Whether you’re a camper, a traveler, or you’re simply unable to locate pure drinking water, water purification tablets should be your first priority. Many places around the globe contain impure water. For such survival conditions, you’ll need nothing more than purification tablets.
Water purification tablets play a significant role in killing viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. It helps make impure water consumable by disinfecting it. It eliminates any sort of water-borne diseases as well as toxic chemicals.
These tablets are a quick and easy way to purify impure water. They come in handy, especially if you’re traveling abroad or in case of emergencies. Being small and lightweight, it can fit in your pockets, bags, or purse with ease. They also help supply water for drinking to those who are unable to access clean drinking water.
This article will guide you through buying one of the finest purification tablets for water. Below lies detailed information about 8 of the best water purification tablets.
Contents
- Top 3 Picks
- Best Water Purification Tablets
- 1. Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets
- 2. Potable Aqua Water Purification Treatment
- 3. Aquatabs AQT100 Water Purification Tablets
- 4. Mightie Company Worlds #1 Water Purification Tablets- Aquatabs 150 Pack
- 5. Aquamira-Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatment Two Part Liquid
- 6. Expedition Research LLC TAC-H2O Water Purification Tablets
- 7. Essential Values Water Cleaning tablets
- 8. Coghlan’s Drinking Water Tablets
- The Importance of Water Purification Tablets
- Buying Guide
- Benefits of Water Purifying Tablets
- Types of Water Purification Tablets
- Water Purification Tablets and How They Work
- Chlorine vs. Iodine
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 3 Picks
Katadyn Micropur Tablets – Best overall .
Results in 30 minutes, EPA approved and 5 years shelf life
Potable aqua tablets –Best for improving the biological condition of the water.
Results in 35 minutes, iodine-based with 4 years shelf life.
Aquatabs aqT100 tablets –Best value for money.
Effervescent, standup pouch, and 5 years of shelf life.
Best Water Purification Tablets
1. Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets
Katadyn Micropur MP1 is famous for being effective against water-borne diseases. Such include viruses, bacteria, Giardia Lamblia, cryptosporidium, and other harmful pathogens. These tablets provide results in less than 30 minutes.
These tablets are officially registered by EPA as a microbiological water purifier. Moreover, they are chlorine dioxide-based treatments. One bottle consists of 20 tablets.
Each tablet of MP1 is premeasured to filter 1 quart of water. Hence, it needs no mixing or measuring. Another plus point of MP1 is that each tablet is individually packed. It provides a fresh taste of water, eliminating the unpleasant odor. It certainly lives up to its purification standards.
User critics
Katadyn Micropur tablets are effective in all water conditions and eliminate harmful microorganisms. It has 5 years shelf life, proving its long-lasting quality.
Pros
- Better in taste than iodine
- 5 years shelf life
- Individually wrapped tablets
- 15 minutes wait time for bacteria
- 30 minutes wait time for Giardia
- 20 tablets per bottle
Cons
- 4 hour wait time for cryptosporidium
Final verdict
It provides overall high quality and long-lasting performance. Katadyn products are famous for their durability. If you’re traveling long distances, be sure to buy more than one bottle.
2. Potable Aqua Water Purification Treatment
Potable Aqua doesn’t fail to meet the needs of today’s extroverts. It works great against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and Giardia Lamblia. It makes infected water suitable to drink in less than 35 minutes.
It is an iodine-based chemical treatment, which biologically improves impure water. One bottle of Potable Aqua contains 50 tablets that purify germicidal water. It is widely trusted by hikers and emergency organizations.
One bottle of Potable Aqua treats up to 25 quarts of water. The directions state that 2 tablets should be used per quart of water. Potable Aqua Water improves the taste and color of the water.
User critics
Potable Aqua is one of the best-purifying tablets, providing exceptional results. It has a shelf life of 4 years and makes water bacteriologically fit to drink.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No aftertaste
- 4 years shelf life
- Individually wrapped tablets
- 35 minutes wait time for Giardia
- 50 tablets per bottle
Cons
- 2 tablets per quart
- Not effective against cryptosporidium
- Stains bottles
Final verdict
Although potable aqua works great for disinfecting water, watch out for a specific light brown color, which it’ll leave in your water. It is mostly used by military personnel.
