
Clean drinking water is an essential component of off-grid living and survival.
Without access to clean drinking water, people would be unable to sustain their health and become dehydrated.
Water is not only crucial for basic hydration, but it is also essential for keeping people alive, healthy, and thriving.
Access to a reliable source of clean drinking water is critical for prepping and survival enthusiasts, as it will enable them to stay safe and healthy in an emergency.
Basic Container Hygiene
Clean water is essential for survival, and it is vital to ensure water safety. One way to do this is to ensure that water bottles and containers are kept clean and free from bacteria by regularly washing them with hot, soapy water and giving them a thorough rinse afterward.
It is also essential to ensure the bottles are completely dry before storing them away, as dampness can create an environment where bacteria can thrive. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your equipment does not contaminate your water supply.
But what about the water itself?
Bacteria can be present in water at its source, introducing bacteria into your equipment.
Silver As Water Preservation Agent
Silver is known for its anti-bacterial properties, as it can kill bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Silver ions penetrate bacterial cells when released into liquids and surfaces and disrupt the metabolic processes that allow them to survive.
Silver ions bind to the bacteria’s cell membranes, blocking the cells from receiving nutrients and causing them to die. Silver is an excellent tool for preppers and survival enthusiasts looking to stay off-grid and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Silver can be used to treat water, preventing the growth of bacteria that can make it undrinkable. It can also create anti-bacterial surfaces, providing hygiene and protection from disease.
Is Silver Safe?
Silver has long proven to be an effective tool for water purification. Silver is non-toxic and can purify large volumes of water quickly and easily.
Additionally, silver is more affordable than many other water purification methods, making it an ideal choice for preppers and homesteaders.
Related: Easy DIY Water Purification System For Under $20
Silver has been used since antiquity as a natural antimicrobial agent, and by placing a solid silver coin into a water bottle, you can help to kill any bacteria that may try to form.
In addition, silver coins are a lightweight and cost-effective way to ensure that the water you have with you is always safe to drink, and it’s a great way to stay prepared for any situation.
The silver from a silver coin will not contaminate the water in the bottle; instead, it will remain safe for human consumption. Therefore, water with a silver coin in it will remain safe from microbial contamination and will remain safe for drinking.
Only The Real McCoy Will Do
Knowing if a coin is solid silver or merely silver-plated is vital for preppers. Silver-plated coins could lose their plating, which can release other metals into the water.
Therefore, it is essential to use a solid pure silver coin. To test the authenticity of a coin, you can use a magnet. If the coin is attracted to the magnet, it is not pure silver, as silver is not magnetic.
Additionally, you can use a nitric acid test to see if a coin is a silver or merely silver-plated.
This test involves rubbing a small drop of nitric acid onto the coin. If the coin is silver, the acid will not react, and the coin will remain unchanged.
Related: What Happens If You Put Silver In Milk?
However, the acid will create a dull spot or discolor if the coin is silver-plated.
Getting Hold Of Real Silver
Preppers and survival enthusiasts looking to acquire solid silver coins can find them in many places. Online retailers often offer a wide selection of silver coins in various sizes, denominations, and styles.
Coin dealers and pawn shops are also great places to buy silver coins, as they often have a good selection of rare and collectible coins.
Additionally, many banks and credit unions offer silver coins, making them an excellent and easily accessible choice for those looking to purchase them.
Lastly, many local coin shows and conventions provide a wide selection of silver coins, allowing preppers to find the perfect ones for their needs.
Other Silver Options
Silver coins were traditionally used to purify water, but several other options are available to preppers and survival enthusiasts. For example, silver metal drops, also known as colloidal silver, can kill bacteria in water.
This method is relatively easy to use and requires only a few drops of silver in a water container. However, colloidal silver can be expensive and must be used carefully, as it can cause water discoloration if too much silver is added.
Another option for purifying water is to use silver wire.
Silver wire has been used for centuries to purify drinking water and can be fashioned into a wide range of shapes and sizes. In addition, silver wire is relatively easy to use and can be fashioned into various shapes to suit the user’s needs.
Finally, silver-lined water bottles are an excellent option for purifying water. This method requires a special water bottle with an interior silver lining. The silver kills the bacteria in the water and makes it safe to drink.
Silver-lined water bottles are easy to use and do not require any additional equipment. Regardless of your chosen method, it is essential to remember that silver effectively purifies water.
Each of the above methods has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is vital to research each option before deciding which one is best for your survival needs.
How Much To Use
In terms of quantity, the amount of silver needed to keep a given amount of water pure can vary depending on the application. For general use, an approximate guideline is that 2 grams of silver per gallon of water is sufficient for keeping bacteria and other contaminants at bay.
Silver can also be used in reservoirs, but it is essential to remember that silver is not a filter and should be combined with other filtration methods to ensure the water is entirely free of contaminants.
You can learn here how to build a rainwater harvesting and purification system that will give you an endless supply of clean water to drink and cook with.
Is One Coin Enough?
A silver coin can keep water fresh for an extended period, but the amount of silver needed depends on how much water you want to stay fresh. Generally, 3 liters of water would require around 3-6 grams of silver.
Therefore, if using a silver coin, you will want to choose a coin that is at least one ounce in weight, or 28.35 grams.
When Not To Use A Coin
Silver coins are not recommended for camelbacks since they can be difficult to remove and may damage the material.
Instead, you can use a silver wire or silver mesh. Silver wire is a thin strand of silver that can be woven into a mesh and placed in the water container to keep it fresh.
Silver mesh is a more durable option and can be reused. Both silver wire and silver mesh can be purchased from various online retailers.
You may also like:
Foods You’ve Been Storing Wrong Your Whole Life
Learn How To Survive And Thrive Through Any Water Crisis (Video)
10 Killer Trees You Should Never Have In Your Backyard
Why You Should Get A Dog For When SHTF
Weird Survival Items That Might Save Your Life