I was wondering, with all the flooded areas and no clean water, would it be possible (or folly) to filter/purify the flood water, or would there be so many man made impurities and pollution that it would be dangerous to drink it?
Good question.....I have filtered water in a stream that I found out was a sewage outlet.... Tasted fine to me, and I had no problems, but the flood water is gonna contain untreated sewage....Would of thought that if you filter and boil you should be ok though
I'd go along with Scoops_uk on this, try and find rainwater that's not been mixed with the floodwater and filter/boil that.
The sewage is probably the least of the problems from the water purification point of view, but one of the bigger ones from infections by contact and breathing in small droplets.
Despite any industrial contamination, everytime I see a news report there are cars caught up in the waters. The upshot of which is the water is going to be contsminated with all sorts of nasty fluids, petrol, desiel, engine/gearbox/steering oils, antifreeze and windscreen cleaner additives all spring to my mind.
I agree with Red. I think it would have to be a multi-stage affair.
1. Filter out the big stuff.
2. Use alum or something similar to clump and settle other particulate matter.
3. Decant clear water leaving particles behind.
4. Boil to kill the nasties and let steam escape. Hopefully, the lighter chemical elements will evaporate.
5. Cover the remaining water with a condenser attached to the cover to make distilled water.
I can't think of another way without spending loads of money.
Then test it on someone you don't particularly like.
Eric
This just reinforces my views on preparedness. We should all have adequate supplies of dehydrated water for emergencies.
(Sοrry, cabin fever is setting in real bad due to not being able to get to the moot.)
Eric
i run a marine reef tank and as such have to ensure the water i add to the tank has 0 TDS (total dissolved solids) the best and cheepist way of doing this is by reverse ossmisis followed by deionisation resin. the best supplyer in the uk is
http://www.ro-man.com/
HTH james