Using Liquid Bleach for Disinfecting Public Drinking Water
Guidance for determining which bleaches may be used for disinfecting water that is to be used for drinking, preparing foods, or other forms of consumption.
Liquid bleaches must conform to American National Standards Institute / NSF International (ANSI/NSF) Standard 60 when used to treat water supplied by public water systems.
30 TAC 290.42(j) - Treatment chemicals and media. All chemicals and any additional or replacement process media used in treatment of water supplied by public water systems must conform to ANSI/NSF Standard 60 for Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals and ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for Drinking Water System Components. Conformance with these standards must be obtained by certification of the product by an organization accredited by ANSI.
How Can I Tell?
If the label does not indicate that the bleach meets ANSI/NSF Standard 60, contact the manufacturer to confirm whether the bleach is manufactured to standards.
ANSI/NSF Standard 60-Certified Bleaches
Please check NSF to search for ANSI-accredited companies that are approved for ANSI/NSF Standard 60-certified bleach.
ANSI/NSF Standard 60-certified bleaches are marked as follows:
- The label, Material Safety Data Sheet, or packaging will state that the product meets ANSI/NSF Standard 60.
What If I Use a Brand not Certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 60?
Using any brand of bleach not manufactured to ANSI/NSF Standard 60 for public water systems is a violation of the Public Drinking Water Rules, 30 TAC 290.42(j).
Questions? Contact Us.
If you have any questions, contact the TCEQ regional office that serves your county and ask to speak with an investigator in the Drinking Water Program.