Water Purification Yield Calculator
Compare liters-per-hour between boiling, filtering, UV, and chemical treatment for a given source.
Inputs
Result
A natural placement between the calculator and the explanation.
What this solves — and what it doesn't
Each purification method has a throughput personality. Boiling is energy-limited (1.5 L/h on a typical backpacking stove), pump filters are flow-limited (1.2 L/h through a Sawyer), UV is rated at lower flow (0.5 L/h) but instant, and chemical is fast at application but capped by 15-min contact time. This tool puts those on one chart so you can pick by your daily need and source clarity.
How to read the result
For each method you have, the table shows liters/hour and the hours to meet your daily need. Read down the hours column to find the slowest step on a heavy day.
In muddy water, prefiltering through a bandana doubles effective pump-filter throughput.
Limitations
- Boiling rates assume 0.5 L pot; bigger pots go faster per boil.
- UV requires clear water; turbidity kills it.
- Chemical contact time varies by product and water temp.
Frequently asked questions
Which is most reliable?
Boiling + a backup chemical tablet. Both work on viruses; many filters do not.
Can I drink directly from the filter?
Yes for hollow-fiber filters (Sawyer, Katadyn BeFree). For membrane filters, use a clean bottle.
What about freezing?
Water below freezing kills most pathogens, but doesn’t remove turbidity or chemical contaminants. Melt and filter.