Hurricanes, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate the public water supply, which can cause illness. Do not assume water in a hurricane-affected area is safe to drink. Listen for public announcements about the safety of the municipal water supply. Use bottled water for eating or drinking. If you do not have bottled water, and are not sure that your tap water is safe, follow these directions to purify tap water published by the government for public information:
Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles.
Disinfect using one of the following methods:
Boiling: Boil water vigorously for 1 minute. To improve taste, pour from one clean container to another several times to aerate. Allow water to cool for 30 minutes before using.
Purification tablets: Purification tablets are available at most drugstores or camping supply stores. Follow directions supplied on the packaging.
Filters: Use a "backpacking" type filter and follow the directions on the filter.
Bleach purification: Liquid household bleach can be used for water disinfection. The only active ingredient in the bleach should be sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6%. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. (A major bleach manufacturer has also added sodium hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a health risk for water treatment.) Add bleach to the water according to the amounts listed in the table below. Stir to mix and let stand 30 minutes prior to using.
Amount of Water Clear Water Cloudy Water* 1 quart 2 drops of bleach 4 drops of bleach 1 gallon 8 drops of bleach 16 drops of bleach 5 gallons 1/2 teaspoon of bleach 1 teaspoon of bleach *Excessive turbidity (cloudiness) will greatly reduce the effectiveness of the bleach. The bleach method may not kill all parasites and the filter methods must be followed carefully; people need to read the directions carefully to produce the safest possible drinking water. If there is flooding along with a hurricane, local waterways may become polluted with waste. There is risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater. Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas. Wash children's hands frequently and disinfect any toys that have come into contact with flood waters, using a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water.