I cannot boil my water. How do I disinfect my water to make it safe to drink?

Follow the steps below to properly disinfect water for drinking, cooking and/or brushing teeth.

If tap water is clear:

  • Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent)
  • Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.75 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water
  • Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking
  • Store disinfected water for up to 5 days in a clean container with a cover. Water used after this time needs to be disinfected once again

If tap water is cloudy:

  • Pour through a clean cloth or coffee filter
  • Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent)
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon (16 drops or 1.5 milliliters) of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water
  • Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking
  • Store disinfected water for up to 5 days in a clean container with a cover. Water used after this time needs to be disinfected once again