Official source
Source domain: gardenroute.gov.za
Collected on 17 June 2026
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Wash water storage containers correctly
Before using a water storage container, wash your hands with soap and water, wash the container with soap and water, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and drip-dry in the sun to reduce contamination.
How to wash your water storage container? First wash your hands with soap and water. Wash the container with soap and water. Never use tap water in the following ways unless you know it is safe Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Drip-dry in the sun.
Reference
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/How-to-ensure-water-is-sterilised-and-safe-Poster-Eng.pdf
Use proper water storage containers to avoid contamination
To keep sterilised water safe, store it in a container with a tightly closable lid, made of durable unbreakable material (not glass), and ideally with a narrow neck opening so water can be poured out; containers without lids risk contamination.
Proper water storage to avoid contamination. Type of containers to use to store water? : A container that has a lid that can be closed tightly. A container made of durable, unbreakable materials (not glass). A container that has a narrow neck opening, if possible, so water can be poured out. Storage containers without a lid pose a risk of water contamination.
Sterilise drinking water by boiling
If you have water from the river, rain-harvested water, or water you suspect is not safe, you can treat it by boiling it in a clean container until it bubbles for at least one minute, making it clean and safe for drinking.
2. Boil water in a clean container/pot. The water must bubble for at least one minute to make it clean and safe for drinking; or Add sterilising tablets Boil the water intothe wateras prescribed. until it bubbles 1 minute.
Sterilise drinking water using chlorine/bleach
If you have water from the river, rain-harvested water, or water you suspect is not safe, you can treat it by adding unscented bleach to 20 litres of water, mixing well, and waiting 30 minutes before use.
1. Pour 1 teaspoon (5ml) of unscentedbleachinto 20 litres of WATER Add 1 Teaspoon DIOXIDE water, mix well and wait for 3o minutes before use, or to 20 litre of water
