University of Missouri Extension

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Contact: Robert Schultheis, natural resources engineering specialist

Headquartered in Webster County

Tel: (417) 859-2044

How to Deal With Contaminated Water Supplies

There are many issues to be concerned with when it comes to a contaminated water supply according to Robert Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

“County extension offices have a number of publications available dealing with contaminated water supplies, how to test your water supply and even how to deal with a boil order. I would suggest contacting your local extension office to get the most up-to-date information possible on topics related to your drinking water,” said Schultheis.

For more information or publications on disaster related topics dealing with issues important to the home, family or farm, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center nearest you, visit extension's diaster information online at http://outreach.missouri.edu or go online to http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore to search available extension guide sheets.

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Contact: Terry Egan, nutrition specialist
Headquartered in Greene County
Tel: (417) 866-3039
E-mail: egant@missouri.edu

Getting Clean Water in An Emergency

The body's most important need is for water. Most people could live a long time without food as long as they had some water according to Terry Egan, nutrition specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

After a natural disaster, nutrition specialists recommend that homeowners consider all water from wells, cisterns and other delivery systems in the disaster area unsafe until tested.

According to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension, most homes today have a reserve supply of water built into them. The hot water heater or water pressure tank would supply many gallons of emergency water.

First, turn off the electric or gas supply to the heater. Turn off the gas at the intake valve or turn off the electric at the circuit breaker for the water heater, or unplug the unit. You can obtain water by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.

"In the event of any major disaster affecting area water, you can prevent contaminated water from entering your house by closing the main water valve," said Schultheis.

To use the water still in the pipes, turn on the faucet that is located at the highest point in your house. This lets air into the system. Now you can draw water as needed from the faucet that is located in the lowest point in the house. If the main water valve is closed, be sure that gas to heat water is turned off to prevent overheating.

"When a safe supply of water is not available, or if, due to the disaster, your usual supply becomes unsafe for drinking, you must treat the water before it can be used for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth," said Egan.

There are two ways of treating water: boiling or adding bleach. If the supply has been made unsafe because of untreated surface water (floods, streams or lakes), boiling is the better treatment.

"If the water looks cloudy, it should be filtered before treating. You may use coffee filters, towels (paper or cotton), cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel. Use several layers for best results. You can also use filters designed for camping and backpacking," said Egan.

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Contact: Robert Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist

Headquartered in Webster County

Tel: (417) 859-2044

E-mail: schultheisr@missouri.edu

Three Easy Steps for Getting Safe Drinking Water

Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Marshfield, Mo., says drinking water can be disinfected by ONE of the following methods:

1. Boil water for three minutes in a clean container. Water must be at a rolling or vigorous boil for the three minutes.

2. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of liquid, unscented chlorine laundry bleach, such as Clorox or Purex, with 2-1/2 gallons of water. Let stand for at least 30 minutes before drinking.

3. Add 2 drops of tincture of iodine to 1 quart water. After mixing thoroughly, allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before drinking.

Use boiled or disinfected water to brush teeth.

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	David L. Burton, BurtonD@missouri.edu Civic Communication Specialist, University of Missouri Extension Last Modified: 05/07/03