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A good water-purification method is essential for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, or anyone preparing for the next boil order. Access to clean drinking water can be compromised, so having a reliable solution matters. Let’s explore common methods and see why ozone technology stands out.
Common Water Purification Methods
Boiling
Boiling water effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, it doesn’t remove chemicals or improve taste. To be effective, you need to bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute, and at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes. This method is reliable but can be impractical in outdoor settings that lack a heat source or require quick access to water.
Chemical Disinfection
Chemical disinfectants such as bleach, iodine, and chlorine dioxide are widely used to kill harmful organisms. For instance, adding two drops of bleach to a quart of water can disinfect it. However, these chemicals are less effective against parasites like Cryptosporidium and can leave an unpleasant taste. Certain chemicals, such as iodine, should be used cautiously, particularly by pregnant women or those with thyroid issues, and they require longer waiting periods to become effective.
Filters
Portable water filters like the Lifestraw, Sawyer Mini, and Berkey are popular for removing particulates and many microorganisms. However, filters do not remove viruses, as noted by the CDC, and often need a chemical disinfectant as an additional step to kill viruses. Filters can also clog over time—especially when dealing with sediment-filled water—and require regular cleaning, thus making them unreliable in the long-term.
UV and Solar Disinfection
UV light devices such as Steri-Pen use ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria and viruses effectively. However, UV light can be less effective in cloudy water due to particles blocking the light. Solar disinfection methods involve placing clean plastic bottles of water in direct sunlight for several hours. While simple, this method is time-consuming and only effective under optimal conditions. Neither method will improve the taste or smell of the source water.
Ozone Water Purification
Ozone (O₃) offers several advantages over traditional methods. It far more effective than chlorine at neutralizing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Unlike chemical treatments, ozone not only purifies water, but also oxidizes and eliminates odor-causing compounds, leaving water tasting clean and fresh. Ozone leaves no chemical residues, as it reverts to oxygen after completing its work, making it an eco-friendly choice.
The Roving Blue GO3, made in the USA, is a cap that uses advanced ozone technology to purify water in just 3 minutes. It is lightweight, portable, and designed to fit a Nalgene wide-mouth 1-liter bottle. Whether on a trail, at a campsite, or during a boil order, the GO3 ensures that you have access to fresh, clean water free of harmful contaminants. Unlike other methods, the GO3 provides complete purification without added chemicals, leaving no aftertaste.
Additionally, the GO3 offers downstream sanitation capabilities. This feature allows users to clean more than just water—it’s effective for sanitizing water bottles, utensils, or even washing a scraped knee—giving it an edge over other methods.
The Future of Water Purification
While boiling, chemicals, filters, and UV methods each have their benefits, ozone offers the most comprehensive solution. The Roving Blue GO3 allows you to take this cutting-edge technology anywhere—delivering safe, great-tasting water every time.
