DISCLAIMER: The steps below to treat water work only to remove viruses or bacteria from water. If you even question the water as unsafe because of poisonous substances, sewage, or chemicals, do not drink the water. As well, if the water is dark in color, has an odor, or contains solid substances, do not drink the water.
Steps for 1qt Bottle
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Ensure bleach is unscented.
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Fill your bottle with the cleanest water possible. If water is cloudy, let it settle and filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter.
NOTES: Read the label on the bleach bottle to determine the amount of available chlorine. Liquid chlorine laundry bleach usually has about 5 to 6 percent available chlorine. Based on the strength of the household bleach, add the chlorine to the Bottle as directed in Table 1.
TABLE 1 Drops of Household Bleach to be Added to a One-Quart bottle
|
AVAILABLE CHLORINE |
CLEAR WATER |
COLD OR CLOUDY WATER |
|
1% |
10 |
20 |
|
4%-6% |
2 |
4 |
|
7%-10% |
1 |
2 |
(HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AND COMMANDANT, MARINE CORPS FM 21-10 / MCRP 4-11.1D: FIELD HYGIENE AND SANITATION Manual)
- Place the cap on your bottle and shake. Slightly loosen the cap and tip the canteen over to allow leakage around threads. Tighten the cap and wait 30 minutes before drinking.
Conclusion
Household bleach is a very common item in our society. It is knowledgeable to know how to disinfect water using this method in a survival situation.
Note: If boiling water is a possibility, use that method for purifying water over bleach.