Does boiling contaminated water make it safe to drink?
ANSWER
It depends on the contaminant. Boiling water can kill germs, but things like lead, nitrates, and pesticides aren't affected. And since boiling reduces the volume of water, it raises the concentration of those contaminants.
Reviewed by Sabrina Felson on October 23, 2018
SOURCES:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: ''Water on Tap: What You Need to Know,'' and ''Filtration Facts.''
CDC: ''Water: Meeting Your Daily Fluid Needs.''
American Council on Fitness: ''Fit Facts: Healthy Hydration.''
FDA: "Regulation of Bottled Water."
New York Times: ''Rising Sales of Bottled Water Trigger Strong Reaction From U.S. Conservationists.''
Beverage Marketing Corporation: "Bottled Water Shows Strength Yet Again, New Report from Beverage Marketing Corporation Shows," April 26, 2013.
SOURCES:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: ''Water on Tap: What You Need to Know,'' and ''Filtration Facts.''
CDC: ''Water: Meeting Your Daily Fluid Needs.''
American Council on Fitness: ''Fit Facts: Healthy Hydration.''
FDA: "Regulation of Bottled Water."
New York Times: ''Rising Sales of Bottled Water Trigger Strong Reaction From U.S. Conservationists.''
Beverage Marketing Corporation: "Bottled Water Shows Strength Yet Again, New Report from Beverage Marketing Corporation Shows," April 26, 2013.
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