3. Aquatabs AQT100 Water Purification Tablets
Aquatabs AQT100 are effervescent and help kill microorganisms present in water. It prevents diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, etc. Moreover, It is also effective against bacteria, viruses, and Giardia Lamblia. It shows results in 30 minutes and disinfects raw water.
These tablets are EPA approved. It is a chlorine-based treatment. AQT100 has a total of 100 packets, and each pack contains 20 tablets. Major agencies such as NGOs, military organizations, and defense forces use them for filtering water.
AQT100 treats up to 200 quarts of water. The tablets are individually packed; 20 tablets per packet. It results in no strong aftertaste of water, although it smells a bit like a chemical. Due to its lightweight feature, they are easy to transport.
User critics
AQT100 lasts up to 5 years. It is trusted by major agencies for its easy and effective performance. Moreover, its lightweight foil packets work great for easy travel purposes.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No aftertaste
- 5 years shelf life
- Individually wrapped tablets
- 30 minutes wait time
- 20 tablets per packet
Cons
- Not effective against cryptosporidium
Final verdict
Aquatabs are great for the prevention of serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, etc. Only minor complaints were given about the packaging. But overall, AQT100 is a reliable treatment for water.
4. Mightie Company Worlds #1 Water Purification Tablets- Aquatabs 150 Pack
These are self-dissolving tablets that kill microorganisms. It helps in preventing cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and other diseases. These tablets purify your drinking water in 30 minutes. Over 1 billion aquatabs are used globally because of their outstanding performance.
These tablets are the only purification tablets with NSF 60 certification. Its formula is approved by the World Health Organization, and It is a chlorine-based treatment. Each packet consists of 150 tablets. These tablets are selected and trusted by Aid agencies, defense forces, and NGOs. It is used not only for emergencies but also in a regular household.
Mightie tablets treat about 200 quarts of water. They also have a waterproof and lifeproof stand up pouch. These tablets come with clear instructions of use. One tablet filters only 0.75 quarts of water. Their smell is unnoticeable, although it tastes slightly like chlorine.
User critics
Aquatabs water purification tablets are durable for up to 5 years. Its unique feature consists of a standup pouch, and its lightweight quality is also a must-have for easy travel.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- 5 years shelf life
- Individually wrapped tablets
- 30 minutes wait time
- 150 tablets per packet
- Standup pouch
Cons
- Poor paper packaging
- Filtration of only 0.75 quarts per tablet.
- Tastes like chlorine
Final verdict
Mightie tablets also prevent serious water-borne diseases. The paper packaging is of low quality, which, if wet, can damage the pills. Other than that, it’s easy to carry and convenient to use.
5. Aquamira-Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatment Two Part Liquid
Aquamira is pretty effective against viruses, bacteria, Giardia Lamblia, and cryptosporidium. This product consists of 2 bottles that are liquid droppers. 7 drops of each of these bottles can purify your desired amount of water.
This water treatment product is both iodine and chlorine-free. It is a chlorine dioxide-based dropper treatment. The combined use of both these liquid droppers can treat up to 30 gallons of water.
Aquamira treatment does not cause any discoloration of water; neither does it have an unpleasant taste. It improves the taste of water by neutralizing the unpleasant flavors. . It helps kill any odor-causing bacteria.
User critics
Aquamira lasts up to 4 years of shelf life. It provides extraordinary results in the disinfection of impure water by its unique dropper feature. It is advised for you to make sure your seller is “aquamira” and you’re purchasing it from an authentic page.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No aftertaste
- 4 years shelf life
- 15 minutes wait time for bacteria
- 30 minutes wait time for Giardia
- 30ml per bottle
Cons
- 4 hour wait time for cryptosporidium
- Packaging issues
Final verdict
This water treatment product is very easy to use. It is useful in eliminating bacterial odors. Moreover, it results in a pleasant smell with no nasty aftertaste.
6. Expedition Research LLC TAC-H2O Water Purification Tablets
Expedition TAC-H2O tablets are self-dissolving tablets that kill microorganisms in water. It helps prevent water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. It takes about 30 minutes for the water to be completely filtered.
