will eliminate bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
- Colloidal silver: This is a solution of microscopic silver particles that are suspended in water. They have antimicrobial properties, helping to eliminate bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms found in water.
- Potassium permanganate: This chemical compound is used as a disinfectant and oxidizer in water, if used in small quantities. In high concentrations it can be toxic.
- Activated carbon: This porous material is commonly used in water filters. It has the capacity to absorb and retain impurities, contaminants and chemicals present in water, improving its quality.