5 of the Best Water Purification Tablets Experts Trust in 2023

There are 20+ different water purification tablets that you can purchase online today.

Many of them will get the job done, but some of them I wouldn’t trust my life with.

Fortunately, we’ve uncovered the top 5 water purification tablets available so that you don’t have to.

And we’ve come to our conclusion by researching and testing the different brands according to chemical composition, effectiveness against pathogens, purification time, and company reputation.

That’s right, we’re water fanatics and have been for over eight years. And this review of the best water purification tablets is a testament to our expertise and passion.

So, without further ado, here they are.

Katadyn, an American company known for its well-made water filters, manufactures a chlorine dioxide-based tablet for water purification. Due to Katadyn’s reputation for quality outdoor products, these tablets have gained wide popularity among campers and backpackers.

With a 15-minute wait time for bacteria and viruses and a 30-minute wait time for Giardia, these tablets have a slight edge over other water purification tablets on the market. Cryptosporidium, with its protective shell, still requires the standard 4 hours for purification but is removable nonetheless.

With a dosage of 1 tablet per 1 liter of water, a package of 20 is enough to purify 20 liters of water.

One package contains 20 tablets

Each individually wrapped tablet is sufficient for purifying 1 liter of water

  What we like most about the Katadyn Micropur Tablets

There are several reasons why the Micropur Tablets are at the top of the list. They don't leave an unpleasant aftertaste, as is common with some purification tablets. Each tablet is wrapped individually, which means the entire package will last the whole 5-year shelf life. Some purification tablets come in a bottle which starts the shelf-life countdown as soon as it's opened. But that's not the case with these.

Perhaps the most important aspect about the Micropur tablets is their chlorine-dioxide makeup. This chemical compound will kill all bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, including Cryptosporidium.

  What we don't like

The standard package size contains 20 tablets, and the upgraded size includes 30. It would be nice to have an economy size with 60+ tablets or so.

  Is it for you?

In our opinion, chlorine-dioxide-based tablets are the most capable of all water purification tablets, eliminating bacteria, viruses, and protozoa alike. And the Katadyn Micropur tablets have covered every aspect of purification efficiency. If you need a reliable, long-lasting purification tablet to add to your backpacking kit, this is the one to get.

Known on the market to be the only non-chemical liquid water purifier that purifies water from any freshwater source, Purinize drops are formulated primarily from mineral salts and are 100% natural.

It eliminates or reduces over 200 contaminants including viruses, bacteria, agricultural and industrial chemicals, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and offers a non-chemical-based alternative to iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide tablets.

Purinize drops coagulate dissolved impurities in water and work excellently when paired with a good water filter. Because of its natural make-up, Purinize drops do not have a chemical aftertaste and have an unlimited shelf-life if properly stored.

One entire 2oz. bottle of Purinize contains enough to treat 15 gallons of water

20 drops (or 1 tsp.) of Purinize will treat 1 quart of water

  What we like about Purinize drops

What we like most about the Purinize drops is that it contains most of the benefits of chlorine-dioxide tablets but has a longer shelf life. It treats bacteria, viruses, and protozoa (including Cryptosporidium), and if taken care of properly, can have an unlimited shelf-life. There is no aftertaste as is the case with iodine and chlorine tablets. And perhaps most important of all, the mineral salt solution is 100% natural.

  What we don't like

The only potential downside that Purinize mineral salts have in comparison to chlorine-dioxide tablets is that the Purinize drops take much longer to disinfect water. Whereas chlorine-dioxide pills take 15-30 minutes to disinfect bacteria and viruses, Purinize drops take 60 minutes. And in terms of Cryptosporidium, Purinize drops will take 24 hours for disinfection as opposed to 4 hours with chlorine dioxide tablets.

  Is it for you?

If you want a water purification solution that won't ever expire and will eliminate all the microorganisms that chlorine dioxide does, Purinize will do the job. You will have to wait a bit longer for water to completely disinfect but you can rest assured that it will be safe. Our best suggestion is to include it in your survival pack along with your other purification means.

