If the water is cloudy, how much bleach should be added to 5 gallons of water to disinfect it?

• A. 1/4 tsp
• B. 2 tsp
• C. 1 tsp
• D. 1/2 tsp

Answer: (C)

Cloudy water requires more chlorine than clear water because the suspended particles consume some of the chlorine and can shield microorganisms, so a higher dose is needed to reach an effective disinfecting level. For five gallons of cloudy water, using regular unscented household bleach (about 5–6% sodium hypochlorite), about one teaspoon is the right amount to achieve proper disinfection with the typical 30-minute contact time. Stir well to distribute the bleach, then wait at least 30 minutes before using the water, ensuring there’s a noticeable chlorine odor but not a strong taste. If your bleach is a different concentration, adjust the amount proportionally. Smaller amounts would not reliably disinfect cloudy water, while much larger amounts aren’t necessary and can leave an unpleasant taste or odor.