Survival Water Filtration


Practical ways to find, make safe, and carry drinking water in Australian conditions.

Clean water is a top survival priority. This page covers fast, realistic methods to make water safer to drink during emergencies, travel, or off‑grid situations — plus simple gear that works in the real world.

 

▶ Video Guides 

Short, practical videos covering filtration, purification, storage and field tips.

Video 1 – Using Bark to filter water!

Video 2 – Drinking water from Trees!

Video 3 – Getting Drinking Water from the Ocean

Video 4 – Purify Dirty water

 

 

🧭 Core Concepts

  • Filtration removes particulates and many microbes (bacteria/protozoa) depending on pore size.
  • Purification inactivates/kills microbes (boiling, chemical tablets) and is your safety back‑up.
  • Chemicals & heavy metals typically need activated carbon or specialised media; not all filters handle these.
  • Redundancy wins: carry at least two methods (e.g., filter + purification tabs).

 

 

🔧 Practical Methods

1) Boiling (gold standard backup)

  • Bring water to a rolling boil; let cool before drinking.
  • Great for microbes; does not remove chemicals or heavy metals.

2) Chemical Purification Tablets

  • Lightweight, easy backup; follow packet directions precisely.
  • Allow full contact time; taste can be improved by aeration after treatment.

3) Portable Filters

  • Straw filters: ultra‑light emergency option for individuals.
  • Pump filters: fast and reliable; good for solo or pairs.
  • Gravity bags: best for groups/basecamp; low effort, high output.
  • Activated carbon stage: helps reduce tastes/odours and some chemicals.

4) Clarifying Dirty Water (Pre‑filtering)

  • Let sediments settle; pour off the clearer water from the top.
  • Use a clean cloth/coffee filter to reduce turbidity before filtering.

 

 

🚰 How Much to Carry

  • Plan for at least 3–4 litres per person per day (hot weather or exertion needs more).
  • For trips, identify refill points (streams, tanks, huts, service stations).

 

 

🧠 Field Tips

  • Collect from flowing, clear sources when possible; avoid stagnant pools.
  • Keep “dirty” and “clean” gear separate (hoses, bags, bottles).
  • Back‑flush/maintain filters after use; don’t let them freeze.
  • Carry a small backup (tabs) in case your primary fails.

 

 

🎒 Simple Kit (PrepPro Version)

  • Portable straw or pump filter
  • Gravity bag (group / basecamp)
  • Purification tablets (backup)
  • 2 × bottles or 1 × bottle + 1 × soft bladder
  • Small cloth/coffee filter for pre‑filtering
  • Collapsible cup, spare caps, and a zip bag for “dirty” parts

 

 

⚠️ Important Safety Note

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.