food & water2026-042 min read
Bleach Water Purification
Clean water from any tap or tank.
What you need
- Regular liquid household bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
- Check the label: 5.25% concentration is standard in Pakistan
- No added fragrances, thickeners, or surfactants. Plain bleach only.
- A clean dropper or teaspoon
- A clean container for the water
Dosage
| Bleach concentration | Amount per litre | Amount per 20L tank |
|---|---|---|
| 5.25% (standard) | 2 drops | 40 drops (~1 tsp) |
| 8.25% (stronger) | 1 drop | 20 drops (~1/2 tsp) |
If the water is cloudy, double the amount.
Steps
- Filter first: if the water is visibly dirty, filter it through a clean cloth or cotton to remove sediment
- Add bleach: use the dosage table above
- Mix well: stir or shake the container
- Wait 30 minutes: do not drink before this time
- Smell test: the water should have a faint chlorine smell. If it doesn't, add another dose and wait 15 more minutes.
- Drink: the chlorine taste fades after sitting open for a few hours
Important notes
- Bleach does not remove chemicals, heavy metals, or salt. It only kills pathogens.
- Old bleach loses strength over time. If the bottle is more than 6 months old, increase the dose by 50%.
- Store bleach in a cool, dark place; heat and sunlight degrade it
- Never mix bleach with any other chemical
For your go-bag
Carry a small bottle (100ml) of bleach and a dropper. That's enough to purify over 100 litres of water. Label it clearly so nobody mistakes it for drinking water.
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