Keep drinking water safe from contamination by carefully storing in clean non-corrosive, tightly-covered containers. Never put purified water in unsanitary containers. Clean containers first using the following method. Plastic milk bottles are not recommended.

1.      Wash bottles with soapy water, then rinse thoroughly.

2.      Run about three quarts tap water into one of the containers, then add 3/4 cup 5.5% food grade chlorine solution to the water.

3.      Shake well, turning upside down a time or two so that the stopper will be sterilized also.

4.      Let the mixture stand for two to three minutes, then pour it into the next container. Place first container upside down to drain. You can use the same chlorinated water for several containers. 

5.      Some stored water may develop a disagreeable appearance, taste, or odor. These properties are not necessarily harmful. Inspect your water supply every few months to see whether the containers have leaked or other undesirable conditions have developed. Replace the water if it becomes contaminated. 

Be sure that the water you are treating is drinking-quality water to begin with and the container you are storing it in is sterile (see above).

1.    Fill the empty bottle with pure or purified water.

2.    Add your preferred disinfectant using a clean, uncontaminated medicine dropper or measuring spoon.

3.    Place caps on containers and label "Drinking Water--Purified", and the date of preparation.

Hydrogen Peroxide: ten drops 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water.

Stabilized Oxygen: For short-term water storage, treat 1 gallon of clean water by adding 10 drops of stabilized oxygen. For water to be stored for long-term, add 20 drops.

Silver Colloid: Add 1 teaspoon colloidal silver per gallon of water.

Chlorine: 16 drops or 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. Use only NSF certified food grade chlorine bleach. Do not use a bleach like Clorox with soaps, foaming agents, and scents added. Stir the water and allow it to stand for 30 minutes. Chlorine should be detectable by odor after the 30 minute waiting period. If the water does not smell like chlorine at that point, repeat the dose and let it stand another 15 minutes.

When treating larger quantities of water, use the following table to convert drops to standard measuring units.