2-13. DISINFECTING WATER IN A CANTEEN USING COMMERCIAL LIQUID
CHLORINE BLEACH
The chlorine contained in regular liquid household bleach can be used to
disinfect water when neither iodine tablets nor calcium hypochlorite are available.
a. Fill Canteen. Fill the canteen with the cleanest, clearest water available.
b. Add Bleach.
(1)
If the water is clear, add two drops of bleach.
(2)
If the water is cloudy or cold, add four drops of bleach.
c. Shake. Replace the cap on the canteen and shake the canteen thoroughly.
This will mix the bleach with the water.
d. Rinse Threads. Loosen the canteen cap slightly and invert the canteen.
Allow the treated water to rinse the threads and neck of the canteen.
e. Tighten Cap. Turn the canteen upright and tighten the cap.
f. Wait 30 Minutes. Wait at least 30 minutes before using the water. This
allows time for the chlorine to kill disease-producing organisms present in the water.
2-14. DISINFECTING WATER BY BOILING
a. Disadvantages. Boiling is used when disinfecting compounds are not
available. It is a good method for killing disease-producing organisms; however, it does
have several disadvantages:
(1)
There is no residual protection against infection.
(2)
Fuel is needed.
(3)
It takes a long time for the water to boil and then cool.
(4)
Care must be taken to use clean containers for boiling the water.
b. Procedure.
(1) Select container. Select a clean container which will hold a sufficient
amount of water and which can be treated. Do not use a plastic container like a
container which is to transport gasoline, or other unsuitable containers.
(2)
Fill container. Fill the container with the cleanest, clearest water
available.
MD0535
2-14