Water Purification

[Sarge47]

Maybe you all know this and maybe not, but I've used USP-grade resublimed iodine crystals to purify my water while in the woods for years.

I've had the same bottle for about 3 years now and the crystals are still going strong.

All I ever have with me to boil water with is my army canteen tin and if I had to boil enough water to drink, I'd be boiling all the time with just that lol.

For those that aren't familiar, water is added to the iodine crystals in a one or two ounce bottle and allowed to sit until the water is saturated with iodine. Warming the bottle against the body or in sunshine will allow the water to hold more iodine. This saturated iodine water (but not the crystals) are then added to your canteen or water bottle. The temperature of the water in the canteen doesn't matter; it can be very warm or ice cold. But wait a good twenty minutes for the iodine to kill everything before you have a drink.

Iodine crystals are nearly inert, but they will evaporate (sublime) into the air if the cap is left off the bottle. They will also completely sublime into water if placed in a large enough volume.

It's basically a no brainer, I have a 1 ounce glass bottle that I keep the crystals in and I keep it full of water most of the time, the water inside it can only have so much iodine in it so no need to worry if there is too much. I then add this to the "questionable" water in my canteen, let it sit about 20 minutes then drink it.

I've never gotten sick from any water I've drinken in the wild, though some don't like the taste of iodine in their water.

For me its a better solution than boiling my drinking water all the time. I love just being able to add the solution to my canteen fill it up and by the time I'm thirsty, drink. It's alot better then gathering wood, making a fire, boiling a canteen tin full, waiting for it to cool...bleh no thanks :P

Anyway, just google USP-grade resublimed iodine crystals and be the judge for yourself.

Peace.

I, too, have a small, one ounce bottle of the same Iodine crystals you talk about, but tey're not sold "over-the-counter". I had to have a Phamicist fill the bottle for me. I got the idea from one of Dr. Ron Hood's videos.

[Sarge47]

Yeah, in some places you need a prescription. I myself just bought it online, stuffs cheap though, can't beat the price. Definately a good survival item even if you have to add the possible doctor visit cost. I'm sure any doctor would give you the prescription if you told them what it was for. Or just do like I did and buy it online. Can't say the website cause that'd be spamming, but just google USP-grade resublimed iodine crystals and the first one or two websites that come up sell it.

My understanding of spam is that it's a website that sells things where the owner didn't pay our administrator for the right to advertise. I don't believe that applies to news stories, info, etc. But posting a website url advertising for survival equipment that didn't pay for the right is unfair practices. Like the Gucci shoes and breast cream ads or listing the URL's of such groups.

[RobertRogers]

Yes, the crystals are handy.

Downside: May not always have them on hand, plus there may be some health issues.

I prefer boiling but of course where I live is heavily forested (fuel) and I like to take breaks anyway.

[HOP]

I beleive the health issues on the iodine is from long term use . Othay that is a god read you posted and a great item to have in our kits .I like to microfilter water where there is the possiability of chemicals in the water other wise I use iodine when on the move and boil when I have the time.

[RobertRogers]

Yes, filters do not always catch all the smaller micro-organisms, but if you also add iodine this will destroy or inactivate those that get by. Some people think you should really use both.

But boiling does the job against any living things though nothing for chemicals.

[HOP]

I read an article one time where this adventure group was in a place with water so bad the did all 3 treat, boil and filter.