How to Purify Water During an Emergency

By eHow Health Editor

Rate: (16 Ratings)

While it is best to store water beforehand, you can purify water several ways.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Pots
  • Small Plastic Containers
  • Paper Or Plastic Cups

Boiling

Step1
Fill a pot with water.
Step2
Let any particles in the water settle to the bottom of the pot, or filter them through a paper towel or clean cloth.
Step3
Bring water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes.
Step4
Pour the water back and forth between two clean containers to restore oxygen, thereby improving taste.
Step5
Let the water cool before drinking.

Disinfecting

Step1
Fill a clean plastic container with water.
Step2
Let any particles in the water settle to the bottom of the container, or filter them through a paper towel or clean cloth.
Step3
Add 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water.
Step4
Stir the water and let it stand for 30 minutes.
Step5
Check for a slight bleach odor. If there is none, add another 16 drops of bleach and let the water stand another 15 minutes.

Distilling

Step1
Fill a cooking pot half full of water.
Step2
Let any particles in the water settle to the bottom of the pot, or filter them through a paper towel or clean cloth.
Step3
Tie a paper cup to the handle of the pot's lid so that it hangs right-side-up when the lid is upside-down. Be sure that the cup is not trailing into the water.
Step4
Boil the water for 20 minutes. The water vapor will be mostly free of impurities.
Step5
Condense back to water, and drip from the lid into the cup.

Tips & Warnings

  • Household bleach contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite.
  • Avoid scented or colorsafe bleaches, as well as bleaches with added cleaners.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Purify Water During an Emergency

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Health

DrJewell
Meet DrJewell eHow’s Health Expert.