What should be done with water used for brushing teeth or gargling?

Water used for brushing teeth or gargling should be purified just as your drinking water is. This is important because even though the water may seem clean, it can still harbor bacteria or other pathogens that may pose health risks. In search and rescue operations, maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of disease are crucial, especially in situations where clean water is scarce.

Using purified water for personal hygiene practices, like brushing teeth and gargling, helps minimize the risk of ingesting harmful microorganisms. This practice aligns with the general guideline of ensuring that any water that comes into contact with the mouth should be safe to prevent illness. Additionally, in survival situations, maintaining good hygiene can be a vital part of keeping operational effectiveness and morale high among SAR team members.