About Emergency Water Purification

The human body needs 2 to 3 qts. water a day. This water can be in drinking water, beverages or food. Safe drinking water free from contaminants or disease-causing germs is essential. In an emergency when safe water is not available, existing water should be purified for drinking, eating, brushing teeth and other needs.

Function

• Emergency water purification is needed when safe drinking water is not available. Water suppliers must notify customers promptly when their water does not meet federal or state safe water standards. Sometimes it is a temporary supplier emergency such as broken pipes or contaminated water. Other times it can be an emergency due to a natural disaster that has disrupted safe water delivery. Customers are notified by mail, radio, television or emergency workers when they must take precautions to purify water.

Types

• In an emergency, water may be purified in several ways. Boiling the water to kill bacteria and germs often purifies water. Regular liquid chlorine bleach will purify water by killing some but not all disease-causing organisms. Tincture of iodine is a water disinfectant when used as directed. Chlorine and iodine water treatment tablets are available at many drugstores and sporting goods or camping suppliers.

Prevention/Solution

• Purify cloudy water by first filtering the water through clean cloth or coffee filters and allowing it to settle. Bring the filtered settled water to a rapid boil for 1 minute. This kills most microorganisms. When boiling is not available, stir 8 to 12 drops of liquid chlorine bleach in a gallon of water and let the mix stand 30 minutes before using it. Tincture of iodine is used at 5 drops per qt. clear water or 10 drops per qt. cloudy water. Let it stand 30 minutes before using.

Considerations

• Boiling is the most effective method of killing microorganisms like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, which can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. Giardia is often controlled by chlorine and iodine, but Cryptosporidium is more resistant to disinfectants and may not be effectively controlled by chlorine and iodine. Disinfectant water tablets are less effective than boiling, but any method of treating water is considered safer than no treatment. Tablets are highly portable for campers, hikers and emergency kits.

Warning

• In major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding, contaminated water doesn't just contain microorganisms like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium commonly found in streams and lakes. It often contains microorganisms causing diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis and cholera. These diseases spread rapidly and may be fatal. Due to these factors, it is critical to follow emergency guidelines for water purification. Do not substitute or short-cut water purification. Do not use floodwater, salty or dirty water for drinking or cooking. Safe water is critical for healthy life.