💧 How to obtain and purify safe water

How much water you need

A person needs at least 2 liters per day just for drinking, and up to 4 liters counting basic hygiene and cooking. Children, pregnant women, and the sick need more. If water service is interrupted, prioritize sealed bottled water for drinking.

Boiling: the safest method

• •Bring water to a rolling boil (large, continuous bubbles) for at least 1 minute.
• •Let it cool covered and store it in clean, lidded containers.
• •If the water is cloudy, filter it first through a clean cloth or let it settle and use the clear part.

Chlorine disinfection

If you cannot boil, use unscented household bleach with no additives (4–6% sodium hypochlorite).

• •Clear water: 2 drops of bleach per liter of water.
• •Cloudy water: filter first and use 4 drops per liter.
• •Mix well and wait 30 minutes before drinking. There should be a slight chlorine smell; if not, repeat the dose and wait 15 more minutes.

⚠️ Never use scented, gel, or "color safe" bleach. Never exceed the indicated dose.

Safe storage

• •Use clean plastic containers with lids; wash them with soap and water before filling.
• •Do not store water in containers that held chemicals.
• •Keep water in a cool, dark place, and rotate it every 6 months if stored as reserve.
• •Pour water out to serve it — never dip hands or cups into the container.

Warning signs

Diarrhea in small children can be fatal through dehydration. If someone has persistent diarrhea, prepare oral rehydration solution (1 liter of safe water + 6 level teaspoons of sugar + half a teaspoon of salt) and seek medical care.