Recovery Issues

Pierce County

Emergency Management

RECOVERY ISSUES

Storage of Water
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If using tap water that is chemically treated (such as provided from a commercial water utility company) note the following:

1. Store water in clean plastic containers, such as 2 - liter soda bottles, with tight fitting screw-caps or lids. Milk containers are NOT recommended because they do not seal well.

2. Do not add bleach or other agent to the stored water. It is already chemically treated, so it does not need to be treated any further.

3. Rotate the water at least every six months.

If using water from a well or spring that is NOT chemically treated, the following applies:

1. Store water in clean plastic containers, such as 2 - liter soda bottles, with tight fitting screw-caps or lids. Milk containers are NOT recommended because they do not seal well.

2. Add 16 drops of liquid household bleach per gallon of water. Make sure that 5.25% hypochlorite is the only active ingredient. There should not be any added soap or fragrances.

3. Rotate the water every six months.

If using commercially prepared 'spring' or 'drinking' or distilled water:

1. Keep the water in its original sealed container. Once opened, use it and do not store it any longer.

2. Rotate the water at least every six months.

Label all tightly sealed containers and store in a cool, dark place.

TREATMENT OF WATER OF QUESTIONABLE PURITY

In addition to having a bad order and taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by a variety of microorganisms, including singular cell parasites such as Giardia that causes disease such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. All water of uncertain purity should be purified before use. To purify water, follow these steps.

Boiling

1. Let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel or clean cloth.

2. Bring it to a rumbling boil for 3 - 5 minutes.

3. Let the water cool before drinking.

Disinfection

1. Add 16 drops of liquid chlorine (household) bleach per gallon cool water. The only active ingredient should be 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. Water must be cool or the chlorine will dissipate and be rendered useless.

2. Let stand for 30 minutes.

3. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, add 16 more drops of chlorine bleach, let it stand for another 15 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard and find another source of water.

Distillation

Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not contain salt and other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down ( make sure the cup is not dangling into the water ) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.

Information on treatment of water obtained from the American Red Cross