Process water disinfection Australia is very important, especially in an emergency situation. In emergency situations, where water service has been interrupted –such as a water pipe breakage or hurricane, local authorities can recommend using boiled water, bottled water or disinfected water until the normal water supply is restored.
This guide provides instructions on how to disinfect and boil water to kill disease-causing microorganisms that may be present in the water. However, disinfection or boiling won’t destroy other contaminants such as salts, heavy metals and most chemicals.
Bottled and boiled water
It is recommended to have bottled water in your house for emergencies. If you do not have bottled water, you can boil water to kill pathogenic viruses, bacteria and protozoa. If the water is cloudy, you should allow it to settle and filter it through a coffee filter, paper boiling water towel and clean cloth.
You should bring water to a rolling boil for more than one minute. Boil water for more than three minutes for altitudes above 100 meters. Allow the water to cool and store it in sterile containers that have tight covers. You can improve the flat smell and taste of boiled water by adding a pinch of salt to each litre of water. You can also pour the water from one container to another several times.
Household bleach for disinfection
If you cannot boil water or if you don’t have access to other process water disinfection methods, you can use chlorine bleach that is suitable for sanitisation and disinfection of water as illustrated on the label. Don’t use scented bleaches, bleaches with added cleaners or colour-safe bleaches. If you realise that the water is cloudy, you should let it settle and then filter it through a coffee filter clean paper towel or cloth. You should find a clean dropper in your emergency supply kit or medicine cabinet. Fresh liquid chlorine bleach can be stored at room temperature for one year or less.
Storing emergency water supply
You should know how to prepare and store water for emergency purposes. You can store water in your fridge or a clean water container with a tight seal. You can also look for other water sources around your home. While bottled water is the best choice, you may find other sources of water by draining your hot water tank, melting ice cubes and more. You can also use water from a lake or river. It is better to use flowing water than stagnant water. However, don’t use water with floating objects in it or water that has a questionable odour or dark colour.
Regardless of the water source, you should treat water before drinking it. Make sure you use the right process water disinfection Australiato ensure safety. You can buy water filters and other water disinfection solutions for household use. Contacting a reputable water company is the best way to find the best water treatment solutions in terms of emergencies. Using different methods such as filtration and boiling is also recommended.