Chlorine tablets are commonly used for disinfecting water, especially in emergency situations, to make it safe for drinking.
Emergency Water Disinfection Steps
Using chlorine tablets for drinking water primarily involves disinfecting potentially contaminated water to kill harmful microorganisms. Based on emergency guidelines, the process is straightforward:
- Dissolve the tablet: Take one chlorine tablet.
- Add to water: Dissolve the tablet in 200 litres of water. This dosage provides a concentration of 5 parts per million (ppm) of available chlorine.
- Wait: Allow the treated water to stand for at least 30 minutes before consuming it. This contact time is crucial for the chlorine to effectively kill bacteria and viruses.
This method is specifically designed for emergency scenarios to quickly treat large volumes of water.
Important Considerations
While the process is simple, keep these points in mind:
- Water Clarity: Chlorine works best on clear water. If the water is cloudy or contains visible sediment, filter it first through a clean cloth or coffee filter before adding the tablet.
- Tablet Type: Ensure you are using tablets specifically intended for water purification or disinfection, not cleaning or pool chlorine tablets.
- Storage: Store chlorine tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
- Taste and Odor: Treated water may have a slight chlorine taste or odor. This is normal and indicates the chlorine is active. Letting the water sit for a bit longer or pouring it between clean containers can help reduce this.
Quick Reference: Dosage and Time
| Water Volume | Tablet Dosage | Contact Time | Available Chlorine Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 Litres | 1 Tablet | 30 Minutes | 5 ppm |
Following these steps helps ensure that water treated with chlorine tablets in an emergency is safer to drink.