The Aquamira team possesses a dedication to helping solve many of the world's water problems. Providing purification solutions for communities around the world, Aquamira is trusted among NGOs and survivalists alike.

The Aquamira drops are made up of Chlorine Dioxide – capable of killing bacteria, viruses, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.

Each kit treats up to 60 gallons of water.

Aquamira drops come as a 2-part treatment system. The first bottle is used to disinfect the water with chlorine dioxide. The second bottle improves the quality and taste of the water.

  What we like most about Aquamira drops

The two-part treatment system really does make a difference in improving taste. Water purification tablets are notorious for leaving an unpleasant aftertaste in the water after treatment. But Aquamira's 2nd treatment bottle does well with improving the quality and taste of the water after it's been disinfected.

What we don't like

We've found it best to have chlorine dioxide in individually-wrapped tablet form to best maximize the shelf-life. Having it in liquid form may affect the shelf-life since the contents are being exposed to oxygen every time it's opened.

  Is it for you?

If you recognize the efficiency of chlorine dioxide and want something that can also help improve the taste, these Aquamira drops have got you covered.

These iodine-based tablets are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and are used by militaries and emergency organizations worldwide. Each tab contains 20mg of TGHP compound which releases 8mg of germicidal iodine when placed in water. Because of its short, 35-minute wait time and its efficiency against Giardia, the Potable Aqua Iodine tablets are used by campers, hikers, humanitarian organizations, and those who travel to places where water is questionable.

To use, simply add two tabs to a quart or liter of water, close the container slightly and wait 5 minutes, shake and then tighten the container and wait for 35 minutes. In order to ensure safety against Giardia, be sure to wait the full 35 minutes (or longer) before drinking.

Each bottle contains 50 tablets and is capable of treating 25 quarts (6.25 gallons) of water

 What we like most about Potable Aqua tabs

Iodine tablets are special in that they aren't affected by extreme temperatures. When traveling in very cold conditions, Potable Aqua tabs may be the best solution to ensure the effectiveness of your water purification plan.

  What we don't like

As is the case with iodine-based solutions in general, there is a bit of iodine-like aftertaste left in the water. Though in a survival situation, we reckon this will be a minor concern.

 Is it for you?

If you're planning to travel in cold conditions and already possess a portable filter to remove larger protozoa such as Cryptosporidium, the Potable Aqua tabs may be an excellent addition to your pack.

Having been used by emergency organizations, NGOs, and NATO for over 20 years and treating 3 billion gallons of water annually, Aquatabs may be rightful in claiming to be one of the world’s most trusted water purification tablets.

These chlorine-based (NaDCC) tablets will kill bacteria, viruses, and Giardia in 30 minutes, making them ideal for emergency situations and outdoors. These dissolvable effervescent tablets claim not to leave an unpleasant taste in the water, which most chlorine tablets do.

One tablet is enough to purify one liter of water and each package contains 20 tablets. With a shelf life of 5 years and a lightweight foil package, these tablets are perfect for emergency kits, bug-out bags, or international travel.

Aquatabs also come in the larger, 50-tab box

  What we like most about the Aquatabs

While not individually wrapped, they at least come in strips of 10 which allows the rest of the unopened tablets to preserve their freshness.

  What we don't like

As is the case with chlorine-based tablets in general, they're effective against all microorganisms except for Cryptosporidium. Thus, these tablets work best in conjunction with a portable water filter.

  Is it for you?

If you have a good portable water filter for removing large protozoa such as Crypto, Aquatabs make a great addition to your pack. They're lightweight, reliable, and quickly kill Giardia, bacteria, and viruses.

• Wait time: 30-50 minutes
• Effective against: Bacteria, Viruses, Giardia (50 minutes)
• Shelf life: 6 years

Iodine, which comes as a solution, crystal, or tablet, is a chemical compound commonly used for water purification and is especially effective in the eradication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. For water to be completely purified, it needs to sit for at least 30 minutes after the chemical has been added.

The temperature of the water to be purified has a very important effect on the effectiveness of iodine as a purifier. Generally, it takes a longer time to purify cooler water than it does to purify warmer water. Also the quality of the water also influences the amount of iodine needed. Cloudy water generally requires more iodine than clear water. If the water contains visible particles, be sure to strain the water before adding iodine.

