Water is a human basic need. Unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone. What you consider easily accessible is actually a luxury somewhere else.
If you have ever gone camping or backpacking, you understand how tough it can be accessing pure water. The quality of water you drink is a huge determinant in how your day ends.
Jump straight to the Reviews Section
| Price | Name | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus Neutralizing Tablets | 9.5 |
| MSR Aquatabs Water Purification | 9.5 | ||
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Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets | 9.2 |
| Aquamria – Chlorine Dioxide Water Purifier Tablets | 9.5 | ||
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Aquatabs 90-Count 3 Water Purification Tablets | 9.9 |
Jump straight to the Reviews Section
When your water storage runs out, your first instinct might be to drink from any available source. If you do, better prepare yourself for some serious health issues.
One way to beat this is by carrying enough clean water. It does sound practical. In reality, no one wants to carry gallons of water on a hiking trail.
Obviously, dying from dehydration is definitely out of the question.
What do you do? The best solution is to use chemical tablets for water decontamination.
However, do water purification tablets really work?
Yes. They work by killing microorganisms in contaminated water. If you are a camper, survivalist, hiker or work for an emergency organization, you need to stock on purification tablets.
Instead of risking your health, buy portable tablets. They will save you from countless medical emergencies because of consuming dirty water.
Today, in this water purification tablets review, we will focus on:
- Why you need to buy purification tablets
- Factors to consider when choosing portable chemical tablets
- A list of the top-rated purification tablets
We cover the intricate details you need to know out about quick water filtration. This will help you make an informed decision on your purchase.
Contents
- Why You Need Water Purification Tablets?
- How to Choose Aqua Purification Tablets?
- List of the Best Purification Tablets 2024
- Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus, Portable and Effective Solution for Camping, Hiking, Emergencies, Natural Disasters and International Travel, Two 50ct Bottles (Apparel)
- Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets (20 Tablets) (Sports)
- Aquatabs 90-Count 3 Water Purification Tablets (Pack of 30) (Sports)
- Conclusion
Why You Need Water Purification Tablets?
Interesting fact, a very small percentage of water in the entire world is good for your consumption. We are talking about 3%. Take a moment and just think about it. It is no surprise that we need quick and efficient methods of purifying water apart from boiling, filtration or UV radiation.
With that in mind, let us highlight the advantages of using tablets to clean your water.
Kills microorganisms. We are talking about dangerous microorganisms that are harmful to your health.
Such microorganisms include:
- Cholera. This is mostly present in the creek or stream water. It can result in dehydration or diarrhea.
- Giardia lamblia. It comes from human or animal feces and results in gastrointestinal illnesses or infections.
- Salmonella typhi. This leads to Typhus fever. It is dangerous if you do not receive medical aid in time.
- E.coli. This is what causes stomach upsets.
Economical. By spending a few dollars on these tablets, you can save yourself thousands of dollars on medical bills. Sound like a fair deal. When it comes to your health and well-being, you would rather be safe than go through the horror of painful stomach upsets.
Portable. The tablets come in small containers. You can easily carry them in your pocket or bag.
Easy to use. You do not need an expert to show you how to use them. Generally, you dissolve the tablets in water and let it sit for a few minutes.
The brand you choose will indicate the time limit. For some, it might be 45 minutes to 4 hours, while Best water purification tablets for an emergency might have a short timeframe.
Make sure you read the instruction provided with the package to know the proper dosage.
Long shelf life. Purification pills have a great shelf life. If you store them properly, you can use them for a couple of years before you throw them away. This saves you money from numerous purchases every time you plan to go backpacking.
How to Choose Aqua Purification Tablets?
By now, you know why you need to buy purification pills. Not all pills are the same, they comprise of different compounds. Common types have chlorine dioxide, chlorine or iodine as the main component.
Is there any Water purification tablets side effects? For most people, there is none. However, some people are uncomfortable with the metallic taste that comes because of using iodine. Other side effects might be a headache or nausea.
Again, people have different reactions and you might experience none whatsoever.
Just remember:
- Purification tablets are not for daily use
- Remove rocks and particles from the water prior to using them
- To be on the safe side, make sure you drink the sanitized water within 2 days
We will provide you with insight on Water purification tablets ingredients and then you can figure out which is best for you.
Iodine
When you use iodine, it takes about 30 minutes for the process to be complete. Temperature is key. It’s best if the water is at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
If it is at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, then you need to let it sit for at least an hour. With low temperatures, the procedure takes longer to finish. These tablets might alter the flavor of the water. If you find it unbearable, add neutralizer tablets. This helps lessen that iodine flavor. If you are pregnant, experience iodine sensitivity, or thyroid problems, stay away from Water purification tablets iodine. Kindly use other options.
Chlorine
Tablets with chlorine take about 30 minutes to decontaminate water. However, keeping the water in storage containers for an extended period increases chances of the recurrence of impurities.
Does it have an aftertaste? Remove the lid of the water container and let it stay uncovered. This will help create room for the chlorine to vaporize.
Chlorine dioxide
By getting Water purification tablets chlorine dioxide you are going for the safest method available. Be prepared to wait at least 4 hours for the water to be drinkable.
The good thing about using chlorine dioxide is that the water has no variation in flavor. These tablets are great for destroying parasites like Giardia. Such parasites tend to survive through chlorine and iodine treatment.
