Key points
- Boiling is the surest way to kill disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
- Bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil water for 3 minutes.
- Boiling does NOT remove chemicals. Listen to local authorities about drinking boiled or bottled water.
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Under a boil water advisory?
- Boiling is the surest way to kill disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
- Bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil water for 3 minutes.
- Boiling does NOT remove chemicals. Listen to local authorities about drinking boiled or bottled water.
Learn more about keeping water safe to drink: www.cdc.gov/disasters.
Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: February 5, 2024
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: August 26, 2026
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.