Safe drinking water
Store 1 gallon per person per day. If you have to treat water, boil it for 1 minute or use plain unscented bleach.
How much to store
- 1Store at least 1 gallon (3.8 L) per person per day, for drinking and sanitation, for several days. Plan more for hot weather, children, nursing mothers and people who are sick.
- 2Keep it in clean, sanitised containers with tight lids, somewhere cool and dark.
Boil (best)
- 1If the water is cloudy, let it settle and filter it through a clean cloth or coffee filter first.
- 2Bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Above 6,500 feet (2,000 m), boil for 3 minutes.
- 3Let it cool, then store it in clean containers with tight lids.
Disinfect with bleach (if you can't boil)
- 1Use plain, unscented household bleach with 5–9% sodium hypochlorite. Check the label.
- 2Add 8 drops per gallon of clear water (40 drops, about ½ teaspoon, per 5 gallons).
- 3Double the amount if the water is cloudy, coloured or very cold.
- 4Stir and wait at least 30 minutes before drinking.
- 5Bleach does not remove chemicals or fuel. If water may be contaminated with those, find another source.
Sources
A summary of the sources above, not a substitute for official instructions or medical advice. In an emergency, follow your local authorities and call your emergency number.