Water purification
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Use safe bottled water when available. For microbial risk, bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute, or 3 minutes above 6,500 feet, and cool before use. Water contaminated with fuel, chemicals or radioactive material cannot be made safe by boiling or ordinary disinfection.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
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In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Check the source
Avoid floodwater or sources suspected of toxic contamination; find an approved alternative.
- 02
Clarify cloudy water
Let sediment settle or strain through a clean cloth before treatment; this alone does not disinfect it.
- 03
Boil for germs
Use the appropriate time and cool safely in a clean container.
- 04
If boiling is unavailable
Use a treatment product as labeled and official guidance for your water source; filters have different capabilities.
Next steps.
Store treated water in clean covered containers and prevent recontamination.
Watch for.
Clear water can still contain germs. Ordinary filters may not remove viruses or chemicals.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. Recheck official instructions during an active event.