Odd to say, but bleach can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. It will disinfect water for drinking, AND disinfect eating and cooking areas. One of the major dangers when you don't have water is unsanitary conditions. Unscented bleach will solve many of them.
Clorox 30966 Concentrated Regular Bleach, 3 Count 121 Oz
WHERE TO BUY
THE ESSENTIALS
Importance: Crucial.
Bottom line: Keeps eating and cooking and bathroom areas sanitary AND can make water potable.
Recommended for: All shelters.
No. of units recommended: At least these 3 bottles.
Be aware: NEVER disinfect water for drinking using scented bleach. For a gallon of water, use 8 drops of 6% bleach, or 6 drops of 8.25% bleach. Double the amount of bleach if the water is cloudy, colored, or very cold.
FIELD NOTES
For disinfecting water, refer to this chart.
Volume of Water
Amount of 6% Bleach to Add*
Amount of 8.25% Bleach to Add*
1 quart/liter
2 drops
2 drops
1 gallon
8 drops
6 drops
2 gallons
16 drops (1/4 tsp)
12 drops (1/8 teaspoon)
4 gallons
1/3 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon