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How Do You Make Stored Water Drinkable?

Published in Water Purification 3 mins read

Making stored water drinkable primarily involves sanitizing the container and ensuring the water itself is free from contaminants. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:

Container Sanitization

The cleanliness of your water storage container is crucial to preventing contamination. Before adding water, sanitize the container by following these steps:

  1. Prepare a Bleach Solution: Mix one teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach (containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite) with one gallon of water. Ensure the bleach is safe for disinfection, as some may contain added detergents that are not suitable for drinking water containers.
  2. Sanitize the Container: Pour the bleach solution into the container, ensuring it coats all interior surfaces.
  3. Wait Two Minutes: Allow the bleach solution to remain in the container for at least two minutes to effectively sanitize it.
  4. Drain and Rinse: Pour out the bleach solution and thoroughly rinse the container with potable (drinkable) water to remove any residual bleach.

Water Treatment

Even if the water initially stored was safe, it's essential to treat it before drinking, especially after prolonged storage:

  1. Visual Inspection: Check the water for cloudiness, discoloration, or any floating particles. If the water appears contaminated, it should be treated more aggressively or discarded if heavily contaminated.

  2. Filtration (Optional but Recommended): Filtering the water before disinfection can remove sediment and improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. A portable water filter can be used.

  3. Disinfection Methods: Choose one of the following methods to disinfect the water:

    • Boiling: Bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (or 3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet/2,000 meters). This is the most reliable method to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.

    • Chlorination: If boiling is not possible, chlorination can be used. Add unscented household liquid bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) to the water. The amount of bleach needed depends on the clarity of the water:

      • Clear Water: Add 2 drops of bleach per liter or quart of water.
      • Cloudy Water: Add 4 drops of bleach per liter or quart of water.

      Let the water stand for at least 30 minutes before drinking. It should have a slight chlorine odor; if not, repeat the treatment. Note: Adjust bleach quantity depending on bleach concentration, refer to CDC guidelines for proper ratios.

    • Solar Disinfection (SODIS): Fill a clear plastic bottle with the water and expose it to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours (or 2 days if cloudy). This method is less effective than boiling or chlorination but can be useful in certain situations.

  4. Storage After Treatment: After treatment, store the water in a clean, sanitized container.

Important Considerations:

  • Water Source: The original source of the water is crucial. Use potable water for storage.
  • Storage Conditions: Store water in a cool, dark place to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Shelf Life: While stored water can remain drinkable for extended periods if properly treated and stored, it's best practice to replace it every 6 months to a year to ensure optimal quality.
  • Alternative Disinfectants: Iodine tablets or other commercially available water disinfection products can also be used following the manufacturer's instructions.

By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of making your stored water safe and drinkable in emergency situations or other circumstances.