Water Filtration vs. Water Purification

Water Filtration 
Think of water filtration like a strainer.  You have filter with tiny holes in it which will block certain undesirable things from getting through.  Any chunks of dirt, rocks, bugs, etc. will be filtered out.  Most filters today will also do a good job at blocking protozoa (i.e. Cryptosporidium, Giardia) and bacteria (i.e. Salmonella, E. coli).  However, viruses are so small that they will get through the holes in a regular filter.  If you use a water "filter" it is a good idea to also purify the water once you have strained out the large impurities.  Here are some of the common water filters you may be aware of:

• Katadyn Gravity
• Seychelle Water Filters

Water Purification

Water purification makes water safe to drink but does not necessarily remove all undesirable elements from the water (large items such as dirt, rocks, etc.).  Water can be purified by boiling it (for at least 3 minutes to kill everything), but using chemicals such as iodine or chlorine, by using UV, or by using special water purifiers that are rated to actually kill viruses (i.e. Enteric, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Rotavirs).  Here are a few products that only purify your water:

• Water Purification Tablets
• SteriPens (UV light sterilization)

Filtration/Purification Combos

If you prefer to have one product that will both filter and purify your water there are two great ones that we recommend. The Berkey Water Filter is very popular and it’s great for both every day use AND for emergency situations. There is a new product called AquaPail which works in a different way than the Berkey but is equally effective. It has an indefinite shelf life so you can store it and know that it is available in a long term water emergency. 

*From FoodStorageMadeEasy