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How to Sanitize Rain Water

Finding a source of water, such as rain, is necessary when you find yourself without access to running water. According to The Editors of Stackpole Books, authors of "Survival Wisdom &Know How," while it might seem as though you should be able to drink rainwater directly from the sky, it needs to be sanitized first. The sanitizing process removes bacteria that might have entered the water during its journey through polluted air. Sanitizing rainwater is a simple process, requiring only a few supplies to perform.

Things You'll Need

Pan
Stovetop or campfire
Water bottle
Bleach or iodine

Instructions

- 1
  Pour collected rainwater into a clean pan and boil it for at least two minutes. According to John Wiseman, author of "SAS Survival Handbook," this kills any living organisms within the water.
- 2
  Pour the water into a separate container, such as a water bottle, if one is available. Allow the water to cool for 10 minutes.
- 3
  Add two drops of bleach or iodine to the rainwater in the water bottle. Shake or stir the water slightly and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before drinking it to kill any remaining bacteria in the rainwater, writes Wiseman.

Nature