Karen M. Mancl
Water Quality Specialist
Agricultural Engineering
Boiling water is extremely effective as a disinfectant. Vigorous boiling for one minute kills bacteria, including disease causing organisms and giardia cysts.
Tincture of iodine from a home medicine chest may be used to disinfect water.
| Volume of Water | Number of Drops Iodine | |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Water | Cloudy Water | |
| One quart | 5 | 10 |
| One gallon | 20 | 40 |
| Mix water thoroughly and let stand for 30 minutes. | ||
A few drops of chlorine bleach can be added to a gallon of water in an emergency or on a camping trip.
| Available Chlorine in Bleach | Number of Drops to Disinfect One Gallon of Water | |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Water | Cloudy Water | |
| 5.25% | 8 | 16 |
| Mix water thoroughly and let stand for 30 minutes | ||
Chlorine and iodine tablets are also available in drug stores and camping goods stores. Follow the directions on the container.
Copyright © The Ohio State University 1989
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
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