Grade 3 Hygiene And Nutrition Health Practices – Making water safe for drinking Notes

Hygiene & Nutrition — Health Practices

Subtopic: Making water safe for drinking 💧

Clean water keeps you healthy. Here are easy ways for children (age 8) in Kenya to help make water safe. Always ask an adult to help with boiling, chemicals or filters.

Why clean water is important

• Clean water stops tummy bugs (diarrhoea) and makes you feel well.
• Safe water is important for babies, school, and for washing food.

Before you start — quick checks ✅

• Wash your hands with soap before touching water or cups. 🖐️
• Use a clean container with a lid or a tap — don’t let animals or dirt get in.
• If water looks cloudy, filter it first (see cloth method below).

Ways to make water safe (ask an adult to help)

1) Boiling (best and simple) 🔥

Steps:

1. Put water in a clean pot and cover it.
2. Bring it to a rolling boil (big bubbles) for at least 1 minute.
3. If you live high in the mountains (above 2,000 m), boil for 3 minutes.
4. Let the water cool, cover it, and store in a clean bottle.

2) Household bleach (chemical disinfection) 🧴

Use plain unscented household bleach (5–6% sodium hypochlorite) — only with an adult.

• For clear water: add about 2 drops of bleach for each litre of water.
• For cloudy water: add about 4 drops per litre (or filter first, then add 2 drops).
• Stir and wait 30 minutes before drinking. If water still smells off, do not drink — try boiling instead.
• Always read the bleach bottle and use plain unscented bleach only.

3) Sunlight method (SODIS) ☀️ — good for small amounts

• Use clear PET plastic bottles (no cracks). Fill with clear water.
• Place bottles on a roof or metal sheet in direct sun for 6 hours on a sunny day.
• If it is partly cloudy, leave bottles in the sun for 2 days.
• If the water is very cloudy, filter first with cloth then use SODIS.

4) Filtering (remove dirt first) 🧺

• Use a clean cotton cloth folded several times to pour water through — this removes mud and bugs.
• After filtering, boil or disinfect the water so germs are killed.
• Some homes or shops have ceramic or commercial filters — ask an adult to use them.

How to store water safely

• Keep water in a clean, covered container with a tight lid.
• Use a container with a tap so you can pour without dipping cups in. 🚰
• Store water off the ground and away from animals.
• Use water within 24–48 hours if possible; if it looks or smells bad, treat again.

Safety tips for kids

• Always tell an adult if water looks dirty or smells strange.
• Do not taste water from rivers, puddles, or drains. Ask an adult to treat it first.
• Babies under 6 months usually do not need extra water if breastfed — ask a health worker or parent.

Quick picture guide (easy steps)

When to ask for help

If many people are sick, if water smells very bad or if you are not sure how to treat water, tell a parent, teacher or health worker right away.

Note: These are simple home methods. For long-term safe water, families and communities use treated piped water, protected boreholes or approved kiosks. Always follow instructions on any chemical or tablet package and ask an adult before use.