Clean Water Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Clean drinking water is non-negotiable — especially in a survival situation or emergency. But many preppers think water purification has to be expensive. The truth? You can stay safe on a budget, using reliable, field-tested methods that won’t break the bank — and still support your prepping goals.
Here are the 5 cheapest ways to purify water that actually work — and can fit in a bug-out bag, glove box, or your pantry.
Note: I’ve chosen to use Amazon affiliate links in this post because it’s fast, reliable, and convenient for most people. If you decide to buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Budget Prepping!
1. Portable Water Filters
Best For: Everyday carry, bug-out bags, hiking
Portable water filters like the Sawyer MINI or LifeStraw Personal Filter are compact, affordable, and reliable. These filters use microfiltration to remove bacteria, protozoa, and dirt — making river, lake, or rainwater safe to drink.
- Filters up to 100,000 gallons
- Lightweight (under 2 ounces)
- Great for kits, pouches, or camping
Estimated Cost: $20–30
Check Sawyer MINI on Amazon Check LifeStraw on Amazon
2. Water Purification Tablets
Best For: Long shelf life, backup plans, compact kits
If space is tight, water purification tablets are your friend. These use chlorine dioxide or iodine to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in questionable water sources.
- Lightweight & no filter required
- Purifies 1 liter of water in ~30 minutes
- Can store for 4+ years
Estimated Cost: $10–15 for 50 tabs Check Potable Aqua Tablets Check Aquamira Drops
3. Faucet-Mounted Filters
Best For: Everyday use in a prepping household
Filters like the PUR Faucet Filter or Brita Water Pitcher attach to your kitchen faucet and filter out chlorine, lead, and heavy metals. These aren’t portable, but they help you stock up on cleaner water before a storm or utility shutdown.
- Easy install (no tools)
- Replaceable filters
- Good for urban prepping
Estimated Cost: $20–40 Check PUR on Amazon Check Brita Water Pitcher on Amazon
4. Countertop Gravity Filters
Best For: Off-grid living, homesteads, family prepping
Systems like Berkey (which IS the gold standard for these types of filters) and Alexapure use gravity to filter large volumes of water. They remove viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals — with no electricity required. However, there is another brand out there called Purewell that is significantly more budget friendly. About 1/3 the price. I have to say though, my brother loves his Berkey.
- Filters last for 3,000–6,000 gallons
- Great for daily use or emergencies
- Higher up-front cost, but low long-term cost
Estimated Cost: $100–325 (small versions) Check Travel Berkey System Check Purewell Pro
5. DIY Water Filter Kits
Best For: Education, backup options, off-grid experiments
DIY kits let you build your own basic filter using activated carbon, gravel, sand, and a container. They’re great for practice and for teaching your kids, but we recommend using these with boiling or purification tablets for full safety.
- Teaches valuable survival skills
- Can be assembled from common parts
- Works best with pre-treatment
Estimated Cost: $10–20 Check DIY Filter Kits
Final Thoughts
Water is life — and if you’re prepping on a budget, there’s no excuse not to have at least one of these solutions on hand. Whether it’s a $20 Sawyer filter in your bug-out bag or faucet-mounted filters in your apartment, clean water should be your first priority.
Pro tip: Have at least 2 purification methods — one for home, one for on the go.