Is water with chlorine in
it safe to drink?
• Yes. Many tests have shown that the amount
of chlorine found in treated water is safe to drink although some people object to the taste. The US Environmental Protection
Agency established maximum allowable levels of "residual" disinfectants, which are added to water as it enters the
distribution system to protect against germs.
How long can I store drinking
water?
• Drinking water that is thoroughly disinfected, such as water from your
public water supplier, can be stored for six months in capped, plastic containers that will not rust.
What should I do to avoid cold-weather problems with my pipes?
• There
are several necessary steps homeowners should take to avoid freezing pipes. First, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Detaching
the hose allows water to drain from the pipe. Next, insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. Make sure you locate your
master valve in case pipes freeze and rupture. If expecting severed cold weather and worried about your pipes freezing, you
can also leave a small stream of water flowing in the bathroom during the worst of the cold spell. Let just enough water
through to produce a steady, thin stream.
What is the definition of safe water? I've
heard it called "potable water".
• Water is considered safe to drink
if it meets or exceeds all of the federal, state, and provincial standards that are legally enforceable. In the United States
if your tap water does not meet any one of the standards, your water supplier must notify all it customers of the problem.
Water is called potable water when it is safe to drink.
