An alternative method of disinfecting water is the SODIS method.
What is SODIS?
http://www.sodis.ch/methode/index_EN
This is how it works:
http://www.sodis.ch/methode/anwendung/index_EN
What do you think is the best way to disinfect/purify drinking water?
Russell Coight....outback legend
I saw this method done on TV in the middle east, and have told many people of it. But will they remember? The other method is a solar still, a tub of water(2-3") with a plastic sheet over it, a rock in the middle of it with a pot or can directly under it to catch the condensation. This is even done with just a hole in the ground and vegetation.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
Useful method to remember - looks like that one (condensation method) works everywhere. Found a bit more info which might also come in handy.
http://www.survival.org.au/water.php
Russell Coight....outback legend
This has been my biggest peeve for a long time, Post Katrina, “Water, water, every where and nary a drop to drink”. Bullsh!t. If only 1 out of a 100 people knew how to make water through condensation, less people would have died due to thirst. Texas, do they not have sand and charcoal there, They probably did, but no one that knew what to do with it to strain and purify the water. No plastic water/pop bottles around either, eh people down there, WAKE TF Up. Obviously not enough survivalist in the states.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
Plenty of "survivalists" but not REAL people.
The difference between a man and a warrior is simple, a warrior will stand between harm and all others.
thanks for that Sussanah. I was not aware of this method.
Does anyone know if it will work on muddy water as well? Thinking of emergency situations when you have little choice. Would the sediments create too much interference?
Thanks for the post Susannah. I was aware of this method. It is great, if during summer time, you isolated lost or just plain stranded. It can be a life saver. The UV rays from the sun do the purification for you. I have not seen this used for mass production of water. But given a few hundred empty plastic bottles (and heaven knows we have lots of them) theoretically you could get ahead of the game and prepare in advance for those cloudy days.
It has to be clear or near clear water or the UV rays will not penetrate and do their work. A simple small sand filter and produce clear water from turbid water.
Could you use something like Stockings or panty hose to filter the water on it's initial collection into a bottle? wouldn't get everything but would minimise visible contaminants. 600ml bottles might work nicely for this method, or 1.5l.
I grew up on Looney Tunes, Marx Brothers mvies and Robin Williams, Enter my mind at your own risk
You can get milk filters from ag stores, them get everything but the microscopic stuff. Make great reusable coffee filters too.
The difference between a man and a warrior is simple, a warrior will stand between harm and all others.
Plain paper coffee filters work well too. A good thing to have a few of in your BOB and Get home kit.
You may want to get a few packets of activated charcoal to trap any chemicals in the water. 
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
Charcoal also improves flavour 😉
Activated Carbon (charcoal)
Make charcoal, crush it fine, (not powder)
Put it in a 5 gallon bucket and add a mixture of 25% concentrated Calcium chloride or Zinc Chloride and 75% water, (1 to 3 solution). Let sit for 24 hours. Drain on screen for a ½ hour and than bake for 3 hrs @ 215 -230 *F. Break up chucks into granule size. Store dry in airproof bags. :geek:
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
There was a video on Youtube showing this method but they were using 10L jugs.
Than= I’d rather be rich than poor.
Then= I first became hungry then I ate.
There = She is there now.
Their = They have their things.
They're = They're going to the mall.
To = They came to the house.
Too = That's too bad.