In spite of our best efforts, drinking water emergencies can and do occur. Water sources can become contaminated. Treatment equipment may break down. Water pipes may leak, break or backflow may occur through an unknown cross-connection. During an emergency, if the safety of a drinking water supply is questionable, take appropriate action to protect your health.
    In most drinking water emergencies, the main concern is that harmful microorganisms may have contaminated the water. In such cases, the public water system issues a boil water notice. The notice instructs customers to boil their drinking water until the problem is corrected.
    Homeowners served by individual supplies can also take action in emergencies to protect health. Obtaining water from a safe source on a temporary basis is one option. Boiling the water for three (3) to five (5) minutes is another option. Using unscented, liquid chlorine household bleach is also an effective emergency treatment method, when there is no electricity or gas available for boiling.
    Disinfecting with bleach may be more practical than boiling when larger volumes of water need to be treated.

Follow the instructions provided below.

1. From the table to the left, determine the amount of bleach to add. If the water is dirty or cloudy, filter through a sheet or tee shirt and double the amount of bleach listed in the table.
2. Add the bleach to the water. Stir, mix, or blend.
3. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes prior to use. Waiting 30 minutes is very important, because the chlorine needs this time to kill any harmful organisms.

    Treat water for making drinks, preparing food, or brushing teeth the same as water for drinking. Once disinfected, store water only in clean containers.
    Boiling and disinfecting generally affect only the microorganisms in the water. If you suspect your drinking water is contaminated with harmful chemicals, contact the Cowlitz County Health Department or Washington State Department of Health.