Saturday, August 9, 2008

Why Campers Need Ultraviolet Water Purification

By Chris Channing


When one is on the go, they can't forget life's necessities. This includes food, water, a stable living environment, and perhaps some form of entertainment. For hikers, travelers, and other outdoors types, actually getting a clean supply of water is going to be a tricky task.

The ultraviolet purifying system is going to defeat around 99.9% of many types of harmful agents- including bacteria and viruses. This is accomplished since the rays penetrate the the thin membrane of the organisms and disrupt their DNA- effectively rendering them useless.

The best alternative to purify one's drinking water is going to be through the use of chemicals. Chemicals can be used to sterilize the drinking water, but they are often more expensive and can sometimes produce effects that may be unsafe to those drinking the water. Thus, UV purification is often regarded as the better of the two.

UV rays do the job of water purification quite quickly- usually in under a few minutes. This will depend on the exact model being used, but it can be said that chemicals and tablets will generally take a longer time to work than the UV counterparts. Obviously the UV option is better for emergency situations, on the go lifestyles, and is quite a bit safer in the long run. This is why the UV water purification process is considered to be more consumer-oriented, while chemicals are more for professionals.

Some models of the ultraviolet water purification products can run off of solar power. Obviously they will run on batteries in case of a storm or on a cloudy day, but this can help keep the device working longer on a camping trip simply because it is more energy efficient. And when stores that carry batteries can be miles away, this can be a potentially life-saving option. As such, consumers are urged to obtain models that carry this featured.

The average ultraviolet water purification kit is going to cost around $100, depending on the model one is looking at in particular. Extra add-ons such as the solar power attachment may cost more, but for buying a device that is so important to one's health or even their very life, spending a few extra dollars in this area is almost mandatory. Luckily the selection of such models is pretty wide, so consumers can get what they need and fast.

Closing Comments

Water purification has come a long way. Many are still stuck on using strips and chemical tablets, but as technology shows the clear winner, we'll see ultraviolet models take the lead on the consumer market. Many models can be found online if not through local retailers, so be sure to have one before going on the next camping trip.

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