Technical Brief - Boil Water WHO (2017)
There are a number of circumstances in which it may be necessary to treat water at the point of use to remove or inactivate microbial pathogens. These include:
• failure of control measures, including lack of or improper disinfection and unsafe handling and storage;
• emergencies and disasters leading to inadequate sanitation, hygiene and protection of water sources;
• uncertain quality of water sources when travelling.
A number of proven water treatment methods exist for the removal or inactivation of microbial pathogens, including chemical disinfection, filtration, flocculation/disinfection and heat. Boiling is one heat method. It is highly efficacious, killing human pathogens even in turbid water and at high altitude. However, boiling involves the high-cost use of carbon-based fuel sources and does not provide any residual protection.
Bibliographic information
WHO (2017). Technical Brief - Boil Water WHO
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