#OdettePH: No alcohol, clean water hacks
by Luis A. Quibranza III
At 10 a.m., Dec. 21, 2021, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) issued a statement declaring that 2,575 cubic meter/day of water supply was restored to service parts of Barangay Banilad, Cebu City and a portion of central Cebu City.
This was made possible after MCWD’S water pumps functioned again through the power restoration efforts of Visayan Electric Company.
However, after a storm, especially like the recent Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), it is advisable for those affected to drink clean water and not tap, which could be contaminated.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides some tips under its article, “Use Safe Water After a Natural Disaster or Emergency.”
Aside from steering clear of water that’s suspected to be contaminated—from drinking to washing the dishes with it, CDC also states that survivors should avoid drinking alcohol as this, “dehydrates the body, which increases the need for drinking water.”
It is best to drink bottled water. However, with drinking water becoming scarce and water refilling stations not able to operate due to lack of power, here are a few tips to make water safe for drinking.
Boiling
Boiling water is the surest way to make water safe. Boiling kills all sorts of viruses, bacteria and parasites. To improve its flat taste, pour the water into another clean container and let it rest.
Make sure the water you boil is at least clear or filtered. You can do these by using a clean cloth, paper towel or coffee filter.
Purification
If a household is saving on its LPG or butane canisters, or for any reason cannot boil water, residents can try purifying their water using water purification tablets.
One can visit a drugstore (try Mercury Drug, Generika Store or The Generics Pharmacy) and try to ask for Aquatabs. One tablet can purify 20 to 24 liters (or about five gallons) of clear water. Again, make sure the water is clear and free from discoloration.
Wait for 30 minutes. Afterward, the water is safe for drinking. Store the water properly. The water will be safe for seven days. The taste will not be the same as mineral water. But, at least, it is safe for drinking.
Reminder: Do not put one tablet for one bottle of water. One tablet is meant for about five gallons of water.
Filtration
Exclusively distributed by Mapecon Philippines, Barrier Water Filters are also a good way of having safe, drinkable water at home. One simply puts clear water in the pitcher, and its unique filtration technology via its cartridges will do the rest.
The standard cartridge removes chlorine and iron (rust), while its Ultra Alka+ cartridge kills bacteria and provides users with the equivalent of purified alkaline water. For all intents and purposes of this article, use the latter.
Drinking safe water is essential to survival. Share this article and save a life.