TAC-H2O tablets are EPA approved for long term treatment of water. Besides, these tablets are a trusted brand by NATO, defense forces, and travelers. It is also a chlorine-based treatment.
A single pack filters up to 500L of water. Each tablet (weighing 49mg) filters about 5L of water. It consists of safety heat-sealed, 4 layers thick TAC-H2O Mylar pouch. The pouch is sunlight proof, waterproof, and rugged. These tablets also come with an illustrated tri-fold color manual.
User critics
TAC-H2O lasts up to 5 years of shelf life. Its lightweight, and matte black pouch is an eye-catcher. Moreover, this pouch comes with a manual and packets containing the disinfectant tablets.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No noticeable aftertaste
- 5 years shelf life
- 30 minutes wait time
- Each packet filters 5L of water
- Heat-sealed, safety pouch
Cons
- Smells a bit like chlorine
Final verdict
Aquatabs have once again caught our attention. Its 140 micron, thick Mylar Pouch, is an absolute must-have. These tablets provide quick and high-quality results that are worth every penny.
7. Essential Values Water Cleaning tablets
Essential Values tablets provide outstanding results. It not only disinfects impure water but also works well as bottle cleaning tablets. They help remove tough stains in bottles. Results of the pure water start to show up after 30 minutes of application.
It is an ideal product in light of traveling, camping, biking, etc. it is a citric-acid based treatment. Essential tablets are an overall eco-friendly and safe choice because they are biodegradable and chlorine-free. Every container consists of 24 tablets.
24 tablets in each container equal to 24 uses of these tablets. It works best in improving taste and preventing stain build-up. It also helps get rid of unpleasant odors. Being environment friendly, it is common in regular households and safe around kids.
User critics
Essential Values Water Cleaning tablets are more affordable and easy to use. If you’re looking for eco-friendly and lightweight tablets, this product should be your go-to.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No aftertaste
- 30 minutes wait time
- 24 tablets for 24 uses
- Biodegradable
Cons
- No individual packaging
- Small container
Final verdict
Although the container is small, Essential Values still live up to their expectations. They are fast-acting purifying tablets and work best for removing tough stains.
8. Coghlan’s Drinking Water Tablets
Coghlan’s water tablets provide immediate disinfection of water. It helps kill harmful pathogens such as bacteria, Giardia Lamblia, and cryptosporidium. It is proven to be quite effective against Giardia. It shows results in less than 30 minutes.
These water purifying tablets are iodine-based treatment. 50 tablets are present per bottle for eliminating germs present in water. It also helps improve water quality, biologically. It is used mostly for camping and traveling purposes.
It treats up to 25 quarts and 6 gallons of water. 2 of these tablets are used to disinfect 1 quart of water. It leaves no sort of nasty aftertaste. They also don’t smell as compared to other water purifying tablets. These tablets are strictly to be used for short term or limited emergencies.
User critics
Coghlan’s tablets have a shelf life of up to 5 years. They are potent and fast-acting tablets and need only be used for emergency purposes.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No aftertaste
- 5 years shelf life
- 30 minutes wait time for Giardia
- 50 tablets per bottle
Cons
- 4 hours wait time for cryptosporidium
- Longer dissolving time
- Stains bottle
Final verdict
Coghlan’s tablets should definitely be on your top list. Along with efficient long-lasting quality, they also bacteriologically improve water’s condition.
The Importance of Water Purification Tablets
Nothing is more important than the consumption of fresh water. Which is not possible when there is only 3% of fresh water on earth. Water purifying tablets help increase the number of fresh water. Now that we have our list of 8 best water purification tablets let’s discuss their importance.
1. Eliminating pathogens
The most essential importance is killing pathogens. Purification tablets help eliminate bacteria, viruses, giardia lamblia, and cryptosporidium. The presence of iodine, chlorine, and chlorine dioxide are responsible for such elimination. Water purifying tablets helps decrease the risk of cholera, typhoid, dysentery, etc.
2. Hassle-free
Their lightweight shows that they’re easy to use and maintain. They can easily be transported and provide mess-free results. It requires no complex strategy and is convenient to use whenever, wherever.
