How to Purify Water by Boiling?

Drinking unpurified water can subject you to all sorts of waterborne organisms that can cause serious intestinal illness accompanied by cramps, nausea and diarrhea. Although public drinking water is treated to remove these dangers, it can also be contaminated. To avoid exposure to such risks, you can purify water by boiling it, whether you are in the wilderness or at home. The process takes a little time, but it will effectively kill off anything harmful that may be lurking in your water.

Things You'll Need

• Pan
• Heat source

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill a pan with water from your tap, stream, river or other source. Use a cast-iron pan or any other type that's safe for cooking.

• 2

  Bring the water in the pan to a rolling boil over a stove burner, hot plate or a wood fire. A rolling boil means bubbles are forming throughout the water and bursting on the surface, not just a few bubbles forming at the bottom of the pan. Let the water boil for at least one minute and add another minute for every 1,000 feet you are above sea level. If you're 3,000 feet above sea level, for example, add three minutes to your boiling time, making it four minutes total.

• 3

  Allow the water to cool before drinking or storing. Store it in a clean, food-grade plastic container, in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.