The recent damage by the super storm "Sandy" in USA and "Neelam" in India which led to large scale destruction and power failure that might last for weeks. It is important that due care be taken as far as health is concerned and since most of the filtering and water purification equipment based on power supply would not work, it is important to boil water before consumption.
There may also be many other similar situations when you would like to boil tap or spring/river water before using it for drinking or making food. These can be eventualities such as:
- A break in or repairs water main.
- Drop in water pressure due to equipment or power failure.
- Periodical tests show potentially harmful microorganisms present in water; or
- If the water source has been flooded
Boiling water kills all microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and other protozoa that cause disease and makes the tap water safe for consumption.
For this it is essential to bring tap water to a full boil, and let it boil for three minutes, and thereafter cool it before using for drinking or cooking. Tap water that is used for washing raw vegetables should also be boiled first and the water used in cooking must also be first be boiled for one minute, unless the cooking process itself involves boiling for more than a minute.
Never make a baby's formula feed with any water other than packaged bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least three minutes. Similarly, the water that may get ingested in activities like brushing teeth or taking a bath should be boiled too unless due care is taken. For children, one should not take a chance and it is better that only boiled and cooled water is used.
If the water is muddy, it is essential to filter it first by using a cloth, filter paper, or any other such material. Chemical tablets or solutions of Chlorine, Iodine etc can also be used under expert guidance since the method of administering the same as well as the dosage used should be just right.
At higher altitudes, the minimum duration for which water is boiled should be five minutes.
While boiling water care should be taken that it has been filtered properly and contains no mud or other particles. Judicious use of chemicals like Alum helps in settling down these impurities before embarking on boiling.
