How many iodine tablets are recommended for purifying a canteen of cloudy water?

When purifying cloudy water using iodine tablets, the guidance typically recommends using two tablets for a standard canteen size. Cloudy water may contain more impurities, including suspended particles and microorganisms, which can affect the effectiveness of the purification process. The use of two iodine tablets ensures that the treatment is sufficient to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be present in the water, thus making it safer for consumption.

Using fewer than two tablets may not provide adequate disinfection for the contaminants present in the cloudy water, while using more than two could be unnecessary and may lead to an unpleasant taste without significantly increasing purification effectiveness. Therefore, two tablets are the recommended amount to balance efficacy and safety for this specific scenario.