Boiling water is an easy and efficient way to purify drinking water, recommended as the standard practice at one minute (three at higher elevations).
This process will eliminate most harmful microorganisms in the water and make it safe to drink; however, it won’t remove chemical contaminants or pollutants from it.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 1. Purification: Kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. | 1. Energy Consumption: Requires a significant amount of energy. |
| 2. Accessibility: Requires no special equipment. | 2. Time-Consuming: Takes longer than some other methods. |
| 3. Simplicity: Straightforward and easy to do. | 3. Limited Removal of Contaminants: Does not remove chemical pollutants or heavy metals. |
| 4. No Chemicals Required: Free from chemical contaminants. | 4. Risk of Burns: Handling can be dangerous. |
| 5. Improves Taste: Can remove dissolved gases and impurities. | 5. Needs Cooling: Water must cool down before it can be consumed. |
1. It is a simple way to purify water
Boiling water is one of the easiest and most reliable methods of purifying it for consumption during an emergency situation, since its heat can kill disease-causing bacteria and parasites that may exist in it. Unfortunately, however, boiling does not remove other contaminants such as chemicals or heavy metals; so using a filtering system provides long-term protection.
Water can quickly change from liquid to steam and vapour during boiling, losing oxygen while becoming exposed to other substances that could become contaminated if stored improperly and/or at higher elevations. Therefore, when boiling water it should always be done so in an uncontaminated container with an airtight lid, for at least one full minute at each altitude level.
Boiling water not only kills germs, but it can also improve its taste by eliminating bacteria that produce bad smell and flavor in it. An electric kettle is far more effective at brining the water to boil than using pots – these kettles have built-in heating elements which ensure it reaches boiling point quickly; by comparison, pots may not heat fully enough, leading to secondary contamination after cooling down.
2. It is a good source of energy
Boiling water is an efficient and straightforward method for purifying drinking water, killing bacteria and microorganisms that may exist in it and improving its taste. But note that boiling will not remove all impurities; for optimal results use a filter.
Drinking hot boiled water can help protect against diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery and cholera. Furthermore, it can boost energy levels while aiding digestion – and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals! Additionally, taking this approach reduces shivering in cold temperatures.
An order to consume only boiled water from public taps for safety purposes is known as a boil water order and should only be issued when there is the risk of biological contamination in the water supply, such as line breaks, treatment disruptions, power outages or severe weather conditions. Boiling is a quick and affordable method of treating water as it disinfects pollutants while killing harmful bacteria; however it doesn’t remove heavy metals or solids from it’s composition.
3. It is a good source of minerals
Water that has been boiled and naturally cooled contains important minerals, including potassium, calcium and magnesium as well as essential iodine for human health. Iodine concentration varies based on its source and pollution level – chlorination can significantly decrease it.
Boiling water can also provide protection from some pathogens, including rotaviruses and certain strains of E coli, but only when done properly; boiling must take place at an ideal temperature and duration to be effective; otherwise heavy metals and chemicals remain impurities in your drinking water supply.
Recent research suggests that those who consume boiled water are at reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality than those who drink unboiled water. The research followed participants throughout their lives and included questions regarding drinking habits, water sources, consumption levels of both types and diet.
4. It is a good source of vitamins
Water is essential to our wellbeing, providing protection from disease-causing microorganisms found in polluted waters. There are various strategies available to us for purifying drinking water; boiling is one such proven technique used by many households around the world to purify their supply.
Boiling water does not remove all contaminants; rather, it only kills microorganisms that can survive high temperatures such as bacteria. Unfortunately, boiling does not eliminate other harmful agents such as dissolved minerals, disinfection by-products and residual chlorine which pose threats.
Boiling water may not contain all of the vitamins your body requires due to the destruction of certain water-soluble vitamins during boiling.
To avoid this situation, it’s essential that you consume foods rich in water-soluble vitamins – for instance boiled vegetables, soup and fruits provide ample water-soluble vitamin supplies.
5. It is a good source of water for drinking
Boiled water is an excellent way to provide safe drinking water because it kills bacteria and parasites in the water, while also improving its taste by eliminating impurities like chlorine or heavy metals present in tap water supplies. Boiled water also offers better flavor than tap water, making it more appealing and helping prevent colds, laryngitis, or other diseases more effectively.
Boiling water is one of the simplest and tastiest ways of purifying it for consumption; other sources include bottled and filtered waters as well. Boiling is recommended when the source water supply has become compromised; however, filtering provides greater impurity removal while improving taste and enhancing flavor profiles of drinking water.
When boiling water, it is crucial that it is done so for an adequate length of time. Water that has not been thoroughly boiled may contain harmful microorganisms that should not be consumed; in addition, once boiled it must be allowed to cool before being drunk. Given Sydney’s water supply contamination with Giardia and Cryptosporidium has generated much curiosity as to how long to boil for and Communicable Disease Intelligence recommended 10 minutes as an optimal time.

A researcher and writer specialising in policy and development, Daniel explores the role of government and NGOs in improving educational infrastructure and opportunities in Africa.
