5 On Your Side
How to disinfect contaminated water
Do not risk drinking contaminated water. You can either boil or disinfect it to make it safe.
Posted — UpdatedAfter some storms, ground water can become contaminated.
Do not risk drinking contaminated water. You can either boil or disinfect it to make it safe.
The Food and Drug Administration says that if the water is cloudy, you should first filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle and then draw off the clear water for boiling and disinfecting.
To disinfect, follow one of these two procedures:
- Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. You'll need to boil it for one minute, let it cool, then store it in clean containers with covers.
- You can also disinfect it with bleach, which will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. The ratio is 1/8 teaspoon (or eight drops) of unscented household (5.25 percent concentration) liquid bleach for each gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it.
Make sure to store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.