When using liquid, unscented household chlorine bleach to disinfect clear water in an emergency, how many drops should be added per gallon?

Using liquid, unscented household chlorine bleach as a disinfectant for clear water in emergency situations is a recognized method for ensuring the water is safe to drink. The correct number of drops to add per gallon of clear water is 8 drops. This concentration is based on guidance from health organizations that recommend this amount for effectively killing harmful pathogens while ensuring that the bleach does not leave harmful levels of chlorine in the water.

When adding 8 drops of bleach per gallon, it's important to thoroughly mix the solution and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before use. This waiting period allows time for the chlorine to do its work in disinfecting the water. If the water still smells of chlorine after this time, it indicates that the level of disinfectant remains effective.

This method is crucial in emergencies when safe drinking water is not immediately available, making it vital to follow the correct guidelines to ensure the water is treated safely.