Suppose that you are a student in the local Middle School. Suppose that your teacher has asked you to enter a project in the upcoming Science Fair. Unless you are a technical wizard, you do not want to try making a robot. You do not have enough time to observe the growth of plants, plants that have been subjected to different conditions. What should your project be? Fortunately, even those with limited engineering skills can, in a limited amount of time, construct a home made water filter.

Even a crude home designed one can demonstrate the concept behind the most sophisticated home water filter. Even a crude home made water filter can transform muddy, fowl-tasting water into clear, good-tasting water. The construction of a home made water filter offers an advantage not available to a budding scientist who decides to conduct a controlled experiment.

As long as the student/scientist uses the proper materials, the resulting filter should function almost perfectly. Granted, it will not be able to remove any bacteria that might be in the water. Aside from that, a home constructed filter can keep those who depend on that filter supplied with ready access to clean water.

A student who planned to make a crude sort of filter would first need to obtain a plastic bottle, a bottle with a cap that could be punctured. The student would also need a thin tube, such as a straw, cotton, large and small pieces of gravel, and bags of both coarse and fine sand.

At this point the student is almost ready to assemble a crude filter. Three other items should be added to the components in the filter. Those items are a coffee filter, a jar and some muddy water.

A filter must take-in water at one end and release filtered water at the opposite end. The student needs to remove the bottom from the plastic bottle, to insert a straw through a hole in the top of that bottle, and then to invert the entire apparatus (bottle and straw together).

The inverted bottle is inserted in the opening of the jar. Cotton should be the first item in the inverted bottle. On top of the cotton go a layer of fine sand, and then a layer of coarse sand. On top of the sand go a layer of small gravel, and then a layer of large gravel.

The student should cut the coffee filter to fit over the gravel. Once the coffee filter covers the gravel, then the student can pour muddy water into his or her crude filter.

The student has made a functioning home made water filter. That home made water filter should transform muddy water into clear water. Some instructions suggest that cotton does not hold-up well in the crude type of filter described above. Polyester quilt padding can be used in place of cotton.

Moreover, the home made water filter obtained by those who follow the above instructions does not have the ability to remove bacteria from the water. Those who want to drink the filtered water need to add a few drops of chlorine to that water.

There are special media that can be used to remove bacteria from water. In the absence of such media, a student might consider using the type of sponges found in commercial floor scrubbers. A pond enthusiast could thus make a useful home made water filter, one that could remove organic matter.

The pond enthusiast has special needs, needs not found in the typical home. In a typical home, the residents simply want a chance to enjoy clean, pure, great-tasting water. Activated carbon filters with ion exchange and micron filtration are the ideal components for a home filter.

While a home made water filter can never be classed as an ideal filter, it still brings the residents in a home closer to where they want to be. It facilitates the acquisition of water that can keep the residents safe from a majority of unwanted contaminants.

Of course, the ideal water filter, the one with activated carbon, would produce the safest type of drinking water.

The water purifier filter is a device that helps in removing impurities from water through use of a fine physical barrier, chemical process and/or biological process. They are used for cleansing of water used in irrigation, drinking water, aquariums as well as swimming pools. The primary function of the water purifier filter is to soften water as well as remove harmful chemicals of which chlorine is a good example.

May Be Harmful To Your Health, But Is Normally Used To Eliminate Bad Taste And Smells

There are many who feel that the contaminants contained in drinking water that has not been filtered will result in causing harm to the health of the person and may even result in their contracting cancer. However, unfiltered water is normally associated with bad taste as well as smell for which you may choose to use a water purifier filter to get rid of the same.

The water purifier filters that you use can be of different kinds, and the one that most appropriately meets individual needs and requirements is the one that you should choose. It is essential that you decide how much water is required to be filtered. You may want to choose the faucet mounted water purifier filter, which is not at all expensive.

Another advantage of such a filter is that it is portable and it is not demanding of much space requirement. The majority of faucet mounted water purifier filters are able to be turned on and off with the help of a switch.

Another type of water purifier filter available is the counter top water filters that sits on the countertop close to a sink and are connected with the kitchen faucet with the help of a diverter that replaces the existing aerator. Counter top water purifier filters are easy to remove and are also operable using a switch to turn it on and off.

