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Prepping your family and household (Part 4): Water safety

By The SHTF App Team

The boil-water notice was three lines long and saved nobody who had already made the mistake: the neighbor who disinfected chemically contaminated tap water with bleach and served it. The bleach killed nothing that mattered, because the threat was not alive. Boiling kills germs, but it does nothing for chemical contamination. And most portable filters do not remove bacteria or viruses. The family that understands which method fights which threat is the family that drinks safely, and the difference between them is one afternoon of reading.

After a disaster, your tap water may not be available or safe to use. Germs, chemicals, and other harmful materials can contaminate the supply. Knowing how to make water safe is a life-or-death skill.

Caution: The “Boiling fixes everything” myth. Boiling kills germs, but it does nothing for chemical contamination. Matching the right method to the right threat is the difference between safe water and a hospital visit.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical or professional advice. Always follow the instructions of local authorities and health officials.

The Readiness Audit

Do you know how to make water safe to drink?

  • Green: You know the three methods (boil, disinfect, filter), when each works, and you have supplies on hand.
  • Yellow: You know to boil water but are unsure about bleach amounts or filters.
  • Red: You have never thought about what you would drink if the tap water failed.

If you are Yellow or Red, execute Phase 1 immediately.

Phase 1: Know When Water Is Unsafe

Goal: Recognize when you should not drink the tap water.

  • The signal: listen for announcements from local officials about water advisories.
  • The signs: if you think the water might not be safe, do not drink or use it.
  • Well water: if you have a well and think it may be contaminated, contact your local health department.

The Takeaway: When in doubt, treat the water as unsafe.

Phase 2: Boil (The Best Method)

Goal: Kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites with heat.

  • The method: bring water to a rolling boil for one minute. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes.
  • The wait: let the water cool before drinking.
  • The limit: boiling does not remove chemical contamination.

The Takeaway: Boiling is the best method for biological threats, but it cannot fix chemicals.

Phase 3: Disinfect (The Bleach Method)

Goal: Kill most viruses and bacteria with bleach.

  • The amount: add 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of 5 to 9 percent unscented household bleach per gallon of clear water.
  • Cloudy water: use 16 drops (about 1/4 teaspoon) per gallon.
  • The wait: mix well and wait at least 30 minutes before using.
  • The alternative: chlorine dioxide tablets or iodine can be used according to label instructions.

The Takeaway: Bleach disinfects when you cannot boil, but it does not remove chemicals or all parasites.

Phase 4: Filter (The Parasite Method)

Goal: Remove parasites with a proper filter.

  • The warning: most portable filters do not remove bacteria or viruses.
  • The choice: choose a filter labeled to remove parasites and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • The note: filtered water may still need additional treatment to be fully safe.

The Takeaway: Filtering removes parasites, but it is not a complete solution on its own.

Phase 5: Protect Infants

Goal: Keep babies safe during a water emergency.

  • Breastfeeding: the safest way to feed an infant during an emergency.
  • Formula: use ready-to-feed formula when possible. If using powdered formula, use bottled or boiled water.
  • Cleaning: clean feeding items with bottled, boiled, or treated water and soap before each use.

The Takeaway: Infants are the most vulnerable. Use the safest water for them.

The Essential Kit Checklist

  • Bottled water: store a supply for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
  • Bleach: keep unscented household bleach (5 to 9 percent) on hand.
  • Filter: have a filter labeled to remove parasites.
  • Pot: have a pot for boiling water.
  • Infant supplies: store ready-to-feed formula if you have a baby.

Scenario Planner (Contingencies)

“I will just drink bottled water.” The trap: assuming bottled water will be available. The fix: stores sell out fast after a disaster. Store your own supply and know how to treat water as a backup.

“My filter removes everything.” The trap: overestimating your filter. The fix: most portable filters do not remove viruses. Know your filter’s limits and combine methods when needed.

Next Steps

  1. Write the two bleach ratios on the bleach bottle itself (8 drops clear, 16 drops cloudy per gallon), because the label you can read in a dark kitchen beats the article you half-remember.
  2. Check your filter’s label tonight for the parasite claim, and replace it if the wording is vague.
  3. Read Part 5: Prepare your pets next, to plan for the animals that depend on you.

Originally adapted from public FEMA and CDC water-safety guidance (public domain).