Hello all, and welcome to the 4th weekly blog post.
Today I’ll be talking about an essential survival skill: purifying water.
For the overwhelming majority of first-world countries, clean, safe drinking water is just a few steps away at any given moment. The threat of parasites, bacteria, and viruses is virtually nonexistent. But what happens when access to clean water is suddenly cut off?
This became a very real situation in my community just a few months ago—not due to bad actors, government interference, or human error. We simply had no clean water available, and it was up to us to figure it out. It was a mess, but because I plan ahead, it wasn’t an issue for my family.
To understand that situation, we need a bit of context.
Libby, where I live, is a Superfund site designated by the EPA. The area has experienced several man-made environmental disasters—from widespread asbestos contamination to creosote leaking into the aquifer from treated telephone poles. As a result, well water in the area is heavily regulated and unsafe. The aquifer water is toxic and not suitable for consumption. Surface water, however, can be made safe through proper purification.
Because of this, the EPA required responsible corporations to provide clean drinking water to Libby residents. A dam and water treatment facility were built, along with a distribution system for homes and businesses within city limits. In the 1980s, the local government took over operations, expanded access beyond city limits, and modernized the system. Today, residents pay a base rate for a set amount of water, with additional charges for excess usage.
For the most part, the system works. Occasionally, during spring runoff, boil orders are issued when the system becomes overwhelmed. Typically, these last a few days and aren’t a major concern—we stock up on bottled water and wait it out.
December 2025 was different.
Unseasonably warm Chinook winds combined with days of heavy rain caused a “100-year flood event.” Floodwaters destroyed bridges, homes, and roads, forcing evacuations. Soon after, a severe windstorm knocked down trees across the area. Power outages lasted for weeks, services were disrupted, and panic started to set in.
My family and I were fortunate—we still had power, food, and security. But a boil order was issued. At first, we treated it like any other: buy bottled water and move on.
Then we learned the boil order was indefinite.
When I went back for more bottled water, it was completely sold out. So I went home and got to work.
Part of being prepared is having a plan—and the tools to execute it.
During my time in the military, I got severely ill from improperly purified water. I’ll spare the details, but it left me completely incapacitated for days. That experience stuck with me. Since then, I don’t take chances. No matter how clean water looks, if I find it in the wild, I purify it.
Over years of fishing, camping, hiking, and hunting, I’ve tested different methods. Below are my top three go-to ways to purify water. These methods are designed for small-scale use but can be scaled up with effort.
The key with all of them: start with the clearest water you can find. Aside from filters, these methods won’t improve clarity or taste—they simply make water safe to drink.
Disclaimer:
We are not sponsored by anyone. I’ve included Amazon links, and we may receive a small percentage from purchases at no extra cost to you. Everything recommended here is gear I’ve personally used in multiple environments. I’ll give honest pros and cons—you’re under no obligation to buy anything.
1. Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Boiling Method)
My preferred method is using a single-wall stainless steel water bottle.
Fill the bottle with water and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil for about 5 minutes. While some sources say 3 minutes (depending on elevation), 5 minutes provides a safety margin.
Important safety note:
DO NOT put the cap on while heating or immediately after boiling.
- With the cap on during heating, pressure builds and can cause an explosion.
- Putting the cap on too soon after boiling can create a vacuum, making it nearly impossible to remove.
Wait until the bottle is cool enough to handle before sealing it.
Pros:
- Extremely versatile—boil, store, and transport water in one container
- Durable and reusable
- Efficient—boils quickly with minimal fuel
Cons:
- Heavier than plastic bottles
- Can freeze to your lips in extreme cold
- Dangerous if used incorrectly
Here is the link to get one.
2. Water Purification Tablets (Aquatabs)
When fire isn’t an option, tablets are my go-to.
I’ve tried multiple brands, and many either taste bad, are messy, or unreliable. These stand out because they’re simple and effective.
Drop a tablet into your water, shake, and wait 30 minutes. Make sure you get the 49 MG tablets as they are for personal use not large quantities of water.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Great for mobility—you can purify water on the move
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Easy to lose or damage
- Packaging isn’t very durable in wet conditions
- They expire—always check dates
3. Water Filters
This is my least favorite option, mainly due to reliability issues.
I’ve owned several filters over the years, and two failed at critical times. While newer designs have improved, I still approach them cautiously.
Pros:
- Can produce larger quantities quickly
- Lower cost per gallon over time
- Immediate results—no waiting
Cons:
- Mechanical parts can fail
- Bulkier than other options
- Not reliable in freezing temperatures
Final Thoughts
No matter the method, purifying your water is not optional—it’s critical. It can be the difference between staying functional or becoming severely ill when you need to be at your best.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out. We’ll do our best to help.
Thanks for reading, and remember:
It’s one thing to talk about being the tip of the spear—it’s another thing to be it.
—Ian
