While substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water, people from many parts of the world still drink water from unprotected sources. And water-related diseases and illnesses are a very real concern in underserved communities. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts are the disease-causing substances that can exist within the water and contracting any of these microorganisms can be dangerous. Think of cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A, all of these occur due to the intake of dirty or contaminated water. Other less serious conditions include nausea and digestive issues.
Is Water from Natural Springs Safe?
Though the water from natural resources may look pristine, there are typically thousands of microbes in every drop. The water outdoors can be exposed to a number of pollutants from animal carcasses to faeces and even industrial waste. So, if you are adventuring, particularly in places where tap water is unsafe or unavailable, you should be prepared to treat water in order to be safe for drinking, and hence stay hydrated and healthy.
There are a number of different approaches to treating water, but one method, in particular, is very popular among outdoor enthusiasts due to its ease of use. That’s the water purification method using tablets that kill the germs in water to make it safe for drinking while on the go.
Given their portability and simplicity, water treatment tablets are an excellent choice to purify contaminated water while hiking and camping They remove harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, and hence you are left with clean water that is safe to drink. Read on to learn more about their effectiveness and how these tablets actually work.
How Do Water Purification Tablets Work?
If you plan your next outdoor adventure or want to go anywhere with there’s questionable tap water, consider getting some water purification tablets Australia stores sell to enjoy safe travelling. Water purifying pills are a point of use method, in that you drop them in a water supply to kill any germs and disinfect the water. They work by realising free active ingredients they normally contain such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or iodine. These chemicals mix with the water and create an environment in which bacteria and viruses cannot survive.
When the tablet dissolves, most of the pathogens in the water supply are destroyed and hence the water is safe for drinking. All you need to do is add a tablet in 1-2 litres of water and it renders the water drinkable after about 30 minutes.
Simply put, water treatment pills are a convenient, portable means of disinfecting otherwise potentially contaminated water. In addition, water purification improves the taste, smell, and visual appearance of your drinking water. It reduces the amount of chlorine, soil residue, and organic and inorganic substances. Water treatment enables you to drink fresh and clear water with a refreshing taste and no unpleasant smell, hence having a big impact on your wellbeing and quality of life. That being said, these tablets also have domestic water treatment applications and are used during natural disasters when the available water is unsafe for drinking.
Are They Effective Against All Water Pollutants?
While the water purification method can kill pathogens in the water, this method doesn’t remove harmful particulates or contaminants like pesticides. So if you are treating turbid water, it’s best to filter the sediment out of the water before dissolving the tablets.
Water treatment tablets vary in how long their effects last, and how long it takes them to fully dissolve in order to be effective. There are so many types of water purification tablets Australia wide and each of them requires specific usage to work effectively. Actually, the extent of their effectiveness depends on the concentration of the active chemical in the tablet. Chlorine dioxide is the most effective at dispatching a wide range of microorganisms but requires a longer treatment time than chlorine or iodine.
The amount of water purification chemicals in the tablets should be adequate. Also, you should check the type of chemical used to ensure your safety. Many types of tablets remain effective for months or years if stored properly. Water purifying pills are generally safe, but their tablet form can easily be mistaken for medications, vitamins, or candy, and if children gain access to them, they can swallow them. Hence, water treatment tablets can lead to irritation of the mouth and throat and can cause digestive problems if not used correctly.