When you are exploring the outdoors or traveling somewhere, or preparing for unexpected emergencies, having access to safe drinking water is most important.
The best water purification tablets are quick, lightweight, and an effective way to make water portable wherever you are.
Whether you are hiking in remote locations or camping outdoors, stocking your survival kits for emergency conditions, these water purification tablets stay hydrated and healthy without the need for any bulky filter or heavy machinery.
When you are not reachable to the clean water source, then the risk of waterborne diseases such as Cholera, Giardiasis, or dysentery can turn your great adventure into a nightmare.
This guide explores the 7 best water purification tablets for safe drinking. breaking down how they work, their pros and cons, and prices.
So let’s explore in detail.
7 Best water purification tablets for safe drinking
1. Potable aqua water purification tablets
Overview:
Potable aqua is one of the best water purification solutions, and it was originally developed by the U.S. military.
These tablets are best for campers, travellers, and emergency responders worldwide. Each tablet contains tetraglycine hydroperiodide, which releases iodine to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
These tablets have an extensive shelf life, and they are the easiest option to serve between your family bugs out bags and other survival kits.
How to use?
- Use 2 tablets in 1 liter of water.
- Wait for 30 minutes before drinking.
- Use potable aqua PA + Neutralizing tablets afterwards to remove the iodine taste.
Best for:
Best for travellers visiting remote locations, hikers, and backpackers, and also for an emergency kit or disaster preparedness.
Pros:
- Trusted military-grade formula.
- Compact and lightweight packing.
- Kill the bacteria and viruses in water effectively.
Cons:
- Leaves a mild iodine taste.
- Not suitable for those allergic to iodine.
Price: From £10 to £15 pack of 50 tablets.
2. Katadyn Micropur MP1 purification tablets
Overview:
Katadyn Micropur MP1 water purification tablets you can use for any of your kits for the best water treatment solutions in tablet form, and you will have safe water.
Individually packaged tablets keep your purification solution lightweight, portable, and easy to use. They are also simple and in-depth.
You need to use 1 tablet for one liter and leave it for 30 minutes to 4 hours to react properly, which is one of the simplest reactions you can find for chemical water purifiers. These tablets have an extensive shelf life and are the easiest way to purify water.
How to use?
- Add one tablet per one liter.
- Leave it for 30 minutes for bacteria and viruses, or leave it up to 4 hours for full protection against bacteria and viruses.
Best for:
Best for international travellers and hikers, also best for people trekking in high-risk areas.
Pros:
- Doesn’t leave a strong iodine or chemical taste.
- It has a long shelf life.
- Highly effective against a broad range of pollutants.
Cons:
- Slightly expensive than other tablets.
- Longer waiting time to purify the water.
Price: from £20 to £25 for 30 tablets.
3. Aquatabs water purification tablets
Overview:
Aquatabs are the most widely used water purification tablets globally, initially by organisations like UNICEF and the Red Cross. Every tablet contains sodium dichloroisocyanurate, which releases a safe level of chlorine to clean water.
These tablets are perfect for everyday travellers and emergency use as well. For better results, add one tablet to water and leave it for 30 minutes.
How to use?
- Add one tablet for 1 liter of water.
- Leave it for 30 minutes before drinking.
Best for:
Well-suited for travellers roaming in areas where unreliable tap water is available, for campers, and an emergency kit, approved by WHO for emergency use.
Pros:
- It kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.
- Affordable and easy to use.
- Approved by WHO for emergency usage.
Cons:
- Slight chlorine taste.
Price: £8-£12 for 50 tablets.
4. Oasis water purification tablets
Overview:
Oasis NaDDC tablets make the suspected water safe for drinking and preparing food. These tablets have been used globally.
These tablets make the water clean and safe to drink, to clean teeth, to wash wounds, to wash fruits and vegetables, and also to cook food by killing the bacteria from water that can cause stomach infections, diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and many more. One tablet can be used for 1 liter of water and leave it for 30 minutes.
How to use?
- Dissolve 1 tablet in 1 liter of water.
- Leave it for 30 minutes before consumption.
Best for:
Best for travellers to countries with unsafe water quality, also good for emergency and disaster conditions.
Pros:
- It has a proven record in cleaning water operations.
- It is affordable and portable.
- Safe and long-term storage.
Cons:
- Leave a little bit of chlorine flavour.
Price: £7 to £10 for 50 tablets.
5. LifeSystem Chlorine dioxide tablets
Overview:
LifeSystem is a Popular UK brand serving the outdoor enthusiast or travellers the safe and clean water.
Their Chlorine Dioxide tablets are proven as the best water purification tablets for travel, which are also capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These tablets dont leave any strong taste and make drinking water safer.
How to use?
- Use 1 tablet for 1 liter of water.
- Leave it for 30 minutes to 2 hours for unclean water.
Best for:
Best for campers, travellers, hikers to remote locations, and also for those who like the taste of iodine.
Pros:
- Effective for all major bacteria and viruses.
- Dont leave any aftertaste or smell.
Cons:
- Slightly longer time needed for cold water.
Price: £12 to £18 for 30 tablets.
6. Ef-Chlor water purification tablets
Overview:
Ef-Chlor tablets are easy to use, compact, and used worldwide. They release the sodium dichloroisocynaurate, effectively killing bacteria and viruses within a few minutes.
Well-suited for both travellers and emergency use, they are known for their reliability and long shelf life.
How to use?
- Add one tablet to 1 liter of water.
- Leave it as it is for 30 minutes before use.
Best for:
Well-suited for travellers to developing areas and also best for household preparing emergency use.
Pros:
- Approved by the WHO and recommended active ingredients.
- Fast acting against the infectious water
Cons:
- Less effective in highly contaminated water.
Price: £9 to £13 for 100 tablets.
7. Aquamira water purification tablets
Overview:
Aquamira tablets are made for serious adventurers and remote travellers. This tablet removes the bacteria, viruses, and cysts with its chlorine dioxide while improving the taste and safety of the water.
They are widely used as some of the best water purification tablets for travellers, backpackers, and emergency use.
How to use?
- Use one tablet per 1 liter of water.
- Leave 30 minutes to kill the bacteria and leave up to 4 hours for full protection.
Best for: Best for the traveller, long trekkers, and also used as an emergency kit or for camping trips.
Pros:
- Kills all the major bacteria and viruses.
- Dont leave aftertase of chemicals.
Cons:
- Need to wait a little longer for cyst protections.
Price: £22 to £28 for 30 tablets.
Conclusion
When it comes to the purify cleana and safe drinking water, the small tablets can make a big difference in your world.
Whether you are travelling to remote locations, hiking to the highlands, or preparing for any emergency kit, the perfect water purification tablets can keep you safe, hydrated, and healthy.
Right from the Potable Aqua tablets to Aquramira water purification tablets, every one of the list above offers the unique benefits according to your need and preferences.
So just pack your smart pack, stay hydrated, and safe while you are travelling or anywhere in the world. Because when it comes to travel and survival the clean water is an ultimate luxury.