Common bacteria and viruses like E. coli, salmonella, and cholera need at least thirty minutes and a temperature of about 75^oF to guarantee complete purification. Iodine has been proven to be effective at eliminating Giardia when allowed to sit for at least 50 minutes but ineffective against Cryptosporidium (Gerba et al., 1997).

Water purified using iodine may carry the iodine taste. There are some pills that can be used to remove the taste of iodine from water once it has been completely purified. For most people, iodine-purified water is safe and has no side effects. For some people, common side effects may include nausea, headache, and the iodine ‘metallic’ taste. Persons suffering from thyroid infections, women over 50, and pregnant women should consult a physician before using iodine to purify water. The average shelf life of iodine tablets is six years, while some tablets, such as the IOSAT 130 mg tablet, can last seven years.

• Wait time: 30-45 minutes
• Effective against: Bacteria, Viruses, Giardia (45 minutes)
• Shelf life: 5 years

The process of using chlorine as a means of purification is referred to as chlorination. Discovered over a century ago, chlorine is especially effective in eliminating bacteria and viruses that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, gastroenteritis, and cholera.

Chlorine disinfects water by first destroying the cell membrane of microorganisms, which allows it to then enter and disrupt the cell’s respiration and DNA activity. Combining it with effervescent salts such as sodium bicarbonate and adipic acid makes these rapidly dissolving tablets highly effective at eliminating a wide range of bacteria and viruses. Chlorine is considered to be ineffective against eliminating Cryptosporidium due to its protective shell and partially effective against Giardia.

Chlorine-based tablets are generally considered to be superior to their liquid form due to the additional effervescent salts, which increase effectiveness, and also because the liquid version tends to degrade with age. To use chlorine as a purifier, simply add the chlorine-based tablets to the appropriate amount of water and allow them to stand in a closed container for about 30 minutes. To guarantee its effectiveness against Giardia, allow it to sit for at least 45 minutes. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, chlorinated water is safe for drinking in small quantities.

Chlorinated water has a bleach-like smell which can be removed by leaving the container of water open. The average shelf life of chlorine tablets is at least five years.

• Wait time: 4 hours
• Effective against: Bacteria, Viruses, Giardia, Cryptosporidium
• Shelf life: 4 years

This is probably the most powerful purification tablet currently available and is used to kill a wider range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites such as cryptosporidium and Giardia. These tablets have fewer side effects than iodine and chlorine tablets and do not alter the taste of the water once purification is complete.

Chlorine dioxide tablets are especially effective against Giardia and Cryptosporidium as compared to iodine and chlorine tablets; however, for effective purification, water requires at least 4 hours to fully purify.

This chemical works via oxidation. The chemical infiltrates the microorganism’s cell membrane and destroys the cytoplasm of the microorganism by responding with powerful amino acids. While the protective shells of Cryptosporidium and Giardia are somewhat resistant to iodine and chlorine, they are less protective against chlorine dioxide.

Chlorine dioxide tablets are only activated when contacted with water or moisture. If kept in a dry, airtight container, they can be stored for four years from the manufacturing date.

Because chlorine dioxide tablets are effective against bacteria, viruses, Giardia, and Crypto, they can be a bit more expensive than their iodine and chlorine counterparts.

Convenience

Probably the most outstanding benefit of water purification tablets and drops is that they are very convenient and easy to use. Most of them are packaged in small portable bottles and can be carried in a backpack, purse, or pocket. They are all used virtually the same way – dropping a few tablets or droplets into the appropriate amount of water and waiting for the period of time specified on the bottle or leaflet accompanied with it. This convenience makes it a very important and handy accessory.

Protection from Bacteria and Viruses

Water purification tablets are primarily used to kill microbiological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms are invisible to the human eye and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Water purification tablets are designed to eradicate common bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and cholera, which are the major causes of many waterborne diseases.

Lightweight

These tablets and drops are generally very light, making them very easy and less stressful to carry, and they usually come in portable bottles, which make them convenient to transport.

