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In a potential disaster/emergency situation,
water may need to be purified before it is used for drinking,
food preparation or hygiene. In addition to having a bad odor
and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that
cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and hepatitis. There
are several ways to purify water. Sometimes the best solution
is a combination of methods. Before purifying
let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them
through layers of clean cloth. These methods boiling, chlorination
and purification tablets will kill microbes but will not remove
other contaminants such as heavy metal, salts, and most other
chemicals.
Bring water to a rolling boil for 10 minutes, note
that some water will evaporate.
- Cool the water before drinking.
- Boiled water will taste better if oxygen is
replaced by pouring it back and forth between two containers.
This will also improve the taste of stored water.
- Use unscented liquid bleach that contains 5-1/4%
sodium hypo-chlorite and no soap.
Clear Water:
- Add 8 drops of unscented liquid bleach per
1 gallon of water. Use 1/2 teaspoon for per 5 gallons of water.
Cloudy Water:
- Add 16 drops of unscented liquid bleach per
1 gallon of water. Use 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water.
- Stir and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking
or other use.
Do not drink water from swimming pools or spas.
Drinking water from pools and, or spas could cause you to become
ill. Use pool and or spa water for hygiene purposes only.
Purification Tablets and Chemicals:
- They are generally inexpensive and available
at most sporting good stores or emergency supply vendors.
- Follow the package directions.
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