How to Kill Parasites in Water

Modern water treatment involves chlorination, filtration, and sedimentation but there are older and simpler methods to kill parasites if you are camping or far from a town-water source. Treating water can be a life-saving practice under dangerous conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Clean pot
• Heat source
• Food thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Collect the water to be treated from its source and put it into the pot. Remove debris and other items from the water. Note that just because water runs clear, it does not mean that it is clean or safe to drink.

• 2

  Place the pot of water on a heat source. If the heat source is fire, be sure that it is burning well and not simply smoldering.

• 3

  Allow the water to heat thoroughly. A minimum heat requirement for treating water is 140° F for 10 minutes. This will destroy the bacteria and waterborne parasites in the water. Allow the water to cool to a tolerable temperature before drinking.