Disinfection With Clorox

This method utilizes a "relational factoring" type of equation to determine the volume of Clorox (b) needed to give an initial concentration of disinfectant (C) in a particular volume (V) of water. The equation is based on mixing 1 fluid ounce of Clorox in 1 gallon of water which yields an initial concentration of 410 mg/L. Clorox has a sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) strength of about 5.25%.

If you know the volume of water to be treated and the desired initial concentration, then you may easily calculate the fluid ounces of Clorox required.

Example 1:

The desire is to achieve a concentration of 410 ppm in 10,000 gallons using Clorox.

b = 10,000 gallons x 410 mg/L x fluid ounces

(410 mg/L)(gallons)

b = 10,000 fluid ounces

OR 10,000 fluid ounces / 128 fluid ounces per gallon = 78 gallons

Example 2:

How many fluid ounces of Clorox must be added to 1,000 gallons of water to achieve an initial concentration of 50 mg/L?

b = 1,000 gallons x 50 mg/L x fluid ounces

(410 mg/L) (gallons)

b = 122 fluid ounces

OR 122 fluid ounces / 32 fluid ounces per quart = 3.8 quarts

It’s as simple as that!