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How to be sure your water is safe to drink

Boil-water orders are often issued after a hurricane -- usually because the public utility has lost pressure in its water-moving systems, making it possible for contaminants to enter water lines.

The danger is from bacterial contamination that can cause severe diarrhea, which when untreated can be life-threatening.

USE ONLY BOTTLED or disinfected water for drinking, brushing your teeth and cooking until the public water supplies have been declared safe. Use bottled water for cleaning contact lenses. Use water stored in the bathtub, from the pool, or from the tap to flush the toilet.

BATHING or showering with tap water is fine, but don't let it get in your ears. If you shave with tap water, dab any cuts with antiseptic.

STORE water in a dark place, with no air in the container. It is good for up to six months.

DON'T DRINK water from wells, especially in areas of sewage contamination. Don't use water that has a dark color, an odor or contains floating material.

DISINFECT tap water you'll use for cooking or drinking. Always use clean containers. Here's how:

* Strain solids from water, boil at a rolling boil for 10 minutes.

* Let cool.

* Add a pinch of salt for taste.

* Pour the water back and forth between clean containers to reduce the flat taste.

You can also use liquid chlorine to cleanse water:

* Strain solids from water first.

* Use common household chlorine bleach, without lemon scent.

* Follow the instructions on the label. If no instructions are available, add 16 drops of chlorine bleach for each gallon of water.

* Stir, let stand for 30 minutes.

* If water does not have a slight chlorine odor, repeat the dosage and let stand for 30 minutes.

* If the water doesn't smell like chlorine after second treatment, discard and find another source of water.

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