The American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourage residents in flood zones to treat their drinking water before consuming it, even if it appears or smells clean. The best ways to treat drinking water include boiling it, using chemical treatments, or distilling it. However, it is important to note that distilling water is more appropriate for smaller amounts of water. This is often not the case for flood victims.
Families who opt to boil their water should understand that Colorado's higher elevation changes the amount of time necessary to boil the water in order to purify it fully. While five minutes worth of a roiling boil purifies effectively at sea level, the individual must add on an additional minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level that they are situated. For people living in Colorado, this can be a significant increase in necessary boiling time. Those hoping to boil their water in order to purify it should make use of a large pot for the job; a teakettle will simply not cut it in this situation. Also, using a lid during the boiling process prevents evaporation from occurring, thus making the work more efficient.
Filtering is another option for families trying to enjoy clean drinking water after a flood. Filtering can be done using coffee filters or a clean cloth, like a freshly washed t-shirt. Simply place the t-shirt in a colander or stretch it across a pot. This creates a funnel effect, and helps to purify the water. When doing this, the individual should avoid trying to filter water that has visible contaminants in it. It is also best to steer clear of water that appears murky or has a strange smell. This can indicate the presence of chemical contaminants that may not be visible to the naked eye and may be impossible to remove.
Chemical treatments also work well when it comes time to purify the water. The homeowner can use a bottle of chlorine bleach that is made up of five or six percent sodium hypochlorite. The substance should be free of additives like scents or whiteners. From there, empty the water into a clean pot and drop in about 16 drops of bleach for each gallon of water. After letting it stand for half an hour, the individual can re-evaluate. If there is just a hint of bleach, then it is safe to drink. Otherwise, it is too dirty to consume and should be discarded.
"Understanding how to treat water after a flood is an important part of the recovery process. Unfortunately, contaminated water can pose a serious and often invisible threat. For this reason, no water should be consumed unless it has been purified," states a representative from EcoWater. EcoWater reviews that these various methods of purification may seem excessive, particularly if the water does not appear visibly dirty, but can actually be lifesaving.
ABOUT:
EcoWater reviews the fact that waterborne illness can sicken and kill an individual. For this reason, they believe in offering top-notch water purification services, making it easy for a person to enjoy a clean, fresh glass of water.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|