Water, Water, Water - Purification and Filtration

Steven Knopp responds:

This one could definitely be a book. FILTERING  AND PURIFIYNG water are two different  terms and processes that get used interchangeably, though some equipment does both.

Filtering water spans the territory from your bandana in the field to complex carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet machines capable of removing almost all microorganisms, chemicals metals and chlorine.

Purification can be done as simply as boiling , or oxygenating or adding herbal, mineral or chemical substances, like oxy pure, tea tree oil, lechenya meera, olive leaf extract, colloidal silver, or EM/Effective Microbes and some minerals like pascalite clay, certain flints or carbon rich stones, or chemicals like iodine or chlorine which may remove harmful microorganisms, but not accomplish filtering out debris, sediments or metals. I have used all of these with great success. If I had to choose one out of all of them it would be colloidal silver. But, do your own research.

In terms of filter equipment, the differences have to do with portability, like backpacking pump filters and drinking water bottle type filters  vs. stationary in-line equipment which requires plumbing and pressure.

Price differences have to do with the ability to do multiple processes and remove even the smallest of organisms. It's wise to have all these types, though it's not  wise to use chlorine,  iodine or hydrogen peroxide, except for emergency or short term use. They are toxic. Chlorine in all public water supplies is a sinister, toxic nightmare. I won't go into that here. Another time I will discuss 'living' water vs. 'dead' water , and vortex and implosion, technologies. 

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Pamella Paizs Responds:

Water Purifiers: Clorox is often suggested as a purifier but it is a halogen which simply means it is a carcinogen and obviously very harmful to your body. Iodine is another method but very dangerous to use and can make you ill if not done correctly. Food grade Hydrogen peroxide (not the kind in brown bottles you buy at the drug store) is actually a good source for stabilizing water but it must be considered as short term storage only. Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down in 6 months rendering it useless after that. The only product that stands the test of time and is good for you is Aerobic Oxygen. This is a very stable product and actually has an extra molecule of oxygen that enhances the life span of water for up to 5 years.

By adding Aerobic Oxygen to storage water, the following occurs:

1) Destruction of any infectious bacteria

2) Guarding against future contamination

Aerobic Oxygen has been around for nearly 25 years, sold into 30 countries worldwide, used in the world's largest HIV clinic in Accra, Ghana, and even guarded thousands of people against SARS in recent years in Asia.   

Water Filters

Most people think that water filters will STORE water safely, that is not true. Filters will assist in the removal of small particulates that may be harmful to your body. It will not make the water stable or storable.

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Abigail Haddock Responds:

The most important item to purchase for emergency preparedness is a water purifier.  The cadillac of all water purifiers/filters is the Katadyn brand from Switzerland.  Katadyn uses a ceramic filter that is impregnated with silver which removes particles down to .2 microns in size including harmful bacterias.  Some models also have an additional charcoal filter to remove harmful chemicals and bad taste.  Katadyn offers many varieties from gravity feed counter top to hand pump.  My favorite is the Combi because it is easy to pump, fits onto a large mouth water bottle and filters thousands of gallons of water before needing new filters.  Boiling water for 5 minutes or more also works.  Remember all stored water should be purified!  I do not have any experience with ultraviolet light pens and do not advocate using chlorine or tablets because of the chemicals involved.

Click for More info on water purification and filtration. This is very detailed info for those who want to know more.

News about An inexpensive, practical water filter.

It is my desire that the Weekly Wisdom  Forum will reach out to a sea of people of all ages, from different backgrounds and levels of understanding and experience, and be a support and even a comfort to those who are looking for guidance in preparing body and mind for the days that are here. We'll be posting one or 2 Q & A's per week.

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