Cleanliness 155
Clean water
Drinking water should be taken from
the cleanest possible source. If the water
is cloudy, let it settle and pour off the
clear water. Then, before drinking, kill the
harmful germs as described below. This is
called purification.
Store the purified water in clean,
covered containers. If the container has
been used for storing cooking oil, wash
it well with soap and hot water before
storing clean water in it. Never store
water in containers that have been used
for chemicals, pesticides, or fuels. Wash
water containers with soap and clean
water at least once a week.
Store water in covered jars and
keep your living space clean.
Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to purify your water:
Sunlight. Sunlight kills many harmful germs. To
purify water using sunlight, fill clean, clear glass
or plastic containers with water, and leave them
outside from morning to late afternoon. Be sure
to place the containers in an open space where
they will be in the sun all day. (If drinking water
is needed right away, putting the containers in the
sun for 2 hours in the middle of the day should
be enough for purification.)
To avoid getting germs in the water, choose a spot away from children, dust, and
animals. If you want the water to cool before using, bring the containers inside
overnight. Water can be stored for a day or two in the same container. Sunlight
purification works best in warm climates.
Lemon juice sometimes kills
cholera (and some other germs).
Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice to
a liter (1 quart) of water and let it
sit for 30 minutes.
Boiling water for 1 minute makes it
safe from germs. Let it boil for 1 full
minute before taking the pot off to
cool. Because boiling water uses so
much fuel, use this
method only if
there is no other
way to purify
your water.
Where Women Have No Doctor  2012