• In an emergency situation, Clorox can be used to purify contaminated drinking water.water games - water jokes - markus sittikus image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
  
  

Bleach Used Safely

• The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that in an emergency situation 1/8 oz., or eight drops of Clorox household bleach can be used to purify 1 gallon of potentially contaminated water. Add the bleach to the water and stir thoroughly; then let the water sit for 30 minutes prior to drinking.
  
  

Strength Matters

• Typical household bleach, such as Clorox, is diluted to a concentration of 5.25 percent. However, not all bleach is sold in the same concentration so check the concentration of the bleach. For bleach in a one percent solution, add 40 drops per gallon. For bleach between four and six percent concentration, add eight drops per gallon, and for bleach sold in a 10 percent concentration, add just four drops per gallon.
  
  

Bottom Line

• If you don't know the concentration of the bleach you're using then start with 40 drops of bleach per gallon. Stir thoroughly and let the treated water sit for 30 minutes. The water should be relatively clear and have a slight chlorinated odor. If the water remains murky and has no chlorine scent, add another dose of bleach and let it sit for 15 more minutes. Repeat until the water is clear and has a slight chlorinated odor. If the water smells too strongly of chlorine, let it sit exposed to air for a few hours. Pour the water from one clean container to another to allow the bleach to gas off.