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How
to Prepare Safe Water After a Disaster
How
does water become contaminate in a disaster situation?
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A disaster such as a flood
or an earthquake may contaminate water when sewage systems are damaged or when
there are breaks in the water lines. |
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Contaminated water can
cause many illnesses. |
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It is best to have a
supply of water on hand to prepare for these times; however, this fact sheet
will help you if you did not plan ahead, and you need to find purified water
now. |
How will I
know if my water has been contaminated?
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When it is suspected that
water supplies have been contaminated with sewage, there will be a public
announcement to boil the water. This is known as a "boil water order."
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If there is any chance of
your water being contaminated, do not drink it or use it for food preparation
or tooth brushing. |
How can I
identify purified water?
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Purified water can be
prepared by anyone at home, or it can be purchased. Instructions are provided
below on how to purify water at home. |
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Canned drinks, such as
juices, pop, or beer can be considered purified. |
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Boiling water kills
bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness. Treating water with
chlorine bleach kills most disease causing bacteria and viruses; however it
probably will not kill parasites. Boiling is a more effective water
purification method than treating water with chlorine bleach.
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People who have weakened
immune systems and who are in an area where the water has been contaminated
should always rely on boiling as their home water purification method, or they
should buy distilled bottled water or canned drinks. |
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Use purified water within
six months of its purification or purchase date to assure safety and obtain
the best quality. |
How do I
boil water to purify it?
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Fill a large pot with
water after straining the water through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to
remove dirt and other particles. |
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Bring the water to a
rolling boil and keep it boiling for 3 minutes. |
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Pour the water into a
disinfected drinking water bottle. |
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Store in the refrigerator,
if possible. |
How do I use
chlorine bleach to purify water?
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Strain the water through a
clean coffee filter or tightly woven cloth into a clean container to remove dirt and other particles.
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| Purify
the water with either bleach or iodine. |
| When
using bleach, read the label to find the percent of available chlorine in
the solution and determine the number of drops needed to disinfect each
quart of water from the following table:
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| Bleach |
Drops of
bleach to add to each quart of clear water |
Drops of
bleach to add to each quart of cloudy water |
| 4 to 6% (household
bleach) |
2 |
4 |
| 7 to 10% (swimming pool
bleach) |
1 |
2 |
| not known |
10 |
20 |
| Mix
thoroughly by stirring or shaking water in the container. Let stand
for 30 minutes. A slight chlorine odor should be detectable in the
water. If not, repeat the dosage and let stand an additional 15
minutes before using. |
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CAUTION:
Do not use more chlorine bleach than recommended because excessive amounts can
be poisonous! |
| When
using iodine to purify water, use USP tincture of iodine - iodine from the
medicine cabinet should be suitable. Add 2 - 3 drops to each quart of
clear water (8 - 10 drops to each quart of cloudy water). Mix
and let water stand for 30 minutes before using. |
What are the
best types of containers to use to store water?
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Use clean plastic or glass
containers such as soft drink bottles or canning jars that have tight fitting
screw caps. |
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Do not use milk bottles -
they do not seal well. |
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Water containers should be
disinfected before filling them with purified water the first time and
disinfected again each time they are refilled. |
How do I
disinfect a drinking water container?
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Containers can be purified
either by using bleach as a chemical disinfectant or by boiling the container.
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Plastic containers cannot
be boiled. |
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Before using either method
provided below to disinfect a container, wash the container thoroughly with
soap and water, and rinse out the container with water. |
How do I use
bleach to disinfect a water container?
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Pour a solution of 1
tablespoon of liquid household bleach to a gallon of water into the container.
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Let the solution remain in
the container for 10 minutes, then pour out the solution. |
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Rinse the container with
purified water. Pour out the rinse water. |
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Fill the container again
with purified water, then cap the container for later use. |
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Use the stored water
within six months. |
How do
I boil a water container to disinfect it?
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You may boil glass bottles
or jars to disinfect them. |
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In a large pan submerge
the glass bottle or jar in water. |
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Bring to a rolling boil
and then boil the container for 10 minutes. |
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Fill the glass bottles and
jars with purified water and cap the container for later use.
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Use the stored water
within six months. |
What if I
prefer to buy my drinking water?
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There are many waters
available for purchase. |
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Keep the water in its
original sealed container until you plan to drink it. |
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Use the water after the
container is open. Do not store it further. |
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Commercially canned or
bottled drinks are always considered safe to drink. |
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