Is boiling sufficient to make water completely safe?

Boiling water is an important means of protection from biological organisms. Still, there are serious limitations in this method of purification. It effectively kills the pathogens, but does not affect the chemical contaminants. Heavy metals, pesticides, etc., are not destroyed by heat processes. Always evaluate your water supply before using this method of purification.

Boiling biological impurities destroys all organisms when done properly. At elevations under 6,500 feet, water should be boiled hard for 1 minute. At elevations where water boils at a lower temperature, boiling should be 3 minutes. This kills all bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This is still the best emergency method during power failures.

A clear recognition of the *practical limitations* of boiling will be understood. This method requires great amounts of fuel for long periods of time to be of any practical value. It concentrates chemical contaminants in the water as it evaporates. Boiling water leaves tasteless water, which has no minerals. For the purpose of eliminating certain tastes and dangers, I have frequently boiled water and then carbon filtered it while on camping expeditions.

Implement supplementary protection against non-biological threats. Annually test your water for heavy metals and chemicals. If levels are elevated, install carbon filters. Keep emergency bleach for chemical disinfection when boiling can't be done. These things add to your overall water security.

Implement a layered safety system by using boiling as the strategic weapon of choice. Reserve boiling for the sudden killing of pathogens during water contamination warnings! Use filtration systems for the daily water chemical removal. Reserve emergency purification tablets for emergencies. This balanced method gives protection against all water contaminants.

Read the full article: 9 Effective Ways to Purify Water at Home