Inexpensive

Another very important benefit of water purification tablets is the fact that they are a relatively inexpensive means of water purification, and if properly stored, they can last for several years. This again helps to reduce the long-term cost of the tablets. In addition, they require no additional inputs or sources of energy for use.

Through advances in modern technology, we’ve discovered efficient ways of purifying water on larger scales. Methods such as desalination, distillation, reverse osmosis, and UV purification are used at the commercial and municipal levels. But, while these methods certainly are efficient, they lack portability.

When traveling to a place where clean and potable water is hard to come by or where floods and heavy rainfall lead to the contamination of water sources, water purification tablets, and drops make it possible to have potable water.

These tablets and drops contain chemicals that purify water by killing various contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. By simply dropping these tablets into the appropriate amount of water, they can kill various biological organisms and ensure clean drinking water.

During World War II, Halazone tablets – a type of chlorine-based water purification tablet – were included in soldiers’ accessory packs to be used for the disinfection of contaminated water. These tablets eventually became obsolete due to their short usable lifespan of approximately three days from when the bottle is opened.

Around 1945, Halazone was replaced by longer-lasting chemicals such as iodine which have an average open-bottle lifespan of 90 days. Halazone did, however, lead to further research in the field of water purification tablets, and today, there exists a wider variety of tablets and drops used in the purification of water.

During emergencies, access to water is critical due to the limited amount of time a human can survive without proper hydration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that an adult needs a minimum of half a gallon of water a day. While it is possible for a person to go for more than 504 hours (21 days) without eating, it is almost impossible for a person to survive 100 hours without water. It is, therefore, important to have portable means of water purification handy in case the need arises.

This is especially the case in areas where droughts, hurricanes, floods, heavy rainfall, and other natural disasters disrupt water pipes making potable water unavailable to residents of the affected area. During such disasters, humanitarian organizations provide these tablets and drops to residents of such areas via emergency preparedness kits to help them survive.

Because of the unexpected nature of disasters and emergency situations, these events catch most people off-guard and unprepared. While certain areas may have disaster relief plans already in place, it is no guarantee that aid will reach each and every person in the necessary amount of time. Having water purification tablets handy may allow a person to pass the 100-hour mark of dehydration until assistance arrives.

Water Purification tablets can also be used for humanitarian purposes. Over 2.7 billion people suffer from water scarcity every year. Most of these people have no access to potable water or the means to purify water. Providing these tablets and drops to those in need goes a long way in terms of saving lives. Most humanitarian water organizations share these tablets with victims of water shortage in an effort to curtail the problem of water scarcity.

The longer-term solution for humanitarian organizations is to establish clean water sources for people groups who live in areas where water is scarce. Providing the resources, infrastructure, and education that they need in order to provide clean water for themselves is a goal that all humanitarians strive for. Of course, as an immediate and certainly efficient solution to providing clean water, water purification tablets have tremendous value. Read our article on the top clean water charity organizations which are committed to combating the water crisis.

Water purification tablets are also being used by the military to make potable water available to soldiers wherever they might need it. Most military packs carry a bottle of water purification tablets or liquid which can be simply dropped into a bottle of water to make it safe for ingestion.

Along the same vein as humanitarian use, soldiers might provide assistance to locals by introducing water purification tablets to their water supply.

Water purification tablets and drops are also very important when engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping and might prove a very important accessory, especially in areas with little or no potable water. Simply harvesting some rainwater or water from a stream or river, dropping some tablets into the bottle, and allowing the water to sit for a couple of minutes can prevent dehydration or water-borne diseases.

While many outdoor enthusiasts might carry a portable water filter while on their journey, using water purification tablets in conjunction with one will provide better protection against pathogens. While portable water filters are excellent at filtering bacteria, parasites, and harmful debris, the filters are often too large to trap viruses. That's where purification tablets come in handy. Read our detailed article on portable water filters for backpacking.

As a reminder, the best water purification method is to have more than one. Some pathogens are more resistant to chemical purification than others. That's where a good water filter with a micron of 1 would be helpful in blocking the larger parasites that might come through. Be sure to select the purification tablet that is best for your situation. Always be prepared.