How long does water have to be boiled to be safe?

Answer 1

Published advice varies widely on this point. But experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise travelers that boiling water is indeed the most reliable method for killing disease-causing organisms in drinking water, and that vigorous boiling (that is, a full, rolling boil) for one minute is enough to kill bacterial and parasitic causes of diarrhea at all altitudes, and is enough to kill diarrhea-causing viruses at low altitudes.

The water should then be allowed to stand and cool to room temperature, without adding any ice, which may, of course, be contaminated.

At high altitudes, however, above 6,562 feet, the water should be boiled for three minutes, or chemical disinfection should be used after the water has boiled for one minute.

Iodine is a good alternative or adjunct to boiling, the C.D.C. says, but it will not kill cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea, unless the water stands for 15 hours after treatment. Chlorine can also be used, but its germicidal activity varies with the pH, temperature and organic content of the water. For these chemicals, follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully..

Answer 2

Boiling Water

Boiling water is the best method for making water safe to drink. Boiling water as recommended will kill bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of diarrhea. Adding a pinch of salt to each quart will improve the taste.

Directions for Boiling Water

Boil water vigorously for 1 minute and allow it to cool to room temperature (do not add ice).
At altitudes greater than 6,562 feet (>2,000 m), boil water for 3 minutes or use chemical disinfection after water has been boiled for 1 minute.

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Answer 3

Boiling Water

Boiling water is the best method for making water safe to drink. Boiling water as recommended will kill bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of diarrhea. Adding a pinch of salt to each quart will improve the taste.

Directions for Boiling Water

* Boil water vigorously for 1 minute and allow it to cool to room temperature (do not add ice).
* At altitudes greater than 6,562 feet (>2,000 m), boil water for 3 minutes or use chemical disinfection after water has been boiled for 1 minute.

Answer 4

Published advice varies widely on this point. But experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise travelers that boiling water is indeed the most reliable method for killing disease-causing organisms in drinking water, and that vigorous boiling (that is, a full, rolling boil) for one minute is enough to kill bacterial and parasitic causes of diarrhea at all altitudes, and is enough to kill diarrhea-causing viruses at low altitudes.

The water should then be allowed to stand and cool to room temperature, without adding any ice, which may, of course, be contaminated.

At high altitudes, however, above 6,562 feet, the water should be boiled for three minutes, or chemical disinfection should be used after the water has boiled for one minute.

Iodine is a good alternative or adjunct to boiling, the C.D.C. says, but it will not kill cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea, unless the water stands for 15 hours after treatment. Chlorine can also be used, but its germicidal activity varies with the pH, temperature and organic content of the water. For these chemicals, follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully..

Answer 5

Safe water can be made at home by bringing tap water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Distilled water can be made using a home distiller. After processing, the water should be stored in a clean, covered container in the refrigerator and discarded within 72 hours.

Answer 6

it should b boiled 4 atleast 5 minutes

Answer 7

water when boiled up to 100c it is safe it takes 20mins

orelse u can use an aquaguard water purifier

Answer 8

it should be boiled for at least 20 minutes at its boiling point. the boiling pt. of water may vary depending on altitude, humidity etc.
for more information go to www.wikipedia.org

Answer 9

it should be boiled for 20 min

Answer 10

minimum 20 min, depending on the quality of water