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Methods of water purification
In the wild water is seldom pure, so you need to have knowledge about different methods of water
purification. 
Dirty water which contains minerals or particulate and organic matter that may make it cloudy or muddy. To reduce the turbidity, look for the clearest water source. Parasites Some of these organisms are relatively large. Common parasites are bilharzias, dysentery, hookworms, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium. Giardia lamblia are found worldwide and has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease. It can be found in water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell it can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Giardia lamblia causes diarrhea. Cryptosporidium is a small parasite that are commonly found in rivers and lakes, especially when the water is contaminated with sewage and animal wastes. In most cases Cryptosporidium causes a short term, mild diarrhea. Bacteria Some of the most lethal water contaminants as diarrhoea and dysentery. Viruses The smallest health threatening micro organisms, they can cause diseases such as hepatitis A&E and polio. Chemicals The chemicals we are talking about here is probably pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers from agricultural land. But usually extremely diluted. Basic methods of water purification There are three ways to make sure suspect water is pure and safely disinfected: filtration, boiling and chemicals. You should pick the one that best suits your needs and is appropriate to your activity. Filtration Filtering water doesn't purify it but reduce particles and sediment and makes the water taste better. Any porous material can be used, even your sock or shirt. Filter the cleanest water you can find. If you must filter dirty water, place it in a container and let it stand for a couple of hours. 
However there are commercial water filtration devices available that not only removes sediment but also common waterborne contaminants. For wilderness travelers it's very convenient to use this type of effective filters in a
filtering water bottle.
Boiling Boiling is the most certain way of killing all microorganisms. Boiling is cheap and effective. But time consuming and sometimes it's inconvenient. To be safe let the water boil rapidly for a couple of minutes. Boiling will NOT neutralize chemical pollutants. Chemicals To purify water with chemicals use Iodine or water purification tablets. Follow the supplied recommendation. The "taste is not improved" ....but at least the water is safe. Return from "Methods of water purification"
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