You may also opt for an in-line water purifier filter that is installed directly in the cold water pipe, and is in most instances, disposable. Yet another type of water purifier filter often used is the under-the-counter-water filter unit that is mounted beneath the kitchen sink.

It is often found connected to a dedicated drinking water faucet, and is absolutely independent of the main kitchen faucet. It makes possible not wasting filtered water when washing dishes, which makes such water purifier filters very popular in private homes.

Installing a household water filter is a must these days with contaminates in our water supply. Whether it be sink water filters, shower water filters, or whole house water filters, they are all beneficial.

If you choose the whole house model for your household water filter, you won’t need any other kind. The whole house one will purify all the water that comes into your house before it is dispersed to the various faucets in your home.

There are many dangerous chemicals in our water supply. They range from pesticides, herbicides, weed killers, arsenic, and petroleum products, even pharmaceuticals drugs. Our lives are filled with these synthetic substances, but our water doesn’t have to be.

There are many household water filters manufactured to keep our water safe. The sink water filters usually found in counter top models and under the counter models are used to purify our drinking water. You can also purchase a shower water filter for your bathing and shower water.

You may know you need to filter your drinking water, and if you don’t believe me when I say you do, just search the internet and you will find many articles telling you how dangerous our water is if left untreated once it gets to our homes. You also need to filter your shower water.

Reason for this is twofold. Our pores in our skin open up when we soak in a hot tub of water or stand under the hot water in the shower. This causes us to absorb the chlorine from the water and any other chemicals that also lurk in our water supply. These dangerous chemicals enter our blood stream and can be damaging to our health.

Chlorine and many other dangerous chemicals in our water supply are cancer causing agents. So whether we drink them or ingest them through our skin they are dangerous.

The other reason to install a shower water filter is because the vapors from the steam of hot shower and bath water contain gases that when inhaled can cause respiratory and nervous system disorders. Inhaling chlorine gases has also been linked to asthma.

So shopping for a household water filter needs to be a priority. Whole house filters are more expensive than sink water filters, which run just under a $100 for a good model. Going that route and purchasing a shower water filter to go along with it is a wise choice. You can find a combination pack with a drinking water filter and a shower filter for just under $160.

Finding a good one shouldn’t be hard. Look for a filter that combines carbon filtering with sub micron, multi block and ion exchange and you’ll be protecting your health for years to come. Don’t delay, do it today. Your good health depends on it.

People often make the mistake of taking a water purifier for a water filter, though the two items have certain things in common, they are nevertheless two distinct items. While both remove bacteria by using a mechanical force for pumping water through a screening device, only a water purifier has the necessary features to render the micro-organisms in the water inactive. There are two ways to complete the inactivation: either by chemical or by electrostatic procedures. The use of a water purifier is necessary even for waters in the wild that are considered relatively safe; they may still contain some micro-organisms that could endanger human health.

The ideal water purifier should include a filtering surface with pores no larger than 0.2 microns; such a device is considered the safest since very few bacteria are smaller than 0.2 microns. Even if there be any viruses left after filtration, they are inactivated through the purification process by ozone, chlorine or ultraviolet light. Depending on the technical complexity, some parts of the water purifier may require special maintenance and the replacement of certain parts. You should check the device regularly to make sure that everything is working properly, otherwise your water source may become unreliable.

The filter in the water purifier also requires regular cleaning, this means that from time to time you will have to let it dry. If you use a portable device, try to collect still, clear water so as to avoid too many impurities accumulating in the filtering screen. The water purifier will retain all the internal elements with a size larger than the filtering pores, and only afterwards will clean water be dispensed in the special container from which you drink it. The most commonly used disinfectant that you are likely to find in a water purifier is iodine (usually under the form of iodine resins.

Another type of water purifier uses a positive electrostatic charge as a means of inactivating viruses and bacteria. More advanced models rely on ultraviolet light for the water purification process, but such devices are usually a lot more expensive than the iodine and the electrostatic energy-based ones. The choice is entirely up to you, regardless if we are talking about portable or fix devices, nevertheless always consider the usage extent of the water purifier to make sure that the investment is truly worth making. It would be a waste of money to buy a far too advanced water purifier model when you only need it from time to time.

