No RO at Home This Monsoon? Try These 4 Simple Ways to Get Clean Drinking Water

Water is one of the most basic essentials for life — yet ensuring it’s safe to drink becomes especially challenging during the monsoon. The rainy season may cool down the heat, but it also increases the risk of water contamination. Today, many people rely on modern solutions like RO (Reverse Osmosis) purifiers and advanced water filtration systems to tackle this problem. But what if you don’t have access to one? Not every home is equipped with a water purifier — and during power cuts or emergencies, even the best systems may fail.

Don’t worry — clean water was never dependent on high-end technology. Long before purifiers existed, people had natural, practical ways to make water safe. These traditional methods are not only cost-effective but also surprisingly effective when done right. In fact, many of these techniques are still recommended by experts and organizations worldwide. If you’re looking for reliable alternatives to purify drinking water during the monsoon, here are four tried-and-tested methods you can use at home — no RO required.

Boiling: A Timeless Method for Safer Water

Boiling water is perhaps the most reliable and widely used method of disinfection. It’s simple, affordable, and highly effective. Especially during the monsoon, it’s recommended to boil drinking water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This kills most pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may cause stomach infections or more serious diseases.

Once boiled, let the water cool naturally, then store it in a clean, covered container. Avoid touching the inside of the container or pouring water with dirty utensils to prevent recontamination. Boiled water is especially important for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Purifying with Alum and Lemon: A Natural Cleaning Duo

When RO filters aren’t available, nature offers some surprisingly effective alternatives. Alum, or fitkari, is one such option. This natural coagulant works by binding with impurities in water and pulling them down to the bottom of the container. To use it, dissolve about 1 gram of alum in a bucket of water, stir, and leave it undisturbed for 30 minutes. Once settled, gently pour the clear water from the top, avoiding the sediment below.

Lemon juice is another natural purifier known for its antimicrobial properties. It’s particularly effective against certain bacteria and can help enhance the flavor of the water while improving its safety. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to lukewarm or slightly warm water not only improves taste but also adds a small dose of vitamin C, which is beneficial for overall immunity.

DIY Sand and Charcoal Filter: Build Your Own Basic Water Filter

If you’re looking for a more hands-on solution, making your own filter using sand and charcoal is a powerful and educational method. This approach mimics the natural filtration process that occurs underground.

Take a large empty bottle or container and cut it open from one end. Start by layering coarse stones or gravel at the bottom. Add a layer of activated charcoal (available in pet or aquarium stores), followed by a thick layer of clean sand on top. When you pour dirty water into the top, it filters through each layer, removing visible impurities, particles, and some contaminants.

However, it’s important to note that this method primarily removes physical impurities, not microscopic pathogens. For that reason, always boil the water after filtering it through sand and charcoal before drinking it.

Solar Disinfection (SODIS): Purifying Water with Sunlight

In places where boiling isn’t possible—either due to lack of fuel or electricity—solar disinfection, or SODIS, provides a highly effective, science-backed alternative. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), this technique uses solar energy to disinfect water.

All you need is a clean, transparent plastic bottle. Fill it with clear water and place it in direct sunlight for about six hours. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays help kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If the weather is cloudy, you may need to leave the bottle out for up to two days to achieve similar effectiveness.

This method is particularly useful in rural or off-grid areas and is a sustainable option during emergency situations.

Regardless of the method you use to purify water, cleanliness plays a critical role in maintaining water safety. Always wash your hands before handling drinking water or storage containers. Make sure all utensils, bottles, and storage vessels are cleaned regularly. Once water is filtered or purified, store it in covered, food-grade containers to avoid airborne contaminants.

Avoid dipping unwashed cups or hands directly into the storage container. Instead, pour water out using a clean ladle or spout. Also, keep in mind that vulnerable individuals—such as children, elderly people, pregnant women, or anyone with a weak immune system—should only be given boiled or thoroughly purified water.