Recommendations for an Emergency Home Water Supply

1. Thoroughly wash your water container. If the container has been used, make sure it formerly contained only something that was safe for human consumption.
2. Disinfect the container by filling it with a solution of tap water and a few drops of bleach. Let it stand for 20 minutes.
3. Empty the container and rinse well with tap water.
4. Fill the container with tap water and store in a cool, dark place.
5. While this water can be safe indefinitely, it is good to change it yearly.

Methods for Disinfecting Tap Water when there's a Boil Water Notice

After an emergency "Boil Water Order," do one of the following:

1. Bring water to a rolling boil and boil for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes before using. If water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the treatment and let stand for another 15 minutes.
   Note: Use only regular bleach with 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented or color-safe bleach.
3. Purchase disinfectant tablets at a sporting goods store. Use 1 tablet to disinfect one quart of water or 2 tablets for cloudy water.