It can be confusing when shopping for water filters. We are all aware of the lack of quality in our drinking water these days. If you have not had your water tested and seen the scary results, you can likely taste, smell and see that your water is not clean. Our water systems are overloaded with chlorine, fluoride, sediment, pharmaceuticals and other toxic substances. It has become a hazard to our health and yet we all know we need water to survive. A water filter is the immediate answer but how do we know which ones are the best? The best water filters will protect you by using multiple filtration technologies.

There are only two brands that have made our top list for best water filters:

Aquasana – Aquasana water filters were voted ‘best buy’ by Consumer Magazine 5 years in a row. That shows great quality. They make water filters for home usage and have a product line that consists of countertop filters, shower filters and whole house filtration systems. Their water filters are priced great and have a good manufacturer’s warranty which is very important.

Crystal Quest – Crystal Quest has been around a long time and has over 30 years of industry expertise. Their water filters are known for being of excellent quality and produce some of the healthiest and great-tasting water around. They also come with an excellent manufacturer’s warranty.

Both of these water filters use a combination of these filtration technologies:

 

ATS Ion Exchange – removes heavy metals like lead Carbon Block – removes chemicals that cause bad taste and odor Doultion Ceramic – removes biological contaminants KDF-55 – removes heavy metals and kills bacteria UltraFiltration – removes extremely small contaminants

 

It is important to understand that because these two products use a combination of filtration technologies they are better able to clean the water efficiently and therefore are two of the best water filters. When technologies are properly combined, they provide complimentary and redundant purification of the drinking water. This in turn will provide you with the safest and cleanest water available. There are many different water filters on the market and it is important to shop and compare in order to find the right one that will fill your need.

To learn much more about the best water filters as well as to find whole house water filters visit Get-Water-Filters.com where you’ll find this and much more, including great information on reverse osmosis water filters.

Relying on specialists in water related problems and resorting to them to identify the type of problem you confront with is the best thing to do before buying a water filter. A professional lab will tell you within a short period of time the nature of the problem and whether you need to purchase carbon water filters, an iron water filter or others. There is no point in spending a significant amount of money without consulting a professional first, because there's a big chance you'll regret your decision.

 

Water equipment is necessary but this doesn't mean that you have to pay a lot of money on a water system. Before you decide to purchase any equipment, we suggest testing your water and making sure that the system you opt for will treat your problem adequately. As long as you consult with water quality professionals and equipment suppliers, you will be able to identify with their help the best system that meets your individual needs. Once you have identified the type and the level of contaminants, you will be able to choose the water system you need.

 

All carbon water filters remove organic compounds and the effectiveness of such filters depends on the amount of carbon in the unit and how long the water remains there. If the water remains in contact with the filter medium for a longer period of time the more impurities are removed. However, we suggest replacing carbon filters cartridges when the problems of taste and odor reappear. The cartridges of carbon water filters can range from a few dollars to several hundreds and there are units that require professional installation. The most popular types of carbon filters, based on their location in the plumbing system, are: faucet mount, in-line, line bypass and point of entry.

 

The first category of carbon water filters is usually cheaper and it is attached to the faucet where the drinking water comes out, containing a small amount of carbon. The in-line filters are installed behind the kitchen sink, treating only cold water running from the tap, while warm, and hot water will remain untreated. The line bypass filters are also attached to the cold water supply line and the carbon water filters last longer because it treats only the water that is being used. The last category of filters treat all the water that enters the home and it is great for the treatment of volatile organic compounds that evaporate into the air. These are the most efficient filters but also the most expensive ones as far as cost and maintenance are concerned.

 

Another frequent problem is the contamination of water with iron; besides causing an unpleasant metallic taste, the iron also causes staining of fixtures and laundry. Unfortunately, an iron water filter can be quite expensive, requiring significant monitoring and maintenance but if you do a little research you just might find something cost-effective. Some advantages of the iron water filter are: the cost of competitive iron treatment systems, easy to replace cartridge, no backwashing required and not adding harmful products to the drinking water.

 

Furthermore, the iron water filter prevents the staining of laundry and plumbing system, the life of the filter is relatively long, the installation is simple and it doesn't take a lot of time and its size is quite small so it doesn't require a lot of storage. As you can see, each water filter is meant to treat a certain problem, so it is up to specialist to decide what type of filter you need.

Water purifiers are readily available today from many sources.  But not just any so called "water purifier" will do the job to give you the water purification you really need.  Here are but 3 reasons why you should get a genuine water purifier before the sun goes down or you drink one more drop from your kitchen tap.

But first before I list the first reason you should know a little about the public water purification standards.  Simply put the standards are lacking.
Bottled water is no more than tap water that has been "processed" by means of some kind of water purifier.  However, you definitely need a water purifier in your home.  But don't depend on the treatment by the public water facility.  More on that in a moment.

What Pure Water Should Be

-Pure water should have no chemicals.
-It should be bacteria-free.
-The pH level should be correct.
-The mineral content should be balanced.
-It should smell good and taste good.

The Truth About Water Purifiers

Many products call themselves water purifiers when in fact they are not.  One very popular "water purifier", (it is not), because its name sounds like it is, gets many sales as a result.  A home shopping network sells one for about $40 and people buy it thinking that it is for water purification. Sorry about that.  Many customers were dissatisfied because it did nothing to remove a chemical that they thought it would.  This brings us to reason #1.

#1 Chlorine Removal is Vital

You might think that chlorine is good to have in the water.  You're right and you're wrong.

You're right that it is beneficial to a point.  The point being: NO FURTHER THAN YOUR TAP.  Chlorine is a contaminant and a poison when you drink it.  No you probably won't vomit or get noticeably sick.  But it does the body no good.  It helps kill certain dangerous "things" from water sources: wells, rivers, etc. But it is not to be ingested.  But it is by most people.

Did you know that when you take a shower your skin is absorbing chlorine right into your bodies sytem?  Scary isn't it.  Sorry but you have good reason to be concerned.  Also, it is not the only water contaminant to worry about.

#2 Lead is Toxic

Yes, lead is being found in drinking water in many areas.  Lead is a metal that is toxic (poisonous) and can accumulate in your body over a period of time.
But, unfortunately, it is usually discovered after the damage is done.  Get it out of your water.

#3 Reverse Osmosis - Exposed

This reason is more of an exposure of deception.
Reverse osmosis systems are promoted as the answer to pollution.  RO is beneficial for some applications ( removing mud, debris,etc.) but not for in home water purification purposes.  Here's why.

RO takes good minerals out of the water.  It de-mineralizes the water.  The body needs minerals that come naturally with water.  Mineral free water can eventually produce problems like indigestion.  RO can not remove pesticides or chlorine.  For that you need a filter that is carbon activated.

There are more reasons than just these three. To summarize just remember that removing lead and chlorine is crucial and not removing minerals is vital to your health.

You need to do what I did to find a water purification  system that really protects your family.  Do your research before you buy a piece of junk. I found only one such company that truly makes a reliable water purifier and at a price that any one can afford. For more information see my website. - Larry L. Taylor

Many of us have water filters in our home, either a whole house filtration system or simply on our taps.  It is wide spread knowledge that filtering our water is a necessity what with all of the chlorine, sediment, drugs, etc. in our water supply these days.  What happens though when we are traveling, hiking, camping, or simply anywhere that we want to have clean water fast?  There are an array of portable water filters that can easily be taken with us anywhere we go.  They give the convenience of being able to fill up at any tap or water fountain and still drink clean, safe water.  There are many different types of portable water filters.  Below is a list of some of the more popular portable water filters that eliminate sediment, chlorine and some bacteria.

Soldiers Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier Outdoor Survival Portable US $21.54

6 STAGE Portable Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System US $268.25

CLEAR 2 GO WATER PURIFIER TRAVEL PORTABLE WATER FILTER US $4.66

2 Portable Water Purification Filter water bottles with ceramic filter 24 ounces US $44.99

Portable Water Purification Filter Ceramic water bottle with ceramic filter US $49.99

Clear2Go Portable Water Bottle w Filter Perfect for your new gym membership US $10.99

Portable Water Filter Camping Emergency Survival US $19.99

Portable Army PLA Soldier Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier USA SHIP DC021 US US $28.90

AQUA PURE REUSABLE PORTABLE WATER PURIFIER FILTERPOUCH US $55.22

High Country Portable Water Bag with Ceramic Filter US $46.99

Soldier Portable Mini Camping Hiking Travel Soldiers Water Pure Filter Purifier US $18.99

Portable Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System 50 GPD RO US $149.00

Portable Soldier Water Filter Purifier for Hiking Camping Fishing Hunting US $64.95

Portable Nano Energy Water Filter Ionizer Alkaline US $51.66

2 PACK Portable Water Filters ion nano flask Alkaline Ionizers ph purifier US $41.87

Portable Hiking Camping Water Filter PurifierLubricant US $39.41

Body Glove 18oz Portable Water Filter Bottle Camping US $19.95

Water Pitcher Filter Brita Jug Container Portable Pitchers Jugs Containers NEW US $20.73

AQUARIUM Water Filter Portable R O System with DI Resin US $150.82

PORTABLE REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER FILTER SYSTEM 160 GPD US $89.90

Seychelle Portable Water Straw w Advanced Filter for Purification Filtration US $16.95

Pure Easy Soldier Portable Mini Water Filter Purifier US $35.98

Portable Reef Aquarium Reverse Osmosis RO DI 3 stage water filter US $109.00

SteriPen Portable Water Purifier with Pre Filter US $69.95

2 Portable Water Purification Filters Ceramic Carbon Silver impregnated US $73.99

Bota of Boulder Outback Bottle Filter - This is a filter bottle that is great for wilderness hikers.  It can remove many common bacteria from water and therefore is excellent for filling up at the nearest stream.

Bottom's Up - The filter in these bottles is in the bottom of the bottom as opposed to being part of the lid like many others.  The reason for this is that the filter will stay protected within the bottle and won't be exposed to air contaminants.

Clear Brook Portable Water Filter Bottle - This is a great 22oz bottle that has a Lexan cover that will resist cracks and leaks.  Excellent for anybody on the go.

Exstream - Excellent high quality filters that come in three different models and sizes.

Innova Water Filter Bottle - This bottle comes in two sizes, either 16 oz or 27 oz and has a two-stage filter that cleans the water as your squeeze.

Pres2Pure Canteen - These canteens are a bit of an odd shape and can be difficult to carry in a standard water bottle holder or pack.  However they come with colloidal silver filters that allow for a natural filtration and work great.

If you are looking for a more extensive portable water filter that will be effective in eliminating water borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, an excellent choice would be the Portable Gravity Water Filters with Doulton ceramic filtration elements.  These units are intended to be used in any situation where safe drinking water is not available. They are used by many major aid and emergency relief organizations around the world.

The fact is that it is necessary to filter our water before we drink it in order to avoid contamination and ill health effects.  If we are in a situation where clean water is unavailable then we better be sure to have a portable water filter.  Do a little shop and comparison online and be sure to get one that is beneficial for what you need.  There are many excellent units on the market like the ones listed above.  Be sure to get one that is going to fit your needs.

To learn much more about portable water filters as well as to learn about the different types of water filtration technologies visit Get-Water-Filters.com where you’ll find this and much more, including great information on expedition water filters.

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Imagine you are hiking through some of the lushest and most beautiful virgin forests in the middle of nowhere. The air is fresh and everything feels so pristine and perfect. You are thirsty and a small stream with clear fresh water is running in front of you. Naturally you feel the need to drink from that water source; however doing so will be ill advised. Most people think that just because water is from a natural source, is clear and tastes "natural" that means that drinking it will be fine. This is a terrible mistake and would expose you to unnecessary risk. Don't drink untreated water in the wilderness!

