best water purification tablets for travel

best water purification tablets for travel

by

Understanding Water Purification Tablets for Travel

Water purification tablets are essential for any traveler heading to regions where access to clean drinking water is limited. These tablets offer a convenient and effective way to ensure safe drinking water, particularly in outdoor settings, developing countries, or emergency situations. Here’s a detailed guide to the best water purification tablets, their features, usage, and factors to consider.

Types of Water Purification Tablets

  1. Chlorine Dioxide Tablets: These tablets kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making them highly effective for treating drinking water. Chlorine dioxide is efficient, with a relatively short contact time. Brands such as Katadyn and Aquamira offer popular options.

  2. Iodine Tablets: Iodine has been a trusted method for purifying water for decades. Although effective against most pathogens, it may not kill certain protozoa like Cryptosporidium. Look for Potable Aqua or Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL) tablets that offer rapid action.

  3. Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC): This is an effective option that produces chlorine when dissolved in water, providing a strong disinfectant action against bacteria and viruses. Chlorine Dioxide Tablets from brands such as AquaGuardian are excellent choices.

Top Water Purification Tablets

1. Katadyn Micropur Tablets

  • Active Ingredient: Chlorine dioxide
  • Use: Suitable for backpacking, traveling, and emergency kits
  • Features: 4-hour wait time for optimal purification, effective against bacteria and viruses, easy to use
  • Package Size: 30 tablets
  • Pros: Efficient against Giardia, comes with clear instructions
  • Cons: Requires wait time

2. Aquamira Water Treatment Tablets

  • Active Ingredient: Chlorine dioxide
  • Use: Ideal for emergency situations and outdoor adventures
  • Features: 15-minute wait time for bacteria and viruses, clear drinking water, light and portable
  • Package Size: 30 tablets
  • Pros: Low taste and odor impact, effective against Giardia and Cryptosporidium
  • Cons: Can leave a slight taste

3. Potable Aqua Iodine Tablets

  • Active Ingredient: Iodine
  • Use: Historically used by travelers and military personnel
  • Features: Quick to purify, effective against bacteria and viruses
  • Package Size: 50 tablets
  • Pros: Long shelf life, lightweight
  • Cons: Not suitable for pregnant women, higher risk of taste issues

4. Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets (AquaGuardian)

  • Active Ingredient: Chlorine dioxide
  • Use: Best for camping and emergency preparedness
  • Features: Effective in killing viruses and bacteria, 4-hour wait for Giardia
  • Package Size: 30 tablets
  • Pros: Minimal aftertaste, lightweight
  • Cons: It requires more time for complete effectiveness against certain microbes

5. Frontier Natural Products – Water Purification Tablets

  • Active Ingredient: Sodium dichloroisocyanurate
  • Use: Suitable for outdoor use and international travel
  • Features: Quick to dissolve in water, effective against bacteria and viruses
  • Package Size: 30 tablets
  • Pros: Fast-acting, lightweight, long shelf life
  • Cons: Limited effectiveness against Cryptosporidium

Factors to Consider When Choosing Water Purification Tablets

1. Active Ingredients

Understanding the active ingredients can guide you in selecting the best option based on your travel needs. Chlorine dioxide is effective against a broad range of pathogens, while iodine is suitable for short-term use but is less effective against protozoa.

2. Wait Time

Some purification tablets require longer wait times for water to be safe to drink. Consider your needs based on the urgency of access to drinking water. If immediate access is critical, choose tablets with shorter wait times.

3. Taste and Smell

Water purifiers can affect the flavor and odour of water. While chlorine dioxide has a lower impact on taste, iodine may leave a significant flavor. If taste matters to you, opt for brands known for their minimized effects.

4. Production Capacity

Evaluate how many liters of water each tablet can purify. Some tablets are designated for smaller volumes, while others can treat more significant amounts, affecting how many packs you might need for your travels.

5. Shelf Life

Choose products with a longer shelf life, especially if you’re planning for emergencies. Many tablets can last several years if stored correctly in a cool, dry place.

How to Use Water Purification Tablets

  1. Read Instructions: Always start by carefully reading the package instructions before use.
  2. Prepare Water: Filter water through a cloth or coffee filter to remove any solid particles.
  3. Add Tablets: Drop the recommended number of tablets into the water.
  4. Wait: Allow sufficient time for the tablets to purify the water, as per the instructions.
  5. Shake or Stir: If required, shake or stir the water to help the tablets dissolve more thoroughly.
  6. Taste Check: If necessary, allow for any residual tastes to dissipate before consumption.

Conclusion

Selecting the best water purification tablets for travel involves considering various factors, including effectiveness, wait time, taste, and ingredient safety. Brands such as Katadyn, Aquamira, and Potable Aqua are among the top contenders, offering reliable options for ensuring safe drinking water on your travels. Always adhere to the usage instructions to maximize effectiveness and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll have safe water during your adventures.

Leave a Comment