Rainwater is generally pure water and is safe to drink if you collect it in a clean container. Water found while camping may have rainwater as its source but is susceptible to contamination as soon as it hits the ground. There are several simple methods to convert collected rainwater into safe drinking water. After purification, pour the water into a clean glass or jar to avoid contaminating your results.

Allow the water to cool before drinking. This is the most certain method to purify rainwater (or river, lake or stream water) by killing waterborne pathogens (disease-causing organisms).

Heat the covered metal pan holding the rainwater, bringing the water to a boil for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove rainwater from the top of your collecting tub. Allow the rainwater remaining in the tub at least an hour to settle out heavy particles. Avoid stirring up the settled particles as you draw water out. Pour the clear water into the 1-quart metal pan.

Chemical Purification

Step 1

Repeat step 1 from the "Boiling" section to place clear rainwater into the metal pan.

Step 2

Add 4 to 6 drops of liquid chlorine bleach to the 1 quart of rainwater. If the pot is larger, increase the number of drops of chlorine at the 4 to 6 drops per quart rate.

Step 3

Allow at least 30 minutes for the chlorine to disinfect your water if the water is 70 degrees F or above. Allow up to an hour if the water is near freezing.

Step 4

Add iodine to the water from step 1 of this section if chlorine is not available. Add it at 3 to 5 drops per quart of water to be treated and allow at least 20 minutes of disinfection time at 70 degrees F.

Step 5