How to Purify Tap Water
Your body is 55 to 75 percent water. Your brain, your vital organs and your bodily systems need a continuous supply of water to function properly. So, it logically follows that a clean, healthy supply of water is extremely important. You can buy purified water, and you can buy water filters. However, you can also save money and insure your water safety by purifying your own water. Whether you want to purify your water for everyday drinking or to keep in your home emergency supplies kit, this method is fast and easy.
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Things You'll Need
- Food-grade water containers
- 5 to 6 percent household Chlorine bleach
- Cheese cloth
- Pot
Instructions
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Preparing the Containers
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1
Purchase your water containers. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) recommends that you purchase food-grade water containers from surplus or camping supply stores.
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2
Wash your containers thoroughly with dish soap and water. Rinse well.
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3
Completely submerge the containers in a solution of 1 tsp. chlorine bleach to every quart of water. Let the containers sit in the bleach solution for 5 minutes. Rinse well with a weaker bleach/water solution.
Purifying the Water
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4
Secure a piece of cheese cloth over a deep pot. Pour your water through the cheese cloth into the pot.
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5
Place the pot on your stove top on high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for at least one minute. If you live more than one mile above sea level, allow your water to boil for at least three minutes. Set the water aside. Allow it to cool.
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6
Pour the cooled water into your disinfected containers.
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7
Add 1/8 tsp. of 5 to 6 percent chlorine bleach for each gallon of water. If the water is very cloudy or murky, add 1/4 tsp. of bleach per gallon. Seal the lids tightly and gently shake the containers to mix thoroughly.
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8
Wait at least 30 minutes before drinking or using the newly purified water. If the water is extremely cloudy or murky, wait at least 60 minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Seal your water containers tightly, date them and store them in a cool, dark place. Replace your purified water every 6 months. If you do not want to purchase water containers, you can substitute plastic soft drink bottles.
Do not use containers that have been used to store fruit juice, milk, pesticides, oil, solvents, or other chemicals. Do not use bleach that contains dyes, fragrance or other additives. Do not drink directly from your water containers. This could contaminate the purified water.
