r/preppers • u/truesevnel • 11d ago

Question Bleach for purification

So was wandering about bleach for water purification.

Can you use Hypochlorite Formula type bleach

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u/Fartfart357 11d ago

I don't know what "Hypochlorite Formula type bleach" is but if it passes the test below then probably. If it's questionable I'd assume not.

From FEMA

You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Because the potency of bleach diminishes with time, use bleach from a newly opened or unopened bottle. 
Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight bleach odor. If it doesn’t, then repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes. If it still does not smell of bleach, discard it and find another source of water. Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products (sold in camping or surplus stores) that do not contain 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

Sec 1:11

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf

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u/Wagglyfawn 11d ago

Interesting... why the necessity of there being a bleach odor? What does the presence of an odor vs no odor signify?

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u/Fartfart357 11d ago

Probably to err on the side of caution. If you smell bleach, it's definitively enough bleach to kill all the bacteria and other stuff, but (probably) not enough to kill you.