What quantity of household bleach is recommended to treat 1,000 gallons of bacterially contaminated water?

The recommended quantity of household bleach to treat 1,000 gallons of bacterially contaminated water is important for ensuring adequate disinfection while avoiding excess chlorine that could pose health risks.

Using 1 pint of bleach is within the generally accepted range for effective treatment. It is advised that around 1 pint of bleach can treat about 1,000 gallons of water, providing sufficient concentration to eliminate most bacteria, viruses, and pathogens with proper mixing and contact time. This method ensures the safety and quality of the water for human consumption after treatment.

The quantities of bleach suggested in the other options are either too low or excessively high. For example, using just 1 ounce would not provide enough chlorine to effectively disinfect such a large volume of water. Conversely, a larger volume like 1 gallon could lead to overly high levels of chlorine, which can cause health hazards and unpleasant tastes or odors in the water. Therefore, specifying 1 pint balances effectiveness in disinfection without posing safety concerns.