Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2007-0005)
The main objective is to set standards and procedures for household-based disinfection of drinking water using 1.25% Sodium Hypochlorite solution.
Water should be clear and have low turbidity, ideally less than 5 NTU, and preferably 0.1 NTU for effective chlorine disinfection.
Chlorination is the act of disinfection using chlorine.
Local Government Units (LGUs) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) are responsible for implementation.
Turbid water should be clarified by settling and/or filtration, or treated with a double dose of sodium hypochlorite if filtration is not available.
The water container should have a volume of at least 20 liters, have a lid and faucet, be cleaned regularly, and have the faucet covered when not in use to prevent contamination.
3.5 ml (approximately 3/4 teaspoon) of 1.25% Sodium Hypochlorite should be added per 20 liters of water.
The smell of chlorine indicates that the water is properly treated and disinfected.
DOH provides technical assistance, develops scaling strategies, encourages private sector involvement, monitors LGU implementation, and develops national health promotion campaigns including IEC materials.
Procurement of 1.25% Sodium Hypochlorite shall be done by DOH for distribution to affected communities especially during emergencies.
Unimproved or doubtful water sources such as open wells, springs, rivers, lakes, shallow pump wells, and untreated water from communal faucets or waterworks systems.
Diarrheal outbreaks, including cholera, caused by using contaminated water for drinking.
Disinfection is the process of eliminating or reducing to safe levels the number of potentially infectious microorganisms by physical or chemical means.
The NCDPC and CHDs shall conduct simple random sampling studies annually in areas using 1.25% Sodium Hypochlorite to assess effectiveness and social impact.