How to Kill Bacteria in the Water When Camping

Water-borne pathogens cause a variety of illnesses if ingested; purifying water from non-potable sources, such as rivers and lakes, is crucial when camping. Aside from water filters capable of removing microorganisms, there are only two ways of effectively killing bacteria in water. Treating water with common household chemicals will disinfect water in a pinch, however, the only thorough way to kill bacteria without chemicals when you are camping is to heat the water until the bacteria has been destroyed.

Things You'll Need

  • Pot
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Iodine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bring water to a raging boil in a pot for three minutes. High temperatures will kill bacteria, as well other disease-causing organisms, such as viruses.

    • 2

      Disinfect water with chlorine beach. Add eight drops of household bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops bleach to each gallon of cloudy water.

    • 3

      Treat water with iodine. Mix 20 drops tincture of iodine per gallon of clear water and 40 drops iodine per gallon for cloudy water.

    • 4

      Mix chemically treated water thoroughly and allow the water to stand for 30 minutes before consumption.