Emergency Water
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