The Myth of Boiling Water – Does It Really Purify It?

The Myth of Boiling Water – Does It Really Purify It?

Many people believe that boiling water makes it completely safe to drink. This is partially true, but not always. Let’s explore which contaminants actually disappear during heating and which remain in the water even after prolonged boiling.
 

What does boiling eliminate?

At 100°C, most bacteria, viruses, and parasites are killed. This significantly reduces the risk of infections, especially when water contains harmful microorganisms.
 

What does boiling NOT remove?

Heavy metals – Lead, mercury, iron, arsenic, and other contaminants do not disappear through boiling. In fact, as water evaporates, their concentration may increase.
Chlorine and its compounds – While chlorine evaporates, it can form even more toxic byproducts, such as trihalomethanes.
Nitrates and pesticides – These remain in the water even after boiling.
Hardness salts – Some calcium and magnesium settle as scale, but the water does not become completely softened.
 

Alternatives to Boiling

If you want truly clean water, boiling alone is not enough. It’s better to use filtration systems that remove harmful contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals. For example:

• Carbon filters – Effectively remove chlorine and organic compounds.
• Reverse osmosis – Purifies water from nearly all contaminants, including heavy metals and nitrates.
• Ion-exchange systems – Help reduce water hardness.

Conclusion: Boiling is effective for killing bacteria, but it does not solve the problem of chemical contamination. For truly clean and safe water, filtration is the best solution.