Title:Drinking Water
Author:Nayda I. Torres Date: 1992


Drinking Water
Nayda I. Torres

SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER
     One of your most crucial needs is a supply of safe water.
Every person in your family needs about 2 quarts of water or
other liquids daily (more in hot weather).  You also need pure
water for preparing foods, brushing teeth and keeping clean.

     When warned of a severe storm which could cause flooding, or
which could otherwise disrupt water services, insure an adequate
supply of safe water for your family by filling large clean
containers:  pots, pans, sinks and bathtubs with water.  Then
shut off the main water valve to protect the clean water already
in your water system.  If possible close the valves on the water
lines leaving the house.

     You may have emergency sources of water, such as ice cubes
on hand.  Soft drinks and fruit juices are water substitutes.  In
addition, the water in your water pipes and toilet tanks (NOT THE
BOWLS) is safe to drink if you closed the valve on the main water
line before the flood.

     To use the water still in pipes, turn on the faucet located
in the highest point in the house -- usually in an upstairs
bathroom.  This lets air into the system.  Then draw water from
the lowest faucet in the house.

     Your water heater or water pressure tank could supply 30 to
60 gallons of safe water in an emergency.  Before using water
from the water heater, switch off the gas or electricity which
heats the water.  Leaving the heating part on while the heater is
empty could cause an explosion or burn out elements.  After
turning off the gas or electricity open the drain valve at the
bottom of the tank.  Do not turn the water heater on again until
the water system is back to normal service.


                         PURIFYING WATER

     Unless you are absolutely certain your home water supply is
not contaminated by flood water, purify all water before using it
for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth or dishwashing.
If the water contains sediment or floating material, strain it
through a cloth before treating it.  Water can be purified by
boiling or by chemical treatment.


                             Boiling

     Boil water at a rolling boil for 10 minutes to kill any
disease-causing bacteria in the water.  Add a pinch of salt to
each quart of boiled water to improve the taste.


                       Chemical Treatment

     If water cannot be boiled, treat it chemically.  Two
chemicals usually found in the home will purify water.

 1.  Chlorine Bleach such as Clorox or Purex. Household bleach is
     a good disinfectant for water. However, check the label to
     sure that the active  ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, is
     5.25 percent.  Do not use bleach which contains detergents.

     Mix bleach thoroughly into the water.  Let it stand for 30
     minutes.  The water should have a slight chlorine odor.  If
     it doesn't, repeat the dose and let the water stand for an
     additional 15 minutes.

 2.  Iodine.  Household iodine from the medicine chest or first
     aid kit will purify water.  The iodine should be 2 percent
     United States Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) strength.  Add 20 drops
     per gallon of clear water, and 40 drops per gallon of cloudy
     water.  Seal the container and let stand for 30 minutes.
     The water supply will be safe for an indefinite period.

     Water Purification Tablets will also purify water.  Follow
     manufacturer's directions.  Water purification tablets are
     available at drug stores and camping supply departments of
     your local stores.