Camping KATADYN Pocket Microfilter water filter Endurance Series Swiss Made New US $289.99

Water Filter 75 265 gallons camping backpacking katadyn hiking purifier travel US $40.00

Soldiers Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier Outdoor Survival Portable US $21.54

Soldiers Hiking Camping Pure Easy Ceramic Water Filter Purifier Ship From USA US $34.90

Pure Mini Soldier Ceramic Pump Backpacking Water Filter Hiking Camping Purifier US $9.98

Army PLA Soldier Military Camping Water Filter Purifier US $21.54

Portable Army PLA Soldier Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier USA SHIP DC021 US US $28.90

Portable Water Filter Camping Emergency Survival US $19.99

KATADYN POCKET MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER GIFT US $298.95

Soldiers Hiking Camping Pure Ceramic Water Filter Purifier USA Ship DC021 US US $34.90

KATADYN HIKER MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER US $64.95

AQUA PURE REUSABLE PORTABLE WATER PURIFIER FILTERPOUCH US $55.22

2 WATER FILTER STRAWS Emergency Survival Disaster Rescue Camping Hiking BOB Lot US $2.99

Soldier Portable Mini Camping Hiking Travel Soldiers Water Pure Filter Purifier US $18.99

SAWYER COMPLETE HIKING CAMPING WATER TREATMENT FILTER SYSTEM 4 LITERS 1 GALLON US $89.99

Katadyn Pocket Microfilter Camping Backpacking Water Filter New in Box US $369.95

Seychelle Straw Camping Water Purifier Advanced Filter US $16.95

Portable Soldier Water Filter Purifier for Hiking Camping Fishing Hunting US $64.95

Portable Hiking Camping Water Filter PurifierLubricant US $39.41

KATADYN HIKER PRO MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER US $79.95

Pure Mini Soldier Ceramic Pump Backpacking Water Filter Hiking Camping DC021 US $34.98

Body Glove 18oz Portable Water Filter Bottle Camping US $19.95

New Soldiers Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier DC021 US $34.89

KATADYN VARIO MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER US $89.95

Sawyer All in One Water Filtration Kit Great Camping Water Filter US $58.95

For most people, getting a drink of water is just a matter of walking a few feet, turning on the faucet and drinking up. However in the camping or hiking scenario the normally simple task becomes a bit more laborious. Usually the safest option when you are out in the wilderness is to simply bring your own treated water. However, if you are going for an overnight hike or camp-out this simply won't be an option as you can't bring the amount required, the only option will be to treat water that you can source from the hiking or trekking area.
Potential Contaminants

Water taken from natural sources such as lakes, river, streams and ponds may look clean and have no undesirable odor or taste. However pathogens found in water are not only harmful, but are also invisible to the naked eye and may be odorless or tasteless. The pathogens in question are bacteria, viruses and protozoa which can cause mild nausea and fever or can develop into more serious illnesses such as severe diarrhea, hepatitis or typhoid fever. Water from lakes, rivers, streams and ponds should always be disinfected and treated before being used of cooking or drinking.
These pathogens may seem out of place in such pristine environments but rotting or fecal matter in the water harbors these pathogens. This means that there is a chance that some animal has either died or excreted body wastes in the natural water source or there could be some contaminated water run-off from a source upstream which would render the water source unknowingly unusable.
Besides pathogens, sediments from mud, soil or sand may also render natural sources of water unusable. The general practice before the advent of portable water filters is to collect the water and let it sit in a bowl of some sort to let the sediments collect at the bottom then pour the remaining water on the top to another receptacle for consumption. This can normally be a very time consuming process and in emergency situation might not be very practical, especially since the water still isn't fit for consumption, pathogens as discussed earlier may still reside in the water and thus still has to be treated before consumption.
On a more alarming note, the U.S Geological Survey reports that in North American wilderness waters, there are trace amounts of organic chemicals, pesticides, solvents, gasoline compounds, refrigerant and fumigants in the supposedly pristine wilderness waters. The good news is that the levels of chemical concentrations are very low but is an early warning that human activity is having an effect on regional surface-water quality even in remote areas.
Water Treatment Devices for Campers/Hikers

