Used in survival situations to disinfect small quantities of drinking water when no safer treatment options such as boiling, filtration, or chlorine-based purification are available.
Lugol’s Iodine (a solution of elemental iodine and potassium iodide in water) can be used to treat water in emergencies. Iodine is a known disinfectant that kills many types of bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa. This method is not ideal for long-term use or large-scale water treatment but may be life-saving when other means are unavailable. Lugol’s Iodine is particularly useful when already stored for thyroid protection or wound care, making it a multi-use survival resource.
Water filters and/or calcium hypochlorite are preferred, long-term water purification methods for survival use. They’re more effective, scalable, and safer.
Ingredients
- Lugol’s Iodine Solution (2%) – stored in amber glass with a tight-fitting lid
- Clean or visibly clear water (boiled or filtered if available)
- Non-metallic container (glass, ceramic, or food-grade plastic)
- Measuring dropper (calibrated for accurate dosing)
How to Use It
For clear water:
- Add 5 drops of 2% Lugol’s Iodine per 1 quart (or 1 liter) of water
- Stir or shake to mix thoroughly
- Let the water sit for 30 minutes before drinking
For cloudy or cold water:
- Add 10 drops per quart/liter
- Let stand for 60 minutes before drinking
- Pre-filter cloudy water using cloth or an improvised filter whenever possible
Warnings
- Only use for short-term emergency disinfection
- Not suitable for regular or long-term hydration
- Do not use in individuals with iodine allergies, thyroid disease, or autoimmune conditions unless no other option exists
- Not reliably effective against Cryptosporidium and only partially effective against Giardia—both common waterborne parasites
- Overuse can cause iodine toxicity, especially if Lugol’s is also being used for thyroid protection or supplementation
- Children, pregnant women, and individuals with medical concerns should not use this method without emergency medical guidance
Storage and Shelf Life
- Unopened bottle: 3 to 5 years when stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment
- Opened bottle: Use within 12 to 18 months for maximum potency
- Store in amber glass with a tight seal
- Do not store in plastic or metal containers—iodine can degrade them over time
When to Use Lugol’s Iodine for Water
- You already have it in your kit for nuclear protection or antiseptic use
- You need to treat small amounts of water for personal short-term use
- You have no access to calcium hypochlorite, chlorine tablets, filtration, or boiling methods