Affordable Methods to Purify Water Amid Rising Costs

Affordable Methods to Purify Water Amid Rising Costs

With the recent surge in fuel prices driving up the cost of sachet water in Nigeria—ranging from #400 to #600 per bag—many are turning to boreholes and taps for their water supply. However, these sources may not always be clean or safe, as the condition of water containers may be uncertain. Here’s how you can purify your water at home:

Step 1: Collection

Start by gathering your water in a clean container.

Step 2: Filtration

Filtration removes larger particles such as dirt, sand, silt, protozoa, and some bacteria, but it doesn’t fully purify the water. Using alum as a flocculant can help trap more particles and improve the water's clarity. However, some viruses may still be present, so proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Disinfection

Disinfecting can be done through boiling or using chemicals.

Boiling:

Boiling water effectively kills most harmful organisms. Allow the water to boil thoroughly and then let it cool before drinking.

Chemical Disinfection:

Add disinfectants to the water to kill harmful microorganisms. Ensure that the chemical is given enough time to act before consuming the water.

Important Note:

Do not use pool-cleaning chemicals for disinfecting drinking water. An example of a NAFDAC-approved purifier is the AQUATABS water purification tablet.

By following these steps, you can make your water safer for consumption despite the rising costs of purified water.