How Much Bleach to Purify Water for Storage?

By Nate Baker

When emergencies disrupt normal water supplies, knowing how to safely treat and store drinking water is critical. One of the most common short-term solutions involves household bleach, but it must be used carefully and correctly to avoid health risks. Below, we’ll explain proper ratios, safer long-term alternatives, and the best ways to store treated water.

Note: bleach is a short-term solution. We recommend a water storage treatment solution designed specifically for long-term storage. Bleach is good if you have no alternatives. 

Bleach to Water Ratio for Drinking

infographic explaining what is the safe bleach to water ratio for drinking

Using bleach for water purification is only effective when the bleach is unscented, regular strength (typically 5–6% sodium hypochlorite), and added in precise amounts. Too little bleach won’t kill harmful microorganisms; too much can make water unsafe to drink.

General guideline for clear water:

  • 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per 1 gallon of water
  • Stir well and let stand for 30 minutes
  • Water should have a slight chlorine smell; if not, repeat the dose and wait another 15 minutes

This method allows you to purify water with bleach during short-term emergencies, but it is not ideal for ongoing or long-term storage.

How Much Bleach to Purify 5 Gallons of Drinking Water?

Need us to do the math on a standard 5-gallon container?

  • Add 40 drops of unscented household bleach (about 1/2 teaspoon total)
  • Mix thoroughly
  • Let the water sit for 30 minutes before drinking

This process is commonly referred to as disinfecting drinking water with bleach, and it works best when water is already clear and free of heavy sediment. Cloudy water should be filtered first.

Alternatives to Bleach

While bleach can be effective in emergencies, it’s not always the most convenient or consistent solution for stored water. A more reliable option is a dedicated water-storage treatment solution designed for long-term storage.

Our water treatment solution is formulated to:

  • Help maintain potable water quality for extended periods
  • Eliminate guesswork around dosing
  • Reduce taste and odor issues commonly associated with bleach

Check out our water storage treatment solution.

Water Storage Tank Options

Even properly treated water can become unsafe if it’s stored in the wrong container. Thin, blow-molded containers are prone to weak seams, light penetration, and contamination over time. For serious preparedness, a purpose-built tank is the safest approach.

Our emergency water storage tanks are designed specifically for safe, long-term drinking water storage:

Pairing a reliable treatment method with a rugged, food-grade tank is one of the best ways to keep drinking water safe, clean, and ready when you need it most.

Other helpful resources:

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