Water purification tablets

Water purification tablets for safe drinking water

Water purification tablets are a lightweight, easy way to make water safe for drinking when you’re outdoors. They typically use chemicals like chlorine, iodine or chlorine dioxide to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and protozoa in natural water sources. Simply drop the tablet into your water, wait the recommended time—usually 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the tablet—and your water is ready to drink. Tablets are compact and ideal for backpacking, camping or emergency kits. While they’re effective, some may leave a slight taste, so many campers use a water filter or purifier alongside tablets for the best results. You can find several water purification tablets from reliable brands at MEC in-store or online.

Frequently asked questions

What do water purification tablets do?

Water purification tablets are designed to kill or deactivate harmful microorganisms in natural water sources. They target bacteria, viruses and protozoa that can cause illness, making untreated water safe to drink. Using tablets helps prevent waterborne diseases when you’re hiking, camping or traveling in areas where clean water isn’t guaranteed.

How do I use water purification tablets?

To use water purification tablets, simply drop one tablet into your water container and wait for the recommended amount of time, which can vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the product. This allows the chemicals in the tablet to fully disinfect the water. After the wait, the water is considered safe to drink. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for best results.

Do the tablets affect the taste?

Some tablets, especially those using chlorine or iodine, can leave a slight chemical taste or smell in the water. To reduce this, you can let the treated water sit uncovered for a short time to allow the taste to dissipate, or use a flavour-neutralizing filter afterward. Many users find the minor taste trade-off worth it for safe drinking water.