How to Test a Purifier

In the outdoors, most of the threats in water sources come from human or animal fecal contamination. A purifier needs to address three types of threats born of the contamination, which are protozoa, bacteria and viruses. The filters sold in the U.S. must pass EPA standards for filtering out contamination, so the only testing required is performance. Test the purifier to see how quickly it pumps water and verify that it purifies by using a water test kit.

Things You'll Need

  • Purifier
  • Bucket
  • Pond water
  • Water bottle
  • Water test kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the purifier as directed. Stick the input hose into a bucket of untreated pond water. Connect the output to a water bottle.

    • 2

      Pump the purifier until it fills up the water bottle to test how quickly it works. Count the number of strokes that it takes to fill the bottle. If you know the number of strokes, you can compare it to other filters.

    • 3

      Follow the instructions on a water test kit to make sure the purifier removes contaminants and works properly. Use the pond water as a control and test it to determine if it fails the test. If the pond water passes, find dirtier water.