2 drops (0.1 mL) of household bleach (about 5.25% chlorine)Ĭover and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking.Bleach works best when added to warm water that is about 20˚C (68˚F).Do not use scented bleaches, colour-safe bleaches, bleaches with added cleaners or non-chlorine bleach.Household chlorine bleach kills most pathogens. Store disinfected water in clean, covered, food grade containers.At elevations over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) boil water for at least 2 minutes You are travelling in an area where the safety of the water is questionableīoiling water is the most effective way to disinfect water, particularly if you think your water has parasites such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium, or if you have a weakened immune system.You are on your own water supply/source.You may also need to disinfect your water if: A flood, fire, earthquake or other event has disrupted the water supply in your community.Coli bacteria, an indicator of human or animal waste

Tests show the presence of “fecal coliform” or E.The water does not have adequate treatment.However, you may need to disinfect your own drinking water, or find an alternate source such as bottled water if your community is on a ‘boil water’ notice. In most cases, drinking water suppliers disinfect water to make it safe. When should I disinfect my drinking water? You can disinfect water by adding chemicals, using heat, using ultraviolet (UV) radiation, filtration or using a combination of these methods. These pathogens may include bacteria, viruses or parasites (e.g., Campylobacter, Salmonella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium).ĭisinfection kills or removes pathogens from drinking water, reducing health risks. Water-borne infections can spread when animal or human feces containing these pathogens get into drinking water. Water-borne illnesses can lead to severe reactions and serious complications, including death. Water from lakes, rivers, or streams and many groundwater sources may contain disease-causing “germs.” The germs, called pathogens, can lead to water-borne infections.

Why should I disinfect my drinking water?

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