Water treatment devices can generally be divided into two groups following their functions. The first group are water treatment devices to improve the overall taste, smell and appearance of water or to remove undesirable chemicals or minerals, these types of water filters are not as essential to the camper/hiker thus we will not discuss them there. The next group is water treatment devices designed to disinfect water which we will discuss here since the biggest risk for hikers or campers is ingesting water with active pathogens which will cause illness.
Chlorinators, Iodinators and Ultraviolet Light (UV)

These are generally the most practical mean to disinfect larger volumes of water that might be needed for drinking purposes of a large camp site. Chlorine and iodine kills most disease-causing organisms and require short to moderate contact times with the water before taking effect. Chlorine is used widely in municipally treated water and has virtually eliminated waterborne infectious diseases such as typhoid and cholera in urban areas.
However, chlorine and iodine treatment alone will not eliminate all pathogens, protozoa such as Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium Parvum will not be killed with just chlorination. If protozoa are present or suspected, then it is recommended that the water be passed through a water filter with a 0.1 micro-meters or smaller pore size to remove these harmful parasites then treated with chlorine or iodine before consumption.
Iodine is another alternative to disinfecting water, however should be reserved for occasional or emergency use only. Iodine should not be used as a long term solution for disinfection because iodine is physiologically active thus ingesting large amounts over a long period can also be harmful.
Both chlorine and iodine are effective at killing pathogens however research has indicated that long term chlorine usage is dangerous and can be linked to cancer and also brain damage, it is thus advised that these treatment agents be used as a last resort where other water treatment options have been exhausted.
Ultra-violet devices are also effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa. You don't have to add anything to the water thus the treated water has no taste or odor, additionally only a few seconds of expose is necessary if the water is clear. This system however is rather expensive compared to the other types of water filters and also doesn't guarantee the quality of the water beyond the point of use. Basically, once you apply the UV light, you should drink it immediately, it isn't a long-term solution where you can store the water in a receptacle for future consumption.
Ceramic or Glass Fiber Filters

These types of filters normally come in a canister form for use in camping or hiking situations. They treat smaller amounts of water, suitable for camping with few people or when the water needs aren't very high. These types of filters can remove most bacteria and protozoa from mildly contaminated water and are normally sufficient for the average camper/hiker's needs. When presented with heavily contaminated waters, it is recommended that these filters be used in conjunction with the above mentioned chlorinators, iodinators and ultraviolet lights to get a broad spectrum of disinfection and treatment.
There are also portable glass fiber/ceramic filters with iodine-releasing resins designed specifically for campers or travelers to countries where drinking water quality is questionable. Some of these iodine-releasing portable filters also have activated carbon filters to remove excess iodine from the water.
Generally, these types of filters are the most practical when it comes to hiking or camping because of their easy of use and portability. If the camper of hiker is looking to clean the natural water that isn't overly contaminated, using these types of filters is recommended above the rest of the treatment options.
Distillers and Ozonators

These are point-of-use devices that are suitable where electric power isn't available such as during a hiking or camping trip. The distillation water filters are effective for the removal of inorganic chemicals including heavy metals and selected organic chemicals. They are often combined with activated carbon for the removal of certain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) such as trihalomethanes and tetrachloroethylene. It should be noted that distilled water is demineralized, there have been quarters that say drinking demineralized water for extended periods will cause illness however there has been no research to prove or disprove this theory.
Ozonators produce small quantities of ozone which is a very strong oxidizing agent that is effective in killing pathogens over a short period of time. Ozonation produces no taste or odor in the water. Unlike chlorine and iodine, ozone does not protect water after the application (however is safer based on research) and is normally combined with activated carbon filtration to achieve a more complete water treatment solution.
These type of filters are normally used in conjunction with ceramic or glass fiber filters when a much broader spectrum of contaminants is present in the water. Generally these types of filters are bulkier, take longer to filter and should only be used where water is known to be contaminated with these toxic chemicals. Under normal circumstances, such a high level of filtrations isn't necessary.
To conclude, the main objective of campers when it comes to their water needs is to ensure that water consumed is free from harmful pathogens, chemicals and toxins so that they don't get ill on their trip. As such, water filters which provide the most balanced filtration needs for the camper/hiker would be ceramic or glass fiber water filters, again assuming that the water isn't overly contaminated.