Following are three easy ways to disinfect water. These methods will kill microbes, the most frequent risk of contamination, but they will not remove other contaminants that may appear in water after an emergency, such as nitrate, toxic materials, or radioactive fallout. Before disinfecting, let the containers stand so suspended particles can settle to the bottom, or filter the water through coffee filters, layers of paper towels, or a clean cloth. Boiling is the safest method for disinfecting water. Bring water to a rolling boil for three to five minutes.
Boiled water tastes flat.
It will taste better if you add air after it cools by pouring the water back and forth between two containers. You can use household liquid bleach to disinfect drinking water. Do not use scented bleach, color-safe bleach, or bleach with added cleaners. Use only regular bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir, and let the water stand 30 minutes before use.