Bleach for Emergency Water Disinfection (EPA 8 Drops/Gallon, Concentration Decay) — household safety profile
Low riskHousehold bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is EPA's recommended emergency water disinfection method: 8 drops (1/8 tsp) of 6% bleach per gallon (or 6 drops of 8.25% bleach), wait 30 minutes, water should have slight chlorine smell.
What is this product?
Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is EPA's recommended emergency water disinfection method: 8 drops (1/8 tsp) of 6% bleach per gallon (or 6 drops of 8.25% bleach), wait 30 minutes, water should have slight chlorine smell. Critical concern: bleach concentration decays over time — 6% bleach loses ~20% potency per year at room temperature, faster in heat. After 1 year, a '6% bleach' bottle may be 4.8% or lower. Splash-free and scented bleach contain additives and MUST NOT be used for water disinfection. Only plain, unscented sodium hypochlorite bleach.
What's in it
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Disinfectant
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