How to Make Unsafe Water Safe to Drink

We don’t usually think twice about clean water—it just flows from the tap when we need it.

But what happens if that’s not an option?

Whether you’re dealing with a contaminated well, an emergency, or you’re lost in the wilderness, knowing how to make water safe to drink is a skill worth learning before you actually need it.

Choosing the Best Water to Purify

Not all water is safe to purify.

If you’re in a survival situation, avoid stagnant water since it can be full of bacteria, mold, and algae.

Also, steer clear of water that could be contaminated with chemicals—you can filter out dirt and debris, but removing chemicals is much harder.

For the best results, try to start with clear, free-running water from a creek, river, or rain barrel with a lid.

If you’re pulling from a questionable source, you’ll need to filter and disinfect before drinking.

Filter Out Debris

Water from creeks, rivers, or natural sources often has dirt, leaves, and other debris. The first step is to strain out those particles. You can make a simple homemade water filter with a few basic supplies:

• An empty 2-liter soda bottle (cut off the bottom)
• Coarse sand
• Fine sand
• Small pebbles
• Coffee filter
• Rubber band
• Alum (optional, found in the spice aisle)

How to Filter Water:

1. Shake the water or pour it back and forth between two containers a few times. This adds oxygen and helps trapped gases escape.
2. Stir in 1 tbsp of alum (optional). It binds to solid debris, making it easier to filter. Let the water sit for a few minutes so the sediment settles at the bottom.
3. Make the filter:
   • Cover the bottle’s spout with a coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band.
   • Add layers of pebbles, coarse sand, and fine sand in that order.
   • Slowly pour the water through the filter into a clean container.

At this point, your water may look clear, but it’s still not safe to drink!

There could still be harmful bacteria, so the next step is disinfection.

Disinfect the Water

Once your water is filtered, you must disinfect it to kill any lingering bacteria or viruses.

Here are three ways to do it:

Boiling (Best & Easiest Method)

Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 10-15 minutes to kill harmful pathogens.

Let it cool before drinking.

Water Purification Tablets or Drops

These are a great backup option, especially if you’re on the go.

Just follow the instructions on the package to add the right amount to your water.

Household Bleach (Emergency Use Only)

If no other option is available, you can very carefully use bleach to disinfect water.

The EPA recommends adding ⅛ teaspoon (or 8 drops) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water, then letting it sit for 30 minutes before drinking.

This method should only be used in an extreme emergency.

Learning how to purify water before you actually need to is smart preparedness.

Whether you’re facing an emergency, hiking in the woods, or just want to be ready for anything, these simple steps can help you stay hydrated and safe.

Would you try making your own water filter? Let me know in the comments!