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How-to · about 35 min
Disinfect water with bleach
When you cannot boil water, plain household bleach kills most germs.
Safety first
Use only plain, unscented bleach - no scented, color-safe or added-cleaner types. Check the label for the strength (6% or 8.25%).
You will need
Unscented household bleach (6% or 8.25%)
A clean dropper
Clean containers with lids
1. Filter if cloudy
If the water is cloudy, let it settle and filter it through a clean cloth or coffee filter first.
2. Add the right amount
Per gallon: 8 drops of 6% bleach, or 6 drops of 8.25% bleach. Double it if the water is cloudy, colored or very cold.
3. Stir and wait 30 minutes
Stir and let it stand 30 minutes. It should smell slightly of chlorine. If not, add the same dose again and wait 15 more minutes.
Sources
EPA - Emergency disinfection of drinking water