Check for steam escaping from under the lid, then lift the lid carefully to see how the water is doing. Look at the water. If large bubbles are rising from the bottom of the pot to the surface, the water is boiling. Use cold water if you're going to drink it or cook with it. Wait for bubbles that rise to the top of the pot.
Boiling water remains at the same temperature for the entire time it's boiling.
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