How should clear water be disinfected using 5% household bleach?

The process of disinfecting clear water using 5% household bleach is crucial for ensuring that the water is safe to drink. The recommended method involves mixing 1 tablespoon of bleach with 10 gallons of water and allowing it to set for 30 minutes. This approach effectively kills harmful microorganisms by ensuring that the chlorine has enough contact time with any potential pathogens in the water.

Using 1 tablespoon for a large volume of water helps achieve the right concentration of bleach necessary for disinfection, while allowing 30 minutes provides sufficient time for the disinfecting action to occur. After this period, if the water has a faint chlorine odor, it indicates that the disinfection has been successful, and the water should be safe for consumption.

It's important to understand that other mixing and waiting times suggested in the other choices may not provide effective disinfection. Insufficient contact time with the bleach could leave harmful organisms in the water, posing health risks. Therefore, following the correct procedure outlined in this response is essential for safe water consumption.