Overview:
Access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic human right. Unfortunately, many people around the world do not have access to clean water, and this lack of access leads to disease and death. Waterborne illnesses can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other parasites that are present in contaminated water. As a result, water purification is necessary to remove these harmful contaminants. There are various methods of water purification available, but boiling water is one of the cheapest and safest methods.Boiling water for purification:
Boiling water is the process of heating water to its boiling point, which is typically 100 degrees Celsius. When water reaches this temperature, it kills most bacteria, viruses, and other parasites that are present in the water. Boiling water is a tried and tested method of water purification, and it has been used for centuries to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses. It is also one of the cheapest methods of water purification, as it only requires a heat source and a container.Why boiling water is a safe method for purification:
Boiling water is considered a safe method for water purification because it kills most of the bacteria, viruses, and other parasites that are present in the water. The high temperature of boiling water destroys the structure of these microorganisms, rendering them harmless. Additionally, boiling water eliminates the need for chemicals that may be harmful to human health. In contrast to other methods of water purification such as chlorination, boiling water does not leave any residual chemicals in the water.Benefits of boiling water for purification:
There are several benefits to using boiling water for water purification, including:- Cost-effective method: Boiling water only requires a heat source and a container, which is significantly cheaper than purchasing water purification systems or chemicals.
- Widely accessible: Boiling water is a method that can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world with access to a heat source and a container.
- No residual chemicals: Boiling water does not require the use of chemicals that can be harmful to human health and does not leave any residual chemicals in the water after purification.
How to boil water for purification:
To boil water for purification, follow these steps:- Fill a pot or kettle with water.
- Place the pot or kettle on a heat source, such as a stove or fire.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Let the water boil for at least one minute.
- Remove the pot or kettle from the heat source and let the water cool before drinking or using.
Other cost-effective and safe methods for water purification:
While boiling water is one of the cheapest and safest methods for water purification, there are other methods available that are also cost-effective and safe. Some of these methods include:- Filtration: This method works by passing water through a filter that removes contaminants.
- Solar water disinfection: This method uses sunlight to disinfect water by placing clear plastic bottles filled with water in direct sunlight for six hours or more.
- Dilute bleach solution: Adding small amounts of bleach to water effectively kills harmful microorganisms.