The author does not assume responsibility for omissions, or inaccuracies that may inadvertantly be present. It is recommended that the traveller gather information regarding water purification techniques from several sources, including knowledgeable medical personnel, eg at a good travel medicine clinic. How to purify water Recommended water purification devices 1. There is some debate about how long water needs to be boiled before it is safe to drink.
Opinions vary from three minutes of a rolling boil to even just a few seconds.
Since water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes, somewhat longer boiling time may be necessary in high mountain regions. Tiny holes which big germs can't pass through. This will stop larger microorganisms such as ameba and giardia, but bacteria and especially viruses will pass through. Usually in the form of a membrane containing a potent form of iodine which latches on to microorganisms as they pass through, and kills them. Viruses are killed quickly, the larger germs may require several minutes to be effectively neutralized.