IODINE CRYSTALS

Have water that looks generally okay, isn't toxic chemical sludge, but you aren't sure if it'll make you sick?

Iodine crystals will kill most any virus or bacteria that worries your sweet, sweet survivalist head.

A handful can decontaminate enough water to last you a lifetime.

Here's the catch. If you carry iodine crystals, you need to carry a glass or plastic bottle with you.

DO NOT use with a metal bottle. This creates a toxic reaction.

Iodine's use as a water purification method emerged after WWII, when the US military was looking for a replacement for Halazone tablets. Iodine was found to be in many ways superior to chlorine for use in treating small batches of water. Iodine is less sensitive to the pH and organic content of water, and is effective in lower doses.

Simply drop a few crystals at the bottom of a bottle. When you fill it, wait half an hour before drinking. If the water is brown, you used too much.

Do not consume the crystals.

Do not use run-off water from cattle.