Boiling water on a stove The process of boiling water can make it safer to drink by killing harmful microorganisms. (more) Does Boiling Water Make It Safe to Drink? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Does-Boiling-Water-Make-It-Safe-to-Drink Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Does Boiling Water Make It Safe to Drink?, Boiling water makes it safer to drink, but it does not eliminate all potential contaminants. When water reaches its boiling point of 100 °C (212 °F), the intense heat destroys many harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This is why boiling water for at least one minute (longer at high elevations) is widely recommended as a reliable method for preventing waterborne diseases and parasitic infections such as fasciolopsiasis. However, boiling water does not remove chemical contaminants such as heavy metals (including lead), pesticides, or other pollutants. Natural spring water, once considered ...(100 of 212 words)

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