MAKING YOUR WATER SAFE TO DRINK DURING AND AFTER FLOODS OR STORMS
During the Hurricane Season Pipes May Be Broken and Water May Become Contaminated. Water for drinking and domestic use should be free from all disease causing bacteria and poisonous chemicals.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY WATER SAFE?
There are 3 main ways to make sure that water used for drinking and domestic purpose is safe.
1. Proper Storage
2. Boiling
3. Chlorination (Addition of ordinary household bleach.)
PROPER STORAGE
· Store water in clean containers
· Ensure that water is kept covered at all times
· Do not store water in containers which were previously used to store poisonous chemicals
· If you use a drum, cover with a clean bag or plastic. Secure tightly with rope
BOILING: This kills all harmful germs (bacteria)
· Boil water free of debris or silt in a clean pot
· When water begins to boil, let it continue to boil for 3 more minutes
· Keep containers covered
CHLORINATION—Use of household chlorine in drinking water to kill germs
METHOD
Amount of Water Amount of Bleach to be Added
1 gallon 8 drops (1/8 TEASPOON) bleach
5 gallons ½ teaspoon bleach
45 gallons(1 drum) 4 teaspoon bleach
• Use a dropper or clean piece of stick to measure drops
• Stir or shake water
• Leave water to settle for 30 minutes before using
• Keep containers closed
Water is safe for drinking 30 minutes after bleach is added.
REMEMBER
To protect you and your family’s health ensure that:
· Water is boiled for 3 minutes after it begins to bubble
· The correct amount of bleach is added to water. Do not exceed the specified amount
· All stored water is properly covered
· Water is not stored in containers which contained chemicals
Also:
· Wash hands with clean water and soap
· Wash eating and cooking utensils with clean water and soap .
· Use bottled water if available