There are several methods of water purification that can be used to make water safe to drink. Some of the most common methods include filtration, boiling, disinfection, and distillation.
Filtration involves passing water through a filter to remove impurities. This can be done using a variety of materials, such as sand, gravel, or activated carbon. Filters can remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and sediment.
Boiling is another effective method of purifying water. By bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute, most harmful bacteria and viruses can be killed. Boiling is a simple and inexpensive method of purification, but it does not remove chemical contaminants or dissolved solids.
Disinfection involves using chemicals or ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms in water. Common disinfection methods include adding chlorine or iodine to the water, or using a portable ultraviolet light device. Disinfection can be effective at killing bacteria and viruses, but it may not be as effective at removing other contaminants.
Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the resulting steam, which is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form. This process removes many impurities, including bacteria, viruses, and dissolved solids. However, it is a time-consuming and energy-intensive process, and it may not remove certain chemicals or volatile contaminants.