Storing water safely
The best source of drinking water during an emergency is water you have stored with your emergency supplies.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day--enough for at least three days.
- Store-bought, factory-sealed bottled water is best. Check for an expiration date and replace as needed.
- Collect the water from a safe supply.
- Store water in thoroughly washed plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
- Seal water containers tightly, label with date, and store in a cool, dark place.
- Replace water every six months.
- Never reuse a container that held toxic substances such as pesticides, chemicals or oil.
Purifying by boiling
If your tap water is unsafe, boiling is the best method to kill disease-causing organisms.
If tap water is unavailable, the following may be considered as potential water sources. Water taken from these sources should be boiled before drinking.
· Rainwater
· Lakes
· Rivers and streams
· Natural springs
· Ponds
Caution: Many chemical pollutants will not be removed by boiling.
Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling. Filter cloudy water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel.
· Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute.
· Let the water cool before drinking.
· Add two drops of household bleach per gallon to maintain water quality while in storage.
Purifying by adding liquid chlorine bleach
· Treat water by adding liquid household bleach, such as Clorox or Purex.
· Household bleach is typically between 5.25 percent and 8.25 percent chlorine. Read the label.
· Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.
· Cloudy water should be filtered before adding bleach.
· Place the water in a clean container. Add the amount of bleach according to the table below.
· Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least 60 minutes before drinking.
Treating water with household bleach containing 5.25-8.25 percent chlorine
Volume of Water to be Treated Bleach Solution to Add
1 quart/1 liter
5 drops
1/2 gallon/2 quarts/2 liters
10 drops
1 gallon
1/4 teaspoon
5 gallons
1 teaspoon
10 gallons
2 teaspoons
Caution: Bleach will not kill some disease-causing organisms commonly found in surface water. Bleach will not remove chemical pollutants.
Finding Water in an Emergency
In an emergency, water from your water system may be unavailable or unsafe to drink. These tips will help you find and safely use alternative sources of drinking water.
What are some alternative sources of water inside your home?
· Water can be drained from the drain spout of a water heater. Be sure the electricity and/or gas are turned off before opening the drain. Drain the water into a clean storage container.
o Never use a container previously used for pesticides, oils, solvents, etc. If you use a hose or your container cannot be cleaned, boil the water you collect from the water heater for at least 1 minute, or add 10 drops of household bleach per gallon and let stand for 30 minutes before using it.
· Water can be drained from the pipes inside your home. First, shut off the water supply into your home. Next, open a faucet on the top floor of your home. Then go to the faucet at the lowest point in your home. Open the faucet and drain out the water you need into a clean container.
· Water that has been placed in ice cube trays in the freezer can be used.
What are some alternative sources of water outside your home?
Before drinking water from the following sources, filter it with either a drinking water filter designed for camping, or a coffee filter, towel, cheesecloth or cotton plug in a funnel, to remove as many small particles as possible. Then boil the water at a rolling boil for at least one full minute. Boiling is best, but if not possible, add 20 drops of household bleach per gallon of filtered water and let stand for 60 minutes.
· Rainwater
· Rivers and streams
· Ponds, lakes and natural springs
· CAUTION: Chemical pollutants will not be removed by boiling.
What are water sources to be avoided?
Avoid water that contains solid materials, has an odor, or has a dark color.