There may be times when you do not have access to water filters and a situation requires the need for immediate water – how can this be done quickly and easily?
Provided the water at hand is not contaminated with oil, gas or VOC’s, The addition of bleach can save the day. The instructions below are quoted directly from the CDC website (Center For Disease Control) and show you how to use bleach for emergency water…
If tap water is clear:
1. Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).
2. Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
3. Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
If tap water is cloudy:
1. Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon (16 drops or 1.5 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
3. Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
Remember that containers may need to be
sanitized before using them to store safe water – Here is how:
1. Use bleach that does not have an added scent (like lemon).
2. Add 1 teaspoon (64 drops or 5 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 quart (32oz, 4 cups, or about 1 liter) of water.
3. Pour this into a clean storage container and shake well, making sure that the solution coats the entire inside of the container.
4. Let sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour out solution.
5. Let air dry OR rinse with clean water that has already been made safe, if available.
IMPORTANT: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
Remember, the above is only for those times when you need water immediately and have no other options. Filtered water is always better than the use of bleach, but at least with the above instructions, you will know what to do if you are in a bind!