Boiling water kills organisms that cause dysentery, and parasitic worms, and so on.
By the time the water reaches the boiling
point, it is safe to drink. But safer to boil the
water for one minute---cover and cool to
room temperature.
Alternatively, you can purchase water filters that consist of a fine filter and iodine treatment, at sporting goods or travel stores
[avoid if pregnant]. Read package to insure
that it will filter bacteria, and parasites.
Household bleach [4-6% chlorine] will sterilize
water. Add two drops per one liter [quart] of clean water---or four drops in a
liter of cloudy
water [strain first]. Mix and let stand for thirty
minutes. If it has a slight odor of chlorine, then
it's okay, otherwise repeat chlorination and let
stand another fifteen minutes.
You can purchase tetraglycine hydroperiodide tablets and halzone tablets from pharmacies
and sporting goods stores. Buy them before
you leave because they may not be available
where you're going.
Travelers are wise to consume only bottled
water, soda, beer, and wine while in foreign
countries--but bottled water is not always the
answer so be wary.
Published reports have shown that some countries' manufacturing processes for
bottled water aren't adequate. