Master proven water disinfection techniques for Chilean emergencies. Learn boiling, chlorination, UV sterilization, and filtration methods, with specific guidance for Chilean altitudes and water conditions.
Boiling is the most reliable single method for emergency water disinfection. At sea level: 1 minute boiling time. Above 1,500m (Santiago, Antofagasta, La Paz): 3 minutes boiling time. Let cool naturally and store in clean containers. Boiling kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites but cannot remove chemical contamination.
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Use only unscented household bleach (6% or 8.25% sodium hypochlorite). Clear water: 8 drops per gallon (6% bleach) or 6 drops per gallon (8.25% bleach). Cloudy water: double the dose. Stir well and wait 30 minutes. Water should have slight chlorine odor; if not, repeat dose and wait 15 more minutes.
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Chlorine dioxide tablets are highly portable and effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa including Cryptosporidium. Bleach is widely available but less effective against some protozoa. Tablets require specific contact times but provide precise dosing. Both require clear water for optimal effectiveness.
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Iodine tablets provide effective disinfection when chlorine is unavailable. Typical dose: 5 drops of 2% tincture per quart for clear water, 10 drops for cloudy water. 30 minutes contact time required. NOT recommended for pregnant individuals, thyroid conditions, or long-term use. Follow product instructions carefully.
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UV light inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites by damaging genetic material. Portable UV devices work rapidly in clear water. Solar Disinfection (SODIS) uses sunlight: 24 hours sunny, 48 hours cloudy. Critical requirement: water must be clear. Pre-filter through cloth if water is turbid. Power source needed for UV devices.
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Filtration removes particles, bacteria, and protozoa based on pore size. 1 micron nominal filters remove Giardia cysts. 0.3 micron ceramic filters remove bacteria and protozoa. Filters DO NOT remove viruses. Combination approach: filter first to remove sediment and parasites, then disinfect chemically or with UV for viruses.
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Best practice for uncertain water sources: filter first to remove sediment and protozoa, then disinfect chemically or with UV to kill viruses. For cloudy water: settle and pre-filter through clean cloth. Sequence matters - filtering before chemical treatment improves effectiveness and reduces chemical demand.
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Clear water allows all disinfection methods. Cloudy/turbid water requires pre-treatment through settling or cloth filtration. Water with strong odors or unusual colors may indicate chemical contamination - boiling/disinfection cannot make chemically contaminated water safe. Always start with the clearest water available for treatment.
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Earthquakes: expect turbid water and infrastructure damage - filter then boil or chlorinate. Wildfires: ash-contaminated water requires pre-filtration and enhanced treatment. Floods: avoid chemical contamination - do not treat chemically contaminated sources. Droughts: concentrate on conservation and filtration of available sources.
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