How Long To Boil Water Before It Is Safe To Consume?
Water is the key to all human life. Humans are made up of mostly water, and so we need plenty of it to stay alive and healthy. But not all water is life-giving. Some water can actually be quite dangerous when consumed. In fact, there are times when you need to boil water in order to drink it, or use it to wash your vegetables and brush your teeth. But how long do you have to boil water before it is safe for you to consume?
You should boil water for at least one minute to kill harmful bacteria. Boiling water for at least a minute ensures the water is safe to drink. If you live at a higher elevation, you should boil the water for a minimum of three minutes. Certain bacteria, as well as chlorine and chemicals, require a longer boiling process, upwards of 20 minutes before safe consumption.
If you recently received a boil water order, or are traveling to a country with a questionable water supply, you have probably already thought about boiling water. But you likely wonder how long you need to boil the water, and you also will want to know if boiling water makes it completely safe to consume. Keep reading to learn the answers to those questions and much more.
How Long Should You Boil Water To Kill Bacteria?
If you need to boil water after a water main break, natural disaster, or an unexpected boil water notice, you should boil the water for at least one minute. This means once your water has reached a boil, set a timer, and allow the pot to maintain a rolling boil for at least 60 seconds before lowering the temperature. A rolling boil is achieved when you see large bubbles coming to the surface in constant and rapid succession.
If you live somewhere in higher elevations (above 5,000 feet), you should let the water boil for a minimum of three minutes instead of one, to compensate for elevation.
Once the water has boiled, allow it plenty of time to cool. Once cool, transfer the water to sterilized containers like Tupperware, with lids. If you are worried about the taste of this water, consider leaving it out for several hours after it cools, as this will allow more time for chemicals and impurities to evaporate from the water.
You should boil the water in your home for at least one minute if you are uncertain of its safety, and if you plan to use water for any of the following purposes:
- Drinking, Ice MakingÂ
- Cooking
- Washing Dishes
- Washing Fruits And Vegetables
- Brushing Teeth And Facial CleansingÂ
Do I Need To Boil Water In Order To Bathe?
It is generally considered OK to wash your hands and even shower during a boil water order, but it is very important you are careful to avoid getting the water inside your body. This means making sure you keep the water away from your face, especially your mouth, eyes, and even ears and nose.
But boil water notices can vary based on the bacteria in the water, so follow whatever the specific recommendations are in your particular circumstance.
When Is It A Good Idea To Boil Tap Water Before Consuming?
When You Are In An Area With An Unreliable Water Supply
If you travel internationally on a regular basis, you have likely encountered several countries where tap water is not safe to consume. Naturally, it is best to consume only bottled water (which many of these countries recommend) to avoid sickness. But when it comes to washing vegetables, dishes, and other tasks, you might want to consider boiling a large pot of water, to keep your bottled water costs down.
During A Boil Water Order
Boiled water orders can happen in small towns, suburbs, and even large cities. They are often given to communities when a water source has been confirmed as compromised by a tainted element, often E coli or another sewage-based bacteria.
After A Natural Disaster Event
Natural disasters and major weather events can dismantle all sorts of critical infrastructure in a community. This includes the water supply. Hurricanes are known for damaging water supplies, and making it necessary to boil water before it is safe to drink.
Does Boiling Water For One Minute Make All Water Safe?
Boiling water for one minute (or three minutes in higher elevations) is a great way to kill bacteria that might have made its way into the water supply. This process will kill most bacteria and harmful organisms that find their way into the water system after a water main break, or in countries that don’t have the cleanest water. But just because you boil your water, it does not mean the water is always pure and safe to drink.
There are several circumstances where water might not be safe to consume even after boiling it for a minute or longer. If, for example, the water is exposed to certain toxic chemicals, is mixed with fuel, or has been exposed to radioactive material, then boiling water will not remove these hazards.
Also, some countries use high levels of chlorine in their water to kill bacteria, but this chlorine can cause terrible stomach pain. Chlorine does not disappear after boiling for one minute. It can take 20 minutes or longer to boil out chlorine from tap water. Keep in mind that boiling water does not remove salt from water either.
Summing Up How Long To Boil Water To Make It Safe
When you find yourself where water safety is questionable, it is critical that you take all the right steps to make sure the water is safe to consume. In many cases, you can make water safe by boiling it. When boiling water to kill off bacteria to make it safe to drink, you should make sure it maintains a rolling boil for at least 60 seconds.
If you live somewhere above 5,000 feet in elevation, then you should let it boil for at least 3 minutes. Keep in mind that while boiling water removes most bacteria, there are still some dangerous elements that can survive after you boil water for one minute.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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