Yes, you can drink water that has been disinfected with bleach, but only after it has been properly treated and the bleach has had sufficient time to work and dissipate. The key is to use the correct bleach concentration and allow adequate contact time for disinfection. Improperly treated water can still harbor harmful microorganisms or contain unsafe levels of bleach.
Drinking Bleach-Treated Water: What You Need to Know
When faced with a situation where your regular water supply is compromised, such as during a natural disaster or a boil water advisory, disinfecting water with household bleach can be a life-saving measure. However, it’s crucial to understand the correct procedure to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Using too much bleach or not allowing enough time for it to work can be ineffective or even harmful.
How Does Bleach Disinfect Water?
Household bleach, typically containing sodium hypochlorite, works by killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in the water. The hypochlorite ions react with the cell components of microorganisms. This reaction disrupts essential cellular functions, leading to their inactivation or death.
This method is a common emergency water purification technique when other options are unavailable. It’s a readily accessible and cost-effective way to make questionable water sources safer to drink.
What Kind of Bleach Should You Use?
Not all bleach is created equal when it comes to water disinfection. You should only use plain, unscented household liquid bleach. Avoid using bleach with added cleaners, fragrances, or color-safe formulas. These additives can make the water unsafe to drink.
Look for bleach that contains 5.25% to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite. This concentration is standard for most household bleaches. Always check the label to confirm the active ingredient and its percentage.
The Correct Bleach-to-Water Ratio
The amount of bleach you need depends on the volume of water you are treating. Using the correct ratio is paramount for effective disinfection. Too little bleach won’t kill all the germs, and too much can leave an unpleasant taste and odor, and potentially be harmful.
A general guideline for treating clear water is to add 2 drops of liquid bleach per quart (or liter) of water. For cloudy or murky water, double the amount to 4 drops per quart. Always stir the mixture well.
How Long Should You Let It Sit?
After adding the bleach, you must allow sufficient contact time for the disinfectant to work. This waiting period is critical for the bleach to effectively kill any harmful microorganisms present in the water.
Let the treated water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is still cloudy after this time, you may need to repeat the process or consider filtering it first. For best results, allow it to sit for an hour.
What to Expect After Treatment
Once the water has been properly disinfected, it should be safe to drink. You might notice a slight chlorine smell or taste. This is normal and indicates that the bleach has worked. The smell should dissipate over time or if you aerate the water by pouring it back and forth between two clean containers.
If the water has a strong, unpleasant odor or taste that doesn’t go away, it’s best to discard it and try again, ensuring you’ve followed the instructions carefully.
When is Bleach Disinfection Appropriate?
Bleach disinfection is primarily an emergency water purification method. It’s most useful when your regular water source is contaminated due to:
- Flooding
- Power outages affecting water treatment plants
- Boil water advisories issued by local authorities
- Camping or backpacking in remote areas with no other purification options
It’s not a substitute for regular water treatment or filtration systems for daily use.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While effective in emergencies, there are risks associated with drinking bleach-treated water if not done correctly.
- Ineffective Disinfection: Using the wrong type of bleach, incorrect ratios, or insufficient contact time can lead to drinking water that still contains harmful pathogens. This can cause waterborne illnesses like diarrhea, cholera, or dysentery.
- Over-Chlorination: Using too much bleach can result in a strong chemical taste and odor. While generally not acutely toxic in small amounts, it can be unpleasant and potentially irritating to the digestive system.
- Chemical Reactions: Bleach can react with organic matter in the water, forming disinfection byproducts (DBPs). While the levels from emergency treatment are usually low, long-term exposure to certain DBPs is a concern.
Alternatives to Bleach for Water Disinfection
If you have access to other methods, they might be preferable or complementary to bleach.
- Boiling: Boiling water for at least one minute (or three minutes at altitudes above 6,500 feet) is a highly effective way to kill most pathogens.
- Water Filters: Portable water filters designed for backpacking or emergency use can remove bacteria and protozoa. Some advanced filters can also remove viruses.
- Water Purification Tablets: These tablets, often containing iodine or chlorine dioxide, are specifically designed for water purification and come with clear instructions.
Practical Example: Treating a Contaminated Well
Imagine a situation where a family’s well water has been contaminated by floodwaters. Their regular water testing reveals E. coli. They cannot immediately access bottled water.
- Assess Water Clarity: The well water is visibly cloudy.
- Pre-filter (if possible): They strain the water through a clean cloth to remove larger debris.
- Add Bleach: For a 5-gallon bucket of water, they add 20 drops of plain, unscented household bleach (4 drops per quart x 5 quarts in a gallon x 5 gallons).
- Mix Thoroughly: They stir the water vigorously.
- Wait: They let the water sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Observe: The water is still a little cloudy, so they repeat the bleach addition and waiting period.
- Taste/Smell Test: After the second treatment and waiting period, there’s a faint chlorine smell.
- Consume: They can now cautiously drink the water, knowing it has been disinfected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking Bleach-Treated Water
### Can I use bleach to disinfect water if I don’t have any other options?
Yes, using plain, unscented household bleach is a viable emergency method for disinfecting water when no other purification options are available. It’s crucial to follow the correct bleach concentration and contact time guidelines to ensure the water is safe. This method effectively kills most harmful bacteria and viruses, making it a critical tool in survival situations.
### What happens if I drink water with too much bleach in it?
Drinking water with excessive amounts of bleach can lead to unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. While a small amount of residual chlorine from proper disinfection is generally safe and dissipates, a high concentration can be irritating to your digestive