Re: Long term solution to storing bleach for water purification
We discussed this in detail at the old Flu Wiki. Let me give you some information here:
How to Disinfect Water Using Calcium Hypochlorite
Using granular calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water is a two step process.
1.To make a stock of chlorine solution (do not drink this!) dissolve 1 heaping teaspoon (about one-quarter of an ounce) of high-test (78%) granular calcium hypochlorite for each two gallons (eight liters) of water.
2.To disinfect water add one part of the chlorine solution to 100 parts water to be treated.
3.Let the mixture sit for at least one-half hour before drinking.
Be sure to obtain the dry granular calcium hypochlorite since once it is made into a liquid solution it will begin to degrade and eventually become useless as a disinfecting agent. This also means you should make your treated drinking water in small batches, for example enough for a few weeks at a time at most.
Another plus for using calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water for emergency use is that a little goes a very long way. A 1-pound pag of calcium hypochlorite in granular form typically costs only a few $US dollars and can be obtained in any swimming pool supply section of your hardware store or online. This amount will treat up to 10,000 gallons of drinking water, which is enough for a family of four for some six or seven years at a gallon per day per person!
But you want to be very, very careful when you store it. See below:
The Task Force also reviewed a fire investigation report provided by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office of a fire that resulted in fatalities when a passenger vehicle carrying a family of five erupted into flames as it was being driven along a highway. The cause was listed as a half-full box of pool chemicals (determined to be calcium hypochlorite) and a petroleum-based engine cleaner “in close proximity [which] combined to ignite and cause a rapidly spreading fire.”9 The rapid fire development did not allow the passengers time for escape, and two children in the back seat burned to death, while the remaining passengers were hospitalized in serious condition. This investigation report clearly stated, “The fire was determined to be accidental … caused by an exothermic chemical reaction of cargo being transported by the owners of the vehicle. Gunk brand Engine Brite, Heavy Duty Engine Degreaser by Radiator Specialty Company and Shock-It brand, dry condensed pool chlorine (i.e., calcium hypochlorite) by Arch Chemical were the two chemicals identified as causing the exothermic reaction.”10 Fire investigators who combined the two chemicals in a field test confirmed the reaction and stated that the fire burned very intensely for about 20 seconds, followed by visible flames for 3 minutes, with visible smoldering for about 11 minutes thereafter.11
http://www.firemarshals.org/data/File/docs/cal_hypo_report_final.pdfIn addition, you need to make sure you have appropriate gear on when you begin to mix it as it is extremely caustic. You need to have on long gloves that are acid proof prior to mixing. You also need to have on eye protection and be aware of fumes.
Otherwise, it is, indeed, another way to purify water.