Iodine for Water Disinfection? Did you know iodine is a versatile player in your emergency kit? It’s not just for water purification but has multiple uses. Check out the full list of long-lasting chemicals to store on BuckhornCliffs or grab a printable PDF on our Patreon. Water Purification with Iodine: Type: Use a 2% tincture of iodine or tablets specifically for water purification. Dosage: Add 5 drops per quart/liter of clear water. For cloudy, cold, or colored water, use 10 drops. Wait Time: