Survival
Water
Clean water is a top survival priority. Practical, realistic ways to find, make safe and carry drinking water in Australian conditions, during emergencies, travel or off-grid.
Carry at least two methods. A filter plus purification tablets means one failure doesn't leave you without safe water.
Core Concepts
Filtering and purifying are not the same thing. Knowing the difference keeps you safe.
Removes
Takes out particulates and many microbes (bacteria and protozoa), depending on pore size.
Kills
Boiling and chemical tablets inactivate or kill microbes. This is your safety backup.
Special Media
Chemicals and heavy metals usually need activated carbon or specialised media. Not all filters handle them.
Two Methods
Redundancy wins. Carry at least two methods, such as a filter plus purification tablets.
Video Guides
Short, practical videos covering filtration, purification and field tricks.
Using bark to filter water
Drinking water from trees
Getting drinking water from the ocean
Purifying dirty water
Practical Methods
Four reliable approaches, from the gold-standard backup to everyday filters.
Boiling
- Bring water to a rolling boil, then let it cool
- Great for microbes, but doesn't remove chemicals or heavy metals
Purification Tablets
- Easy backup; follow packet directions precisely
- Allow full contact time; aerate afterwards to improve taste
Filters
- Straw: ultra-light for individuals
- Pump: fast and reliable for solo or pairs
- Gravity bag: best for groups and basecamp
- Carbon stage: reduces tastes, odours and some chemicals
Clarify First
- Let sediment settle and pour off the clearer water
- Run it through a clean cloth or coffee filter before filtering
How Much to Carry
Field Tips
- Collect from flowing, clear sources where possible and avoid stagnant pools
- Keep "dirty" and "clean" gear separate: hoses, bags and bottles
- Back-flush and maintain filters after use, and don't let them freeze
- Carry a small backup like tablets in case your primary fails
The PrepPro Water Kit
A simple, realistic setup that covers you if one method fails.
Pack This
- Portable straw or pump filter
- Gravity bag for groups or basecamp
- Purification tablets as backup
- 2 bottles, or 1 bottle plus a soft bladder
- Small cloth or coffee filter for pre-filtering
- Collapsible cup, spare caps and a zip bag for "dirty" parts
Water Purification StrawShop now →
EF-Chlor Purification TabletsShop now →
GravityFlow Purification SystemShop now →
Reverse Osmosis PumpShop now →Never Run Dry
Straws, pumps, gravity systems and tablets that make questionable water drinkable.
More From the Survival Hub
These tips provide general guidance. Source water can vary widely. Always follow manufacturer instructions for your specific filter or tablets, and local public health advice during emergencies.