If you want a foolproof solution and do not mind waiting a couple of hours, then buy chlorine dioxide tablets.
List of the Best Purification Tablets 2024
1. Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus Neutralizing Tablets
They are best for the army, relief organizations and anyone interested in outdoor activities. When you purchase Potable Aqua, you also get 2 PA+ neutralizing tablets for decreasing the iodine flavor in the water.
Apart from the taste, the PA+ pills also eradicate the iodine odor and color from the water. You can use Potable Aqua tablets to treat water with Giardia lamblia. However, if the water source has Cryptosporidium cysts you require a stronger alternative. Once the tablets are in the water, give it 30 minutes for the purification process to be complete.
Pros
- Works fast
- Affordable
- Has no harsh chemicals
- Easy to use
- Ideal for travel, campers, and hikers
- Effective against Giardia lamblia
Cons
- Metallic taste in water
- Not suitable to destroy all pathogens
- Not appropriate for people with thyroid conditions
- Not appropriate for long term use
Verdict
Water purification tablets taste differently. Since it has iodine, you might notice a slight change in water taste. Still, it is a great solution when you want a package that comes with its own neutralizer. You can carry it when you travel to areas where quality water is not available.
2. MSR Aquatabs Water Purification
These chlorine-based, EPA approved tablets are great for human consumption. They come in a pack containing 30 tablets. It has a treatment time of 30 minutes. After that, you can enjoy a glass or jug of clean water.
MSR Aquatabs are great against Giardia cysts, bacteria and viruses. By using the whole pack, you can clean about 60 liters of water. Feel free to use these tablets when you travel, go camping or for disaster relief.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Effective
- Has a considerably good taste in water
- Easy to use
- Great for emergency situations and travel
Cons
- Not suitable for fighting Cryptosporidium
Verdict
MSR Aquatabs is a popular brand in the market. One of the great features about it has to be the lack of flavor change. With their small package, you can decontaminate 60 liters of water easy.
They have a shelf life of 5 years, which is fair enough. Saves you a couple of trips to the store. If you work in a humanitarian organization and need greater coverage, make a point of getting the bulk order.
3. Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets
Katadyn Micropurs are chlorine dioxide purification tablets. The package has 20 tablets each individually wrapped. The enterprise Katadyn has a great reputation in designing water filters. Do their chemical tablets hold the same reputation?
These happen to be one of the best water purification tablets in the market. They are great in killing Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia. By using a single tablet, you can clean approximately 1 liter of water. Within 30 minutes, you can have your water ready to drink. You only have to wait about 4 hours if the water is extremely unclean and chilly.
Pros
- Effective against viruses and bacteria in different water conditions
- Lacks a foul aftertaste
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Best for campers, humanitarian organizations, hikers
Cons
- May discolor the water
- Takes longer to clean dirty water
Verdict
They come wrapped in a light container with a 5-year shelf life. You can use the tablets in different water conditions with a guarantee of the same outcome: uncontaminated drinking water. It is time you put to rest to the question, “Are water purification tablets safe?” by using this ironclad solution.
You no longer have to worry about gastrointestinal illnesses as the tablets kill Cryptosporidium in water. If you are looking for a product that will keep you safe, use Katadyn Micropur. If you are interested in checking out its reviews, go to Amazon.
4. Aquamira – Chlorine Dioxide Water Purifier Tablets
Another great chlorine dioxide product on the list. You can get them in two different packs. The tactical package has 50 tablets while the normal pack has 20. If you have water with huge particles and debris, it is best to incorporate an Aquamira filter.
Aquamira Aquamria is effective in killing different viruses and bacteria. It works on Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium. Unlike iodine tablets that give off a metallic aftertaste, this one actually enhances the taste of water and removes odor.
Pros
- Great against viruses and bacteria
- Has no aftertaste
- Does not discolor the water
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- EPA accepted making it safe to use
- Great for relief, campers, hunting trips, hikers and backpackers
Cons
- Contains chemicals unlike iodine
- To fight Cryptosporidium, you need to wait for 4 hours
Verdict
These are great for international travel where the availability of clean water might be scarce. You get a reliable solution that puts your mind at peace. Instead of wasting money trying unverified products, buy Aquamira Aquamria. For common pathogens, 30 minutes is enough to clear the water. If the situation is dire, 4 hours is not a long time if it guarantees you get quality water in the end.
5. Aquatabs 90-Count 3 Water Purification Tablets
When it comes to relief use and emergency cases, Aquatabs 90 is at the top of the list. It comes in a small pack of 30 pills. Each tablet can decontaminate roughly 1-2 liters of water. If you get the bulk case of 10,000 pills, you can purify up to 20,000 liters of water.
These chlorine-based pills kill Giardia lamblia and other viruses in water.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cost-effective
- Short treatment time of 30 minutes
- Ideal for emergency situations
Cons
- Not recommended against Cryptosporidium
- Likelihood of chlorine taste
- Contains chemicals
Verdict
The fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) and NATO use this product speaks volumes about its reliability. Otherwise, we would not even have it on this list. If you are looking for a proven result, buy Aquatabs. If you cannot stand the chlorine aftertaste, you can choose any of the above-listed products.
Conclusion
If you have made it until the end of this article, then you know which product you need in your survival kit. Whether you were searching for Water purification tablets camping or ones for your organization, we hope you make the right decision that suits your needs. With these purification pills, you can say goodbye to dehydration.