AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boil-creek-water

Your only water at camp comes from a creek. How long should you boil it before drinking?

Bring creek water to a rolling boil for 1 minute, or 3 minutes above 6,500 feet.

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  1. Just until the first small bubbles show up
  2. At a rolling boil for 1 minute ✔
  3. At a rolling boil for a full 10 minutes

Why: Once the water is at a big, rolling boil, 1 minute is enough to kill the germs that make you sick. High in the mountains, above 6,500 feet, boil it for 3 minutes. Let it cool before you drink it.

Huh, didn't know that: Let it cool before you drink it.

The dad joke
Why did the boiling water disappear? I don't know. It's a mist-ery.
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References

Answer: At a rolling boil for 1 minute. Once the water is at a big, rolling boil, 1 minute is enough to kill the germs that make you sick. High in the mountains, above 6,500 feet, boil it for 3 minutes. Let it cool before you drink it.

  1. CDC: How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/about
    Bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). Let the boiled water cool.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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