Emergency Water
Selecting Treatment Methods

Most water filtration devices are designed for use on microbiologically safe water. Don't assume they are safe to use on contaminated water. Check with the manufacturer to be sure.

Use the following guidelines to determine if filtration equipment is adequate to use with microbiologically contaminated water:

Equipment that is safe to use on contaminated water is often slow, costly, inconvenient and/or high maintenance. It makes the most sense to use the filtration equipment that best meets your normal daily needs and shift to water storage or alternative methods of water treatment in times of emergencies.

Making Contaminated Water Safe

Making Contaminated Water Safe: Boil, Chlorinate or Filter.

Straining: If heavy levels of sediment or floating debris are present, strain water through paper towels, paper coffee filters or several layers of clean cloth into a clean container before boiling, chlorinating or filtering.

Boiling Method: Boil water vigorously for 5 to 10 minutes to make it safe from harmful bacterial contamination.

Chlorination Method: Chemically treat the water by adding liquid chlorine household bleach. Use only bleach with a label stating that the only active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite. Add 2 drops of bleach to one quart, 8 drops to a gallon, and 1/2 teaspoon to 5 gallons. Double these amounts if the water is cloudy. Mix thoroughly by stirring or shaking water in container. Let stand for 30 minutes. A slight chlorine odor should be detectable in the water.

Filtration Method: Check out Aqua Rain, a ceramic gravity feed system.

Water for the Home