3. Emergency purposes
Purification tablets come most in hand during emergencies. Their easy use saves a handful of time. Hence, wherever fresh water isn’t present, these tablets improve the condition of the water.
Buying Guide
Before purchasing a water purifying tablet, there are certain things to observe first. Here are certain factors that would enable you to buy the right tablets for your needs.
1. Price
Water purifying tablets are usually inexpensive and live half a decade of shelf life. It is observed that chlorine tablets are a tad bit more expensive than iodine tablets. But, health comes first, so be sure to buy those tablets that fit your needs.
2. Packaging
The second most important thing when buying cleaning tablets should be packaging. Some pills are individually packed while some are in a bottle. Individually packed tablets are comparatively better for more comfortable transport
3. Chemical-based
Tablets are iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide based. Iodine and chlorine-based are the most trusted, but iodine lives a particular color. They are ineffective against cryptosporidium. Whereas chlorine dioxide helps get rid of cryptosporidium and other bacteria.
Benefits of Water Purifying Tablets
Water purifying tablets have helped make the life of many easy. It purifies water for drinking, where people are unable to access pure water. It is effective against water-borne diseases and kills harmful microorganisms. They are fast-acting and easy to use. They are lightweight, thus, portable. Health experts worldwide recommend these tablets.
Types of Water Purification Tablets
Water purification tablets are of three basic types. They are listed below.
1. Iodine
30-50 minutes wait time. It is effective against bacteria, viruses, and Giardia. They have a shelf life of 5-6 years. It takes longer to purify cold water than warm water. Water might have a faint aftertaste of iodine.
It is safe for most people but for some people, it can cause nausea and headache. Women over 50 and pregnant women should consult a doctor before using iodine tablets.
2. Chlorine
30-45 minutes wait time. It is effective against bacteria, viruses, and Giardia. It has 5 years of shelf life. Chlorine is ineffective against cryptosporidium due to a protective shell.
Compared to other chlorine-based products, they are superior due to their liquid form. These tablets are usually effervescent and provide quality work. According to the EPA, consume chlorinated water in minute quantities. Although it leaves a bleach-like smell, the smell can be removed if the container’s lid is open.
3. Chlorine Dioxide
4 hours wait time. It is effective against viruses, bacteria, giardia, and cryptosporidium. It has a shelf life of 4 years. This powerful tablet can kill a broader range of water-borne diseases. Lesser side effects than chlorine and iodine and have no aftertaste.
These tablets are only activated by the contact of water or moisture. If kept safe in a tightly packed container, they can last up to 4 years. Since it works better than chlorine and iodine, it is expensive compared to them.
Water Purification Tablets and How They Work
There are different types of water purification tablets. Each of them requires a specific dose of pills. Usually, place one or more tablets in a water container. Allow this mixture to sit for half an hour or more for better results.
Most tablets tend to leave a slight aftertaste in water. But in emergencies, you’ll barely notice the difference. By leaving the container open for a while, the aftertaste of chlorine is no more. Iodine aftertaste can be eliminated by iodine neutralizer tablets.
Chlorine vs. Iodine
Chlorine is about to be 3 times more effective compared to iodine. Although chlorine is more expensive, it is still more convenient to use and has a shelf life of 5 years. Iodine also works relatively well but leaves a certain aftertaste. Iodine might also stain the container but has a shelf life of up to 6 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do these tablets take to work?
The exact wait time depends on the type of tablets you’re using. Each pill comes with a set of instructions, which includes their wait time. Typically, they last for 30 minutes or an hour in Giardia or bacteria and viruses. In the case of cryptosporidium, some tablets can take up to 4 hours to work.
- How long till these tablets expire?
The expiration date of these tablets also depends on the type of pills. The average estimated shelf life is 4-6 years. Their expiration date is on the package, which shows how long they’ll last.
- Do they have any side effects?
If misused or you happen to swallow a whole tablet. It will result in immediate irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. This will further cause burning, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In case this happens, you are advised to drink lots of milk. If milk’s unavailable, then seek immediate medical attention.
