Can You Use Clorox to Purify Water in an Emergency?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 26, 2020

Clorox bleach can be safely used to purify water in the event of an emergency. Clorox recommends adding 2 drops of bleach to 1 quart of water or 8 drops of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Clorox warns that only regular bleach is suitable for purifying water; scented bleaches are not safe for water purification.

In addition, the bleach used should have been purchased in the preceding 4 months. Prior to adding the bleach, it is necessary to filter the water to remove any contaminants that settle at the bottom of the container or that are suspended in the water. After treating the water, it should be allowed to stand for 30 minutes and should have a slight chlorine odor.