How Long to Boil Water to Kill Bacteria: An Easy-to-Follow Guide

How long do you boil water to kill bacteria is a common question to which we can benefit from knowing the answer. Whether there is biological contamination of the drinking water in your area or you find yourself in an emergency where your access to clean water is limited, boiling it is the best solution.

How Long to Boil Water to Kill Bacteria?

A quick search for “how long do I boil water to kill bacteria,” “how long does water need to boil to kill bacteria” or “how long should I boil water to kill bacteria” will point you in the right direction; however, boiling doesn’t actually kill bacteria. The process of boiling water to remove waterborne pathogens is more accurately described as pasteurization. Instead of ridding water of these pathogens, boiling inactivates them so they are no longer harmful.

But Really, How Long Should Water Be Boiled to Kill Bacteria?

One minute is the amount of time to boil water to kill bacteria. To boil:

1. Fill a large pot ¾ of the way with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Start your timer once the water comes to a rolling boil (set it for 1 minute). Increase this time to 3 minutes if you live at an elevation of 6,500 feet or above.
4. Remove the water from the heat and set it aside to cool before drinking.

Now that “how long does water have to boil to kill bacteria” is no longer an unanswered question, there are things to remember when using this method:

• If the water is cloudy, it’s best to filter water through a coffee filter or clean cloth before boiling it
• Always boil the water uncovered
• Do not start the clock until the water is vigorously bubbling

Let’s Talk Bacteria

Many bacteria can be present in water, but as discussed, exposure to heat will inactivate them. Check out the table below to learn what temperature inactivates common bacteria found in water. Keep in mind that water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

In conclusion, if you know how long to boil water to kill bacteria, you can rest assured that you will stay hydrated – even when faced with the challenge of water contamination. Best of all, you can provide helpful information to anyone who asks you how long water must boil to kill bacteria.