Division of Environmental Health Drinking Water Program

• Water: bottled water, tap water or some other source of clean drinking water.
• Food-grade container to store water (if not using bottled water).
• Unscented liquid household chlorine (5-6%) bleach to sanitize water storage container (if not using bottled water).

• Observe the expiration date for store-bought water; replace other stored water every six months.
• For bottled water keep it in its original container and do not open until you need to use it.
• For tap water you have stored in containers, clearly label container as “drinking water” and include storage date.
• Keep stored water in a location with cool temperatures.
• Do not store containers in direct sunlight.
• Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides are present.

Before filling with safe water, use these steps to clean and sanitize storage containers:

• Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely with clean water.
• Sanitize the container by adding a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
• Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container.
• Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
• Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe water that already is available.

Avoid using the following containers to store safe water:

• Containers that cannot be sealed tightly
• Containers that can break, such as glass bottles
• Containers that have ever been used for any toxic solid or liquid chemicals (includes old bleach containers)
• Plastic or cardboard bottles, jugs, and containers used for milk or fruit juices

Finding an emergency water source

Inside the Home

• Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated.
• Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables.
• Water from your home’s water heater tank. To use this water be sure the electricity or gas is off and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake value at the tank and turning on the hot‐water faucet. After you are notified that clean water has been restored, you will need to refill the tank before turning on the gas or electricity back on. If the gas is turned off, a professional will be needed to turn it back on.
• If you receive advanced notice of a potential disaster (ex: weather event) you can fill bathtubs and/or sinks (avoid utility sinks) prior to the event as an emergency source if your stored water supply runs out.

Outside the Home

• Rainwater
• Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water
• Ponds and lakes
• Natural springs

Unsafe Sources

• Radiators, hot water boilers (home heating systems).
• Water from toilet bowl.
• Water beds. Fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water unsafe to use.
• Swimming pools and spas. Chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated for safe drinking but can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning and related uses.

Boiling

If you don’t have safe bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling is the surest method to make water safer to drink by killing disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

You can improve the flat taste of boiled water by pouring it from one container to another and then allowing it to stand for a few hours, OR by adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.

If the water is cloudy...

• Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter
• OR allow it to settle, then draw off the clear water.
• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

If the water is clear,

• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

Disinfectants

If you don’t have safe water and if boiling is not possible, you often can make water safe to drink by using a disinfectant such as unscented household chlorine bleach or iodine. These can kill most harmful organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, but are not as effective in controlling more resistant organisms such as the parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

To disinfect water...

• Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter
• OR allow it to settle. Draw off the clear water.
• To use bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops; about 0.625 milliliters) of unscented liquid household chlorine (5-6%) bleach for each gallon of clear water (or 2 drops of bleach for each liter or each quart of water),
  • Stir the mixture well.
  • Let it stand for 30 minutes or longer before you use it.
  • Store the disinfected water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.
• To use iodine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Chlorine dioxide tablets are another disinfectant that now is available in some outdoor stores. This disinfectant has proven to be effective against pathogens, if the manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

Filters

Many portable water filters can remove disease-causing parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia from drinking water. If you are choosing a portable water filter, try to pick one that has a filter pore size small enough to remove both bacteria and parasites. Most portable water filters do not remove viruses.

Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the water filter you intend to use. After filtering, add a disinfectant such as iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to the filtered water to kill any viruses and remaining bacteria.

• Allow people to drink according to their needs – many people need even more than the average of one gallon per day. The individual amount needed depends on age, physical activity, physical condition and time of year.
• Never ration drinking water unless ordered to do so by authorities – drink the amount you need today and try to find more for tomorrow. Under no circumstances should a person drink less than one quart (4 cups) of water each day. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.
• Do not drink carbonated beverages instead of drinking water. Carbonated beverages do not meet drinking water requirements. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for drinking water.
• Learn where the water intake valve to your home is. If you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines, you’ll need to shut off water to your house to avoid letting contaminated water enter your home. Listen to local warnings for more instructions. Be sure you and your family members know how to perform this important procedure.