Pure drinking water is one of the most basic requirements of life. But when you're travelling, how can you be sure the water you're drinking won't make you ill? Our water treatment comparison gives you all the information you need to choose the right purification method for you and prevent impure drinking water from ruining your travels.
Tablets and drops work through a chemical process. After adding the tablets or drops to the contaminated water, the chemicals neutralise the viruses, bacteria and other harmful organisms contained within.
Because of the way in which these products work, it can take upwards of 20 minutes for them to be fully effective. They can also alter the taste, smell and colouration of the water after they are added.
Unlike filters, tablets and drops will not remove particle matter such as silt or harmful chemicals from the water.
At its simplist, these work by straining water through them. They trap and remove silt and particle matter, some right down the size scale to bacteria and water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
Some filters use activated carbon to further remove chemical and organic compounds to make water even safter and taste better.
Purifiers frequently incorporate an extra chemical stage to kill organisms too small to be filtered.
Many filters and purifiers can be damaged by high dirt loads or salty water.
Fast, easy to use (15-20mins)
Leaves no smell or taste
Treats 120 litres
Effective against a wide range of hard-to-kill viruses
Recommended by SafariQuip
Recommended for areas where dysentry is a problem (Himalayas etc.)
Fast (10-20mins)
Not advised for long term use, if pregnant or with a thyroid complaint
2 tabs per litre of water
