Standing water safety?

[Dingfelder]

The other day I grabbed the lightly lidded 5-gallon black bucket of water I had had standing in the sun for more than a week and pulled it into my shower tent.  Water looked good, was pleasantly warm, but when I was done I noticed ... at the very bottom of the bucket .. the water wasn't too clear.  

I have another one I keep out in the sun, same purpose.  I went to check it today, and it was quite slimy on all the inner walls, so i scrubbed it out with soap.  Scrubbed both of them and left them to dry in the sun for the day.

When does standing water become unsafe? Or just gross?  i realize I was asking for trouble, leaving it out for so long ... but I was catching some indoor showers so kind of forgot about it ...

 

[Moxadox]

Probably just algae. Don't worry, not much can live in oxygen depleted water that's warm enough to comfortably bathe in (generally 102-104°F is comfortable bath water). Going forward, you might want to add a couple tablespoons of bleach to your water bucket if it's going to stand for a few days.

What's the source of your water? There are some concerning microorganisms in pond water, notably amoebas that can cause meningitis/encephalitis. Bleach kills them also. Also cryptococcus and coccidia, bleach ditto.

Most slimy things in standing water turn out to be algae.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[captndiet]

I believe there was an X-Files episode that started out eerily similar.....


Jeff

 

[Zil]

Yes, maybe algae. Or maybe bacteria. What specie algae? What specie bacteria? Chlorine as in Clorox is your friend when it comes to water born disease.

 

[Dingfelder]

Thanks folks. So a couple tablespoons per bucket? Okay that's simple enough.

I am parked at a friend's house, so the water is right out of the hose.

 

[Moxadox]

Thanks folks. So a couple tablespoons per bucket? Okay that's simple enough.

I am parked at a friend's house, so the water is right out of the hose.

In that case, you will wake up soon with green slimy skin.

Just kidding.

You'll be fine. I carry a small container of Chlorox for just such applications. I hate the smell, but I hate green slime worse! Clorox actually degrades after a while, so I just buy the smallest bottle and usually about the time it's finished, it's time to get a fresh one anyway. If it's hot, it only lasts about 3 months.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[Dingfelder]

Thanks, good to know. I had no idea.

 

[Beeps and eats]

Also cover the buckets to prevent photosynthesis. Green plants need sunlight.
So add, My mixture one cap of bleach to every 2 1/2 gallons. You aren't going to drink it so it will be fine for everything else.

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[Dingfelder]

I did have them both covered, so that's what surprised me. Covered black 5 gallon buckets with black lids.

A little bleach it is, from now on. Easier than scrubbing slime away, and not being able to take a shower when you're all ready for one -- in every way -- isn't cool.

 

[Beeps and eats]

Great, hopefully it all goes well, happy showers and travel's.

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