You can also use a paper towel or coffee filter if you don’t have a clean cloth available.

If you’re familiar with cooking techniques, this is called a rolling boil. The water should bubble consistently before you set your timer. The water can take a while to bubble, especially if you’re heating large quantities. Expect it to take at least 5 or 10 minutes and reach a temperature of at least 212 °F (100 °C). [3] X Research source If your stove isn’t operational, you will need another heat source, such as a campfire or portable stove.

You can find elevation information on a topographical map. Maps are available online or at your local government’s land survey office.

Another way to improve the water is to aerate it again. Get another clean container and pour the water back and forth between the containers a few times.

Boil and store water in advance! Then you will have a water supply no matter what circumstances you face.

The water should have a slight chlorine smell before you drink it. If it doesn’t, repeat the treatment. If the chlorine taste is too strong, pour the water into another container to aerate it, then let it rest for a few hours.

If the water tastes too strongly of chlorine, pour it into another container and let it stand for a few hours. Granular calcium hypochlorite is used in pools, so you can find it wherever pool supplies are sold.

You can find iodine in the pharmacy section at most general stores. Look for household iodine or tincture of iodine. Iodine may be included in commercial first-aid kits. Consider keeping a bottle on hand if your kit doesn’t have one already.

Tablets are available at many pharmacies and sporting good stores, but they can also be bought online. You can get chlorine, iodine, and various other types of tablets. Using them means you don’t have to measure out any liquid chemicals. If you want to enjoy drinking water when you do not like the taste, try adding other flavors to your water. [12] X Research source You can add fresh fruit or herbs to it. [13] X Research source Or add fresh citrus juice (lemon, lime, orange) to it. [14] X Research source