Preparedness

Water Sanitization in Emergencies

Posted by Maui County Health Volunteers on

Boilingboiling

  • Heat and strain water through clean cloth
  • Boil water vigorously for 2-3 minutes
  • Allow water to cool.
    • Adding a pinch of salt per quart removes flat taste
    • Or, pour between clean containers several times

 

Chemically

Chlorinebleach

Any household bleach solution (plain, not scented) that contains hypochlorite may be used for disinfection.

  • Drops per gallon of clean water*
    • 8 drops
      •  *Double the amount for turbid (cloudy) water
  • Mix thoroughly and let stand for 30 minutes.
    • Should have a faint chlorine odor
      • If not, repeat dosage and let stand for 15 minutes
    • Too strong of chlorine taste
      • pour between clean containers a several times
      • Let stand exposed to air for a few hours

How to video:

Iodine

iodine

  • Common household iodine from the medicine chest or first aid kit package may be used to disinfect water
  • Add 5 drops 2% United States Pharmacopeia (USP) tincture iodine
  • per quart of clear water
    • Turbid (cloudy/unclear) water add 10 drops
  • Mix thoroughly and let solution stand for at least 30 min.

 

More info: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/2011/WHO_TN_05_Emergency_treatment_of_drinking_water_at_the_point_of_use.pdf?ua=1

http://www.co.maui.hi.us/faq.aspx?TID=62

Advertisements