There are two general methods by which small quantities of water can be effectively disinfected. One method is by boiling. It is the most positive method by which water can be made bacterially safe to drink. Another method is chemical treatment. If applied with care, certain chemicals will make most waters free of harmful or pathogenic organisms. When the home water supply system is interrupted by natural or other forms of disaster, limited amounts of water may be obtained by draining the hot water tank or melting ice cubes. When emergency disinfection is necessary, the physical condition of the water must be considered. The degree of disinfection will be reduced in water that is clouded. Murky or colored water should be filtered through clean cloths or allowed to settle, and the clean water drawn off before disinfection. Water prepared for disinfection should be stored only in clean, tightly covered, containers not subject to corrosion.

"EPA 810-F-93-002." Caption title. "July 1993."