If your usual water source is cut off and you need to purify water taken from other sources, you have several options. One is to boil water for at least one full minute before consuming it or using it for cooking or toothbrushing.
If boiling is not possible, first let the water stand until any suspended particles settle to the bottom of the container. Pour the clear water into a clean container, then add liquid chlorine bleach as follows, using either an eyedropper or a measuring spoon:
- 1 teaspoon bleach per 5 gallons water
- 4 drops bleach per 1 quart water
- 16 drops bleach per 1 gallon water
Wait 30 minutes. The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If it doesn’t, repeat the dose and wait 15 minutes, then sniff again. Use only unscented bleach.
