Water: make it safe to drink

DRAFT: not yet checked against the sources. When in doubt, ask a doctor or rescuers.

First minutes

  1. Cloudy water: let it settle, strain through thick clean cloth.
  2. Boil: rolling boil for 1 minute (above 2000 m / 6500 ft: 3 minutes).
  3. Cool in a closed clean container. Do not pour into a dirty one.
  4. No fire: water filter or purification tablets strictly per the package.
  5. Store closed, in clean containers. Sip, and drink more in heat.
  6. Water is short: drinking for you and children first, then cooking, then washing hands.

Do NOT

  • × Drink seawater or urine: it dehydrates faster.
  • × Drink flood or swamp water untreated.
  • × Assume boiling removes chemicals or fuel: it does not. Water smelling of chemicals or with a rainbow film is unfit.
  • × Drink from a bucket also used to wash hands or dishes.

Next

Dehydration drink for diarrhoea and heat: card "Oral rehydration solution". Water per person: "Stockpile" section (planned).

Source: CDC / WHO boiling guidance (1 min; 3 min above 2000 m); check. Chlorine and tablets: doses not given, need verification