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Boil Water Orders and How to Purify Drinking Water |
by Jim Serre
A local flood, broken water mains from an earthquake, piping and pump failures, contamination at a water treatment facility, or any potential breach of a safe water supply may cause authorities to issue a “boil water” order. Such an order may come from your water district or local Public Health agency. What exactly should you do when your water supply is compromised and a boil water order has been issued by your city or municipality?
First of all, take the boil water order seriously. Do not assume that such an order is overly cautious and that all the water you intend to drink or cook with does not require boiling or purification to kill potential bacteria. Although many contaminates can get into your drinking water supply, the greatest concerns are viruses, bacteria and protozoa including Cryptosporidium and Giardia. People with lowered immunity, the elderly, and the very young are often at greater risk from such parasites. These parasites can cause stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms. If a person is infected, symptoms may not develop for up to one week from the time of exposure.
TIP: Put tape over all faucets in your home to remind family members NOT to drink the water. Also, remove all ice cubes from your freezer and turn off automatic ice cube makers.
Water That Needs to be Purified
All water should be purified that is to be used for:
- - Drinking
- - Brushing teeth
- - Rinsing food
- - Cooking
- - Baby formula
- - Coffee
- - Ice cubes
- - Pets
- - Dishwashing
Many believe that the hot water in a household dishwasher is sufficient to eliminate the contamination threat; but there are too many variables for this to be generally recommended. Disposable tableware may be the best option and is much simpler.
Generally, bathing or showering in potentially contaminated water is not a problem. However, care should be taken not to take any of the water orally. When bathing children or infants it is especially important to monitor them constantly to prevent inadvertent intake of contaminated water.
Ways to Get Purified Water
There are various ways to get safe drinking water in an emergency including the methods listed below.
- - Boil water
- - Use purification tablets/drops
- - User purifier bottles
- - Use bleach
- - Use bottled water
How to Boil Water
While you can find various recommended boiling times for contaminated water, the reality is boiling water for one minute after it starts to bubble is sufficient. Then cover the container and let it cool. Over boiling doesn’t make the water any safer and just wastes what could be precious fuel in an emergency.
TIP: If gas or electricity is unavailable during the emergency, consider a camping stove or barbecues that are fueled by propane or perhaps a charcoal barbecue.
How to Use Purification Tablets/Drops
There are many varieties of water purification formulas available today. Either in tablet form or liquid, these products have expiration dates and are a good means of purifying contaminated water. Depending upon the severity of the contamination, various wait times will be required before the water is sufficiently purified to drink. It is important to select a robust purification solution that is capable of eliminating viruses, bacteria and protozoa including Cryptosporidium and Giardia. An excellent water purification tablet is made by Katadyn.
How to Use Purifier Bottles
Today there is another purification option available to consumers. These purifier bottles are designed to be filled with contaminated water, and an internal filter actually purifies the water as it is sucked out through a straw. These plastic bottles are only good for drinking water and cannot provide water for other sanitary uses. Again, Katadyn makes an EPA registerd water purification bottle.
How to Use Bleach to Disinfect Water
Water could also be disinfected rather than boiled. To disinfect water intended for drinking or cooking, add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water or one teaspoon of bleach for every five gallons of water. Agitate the water to promote mixing and let stand for at least 30 minutes before using. Be sure to only use sanitized food grade containers for storing water. For additional recommendations, see the article Storing and Cleaning Emergency Water Containers.
WARNING: Do not use scented or “color safe” bleach products. Liquid bleach loses strength over time. If the bleach is a year old, double the amount. Two year old bleach should not be used. Bleach should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat to avoid deterioration.
Use Bottled Water
Everyone should maintain a supply of emergency bottled water in their home for just such emergencies. Families should plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day and a minimum 3 day supply is recommended. If you live in an area that frequently receives boil water orders, you should consider even more water storage. |
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