Back
How-to · about 15 min
Boil water to make it safe
The surest way to kill germs in water when your supply may be unsafe.
Safety first
Boiling does not remove chemicals or fuel. If water may be contaminated with chemicals, use stored or bottled water.
You will need
A pot and a heat source
A clean cloth or coffee filter
Clean containers with lids
1. Let it settle and filter
If the water is cloudy, let it settle, then pour it through a clean cloth, paper towel or coffee filter.
2. Bring to a rolling boil
Boil for at least 1 minute. Above 5,000 feet, boil for 3 minutes.
3. Cool and store
Let it cool by itself, then keep it in clean, covered containers.
Sources
EPA - Emergency disinfection of drinking water