There are two general methods by which small quantities of water can be effectively disinfected at home – boiling or chemical treatment.
Boiling is considered the safest and most effective method of water disinfection. Vigorous boiling for one minute will kill any disease-causing micro-organisms and parasites present in water. The flat taste of boiled water can be improved by pouring it back and forth from one container to another (called aeration) or by allowing it to stand for a few hours, or by adding a small pinch of salt to it.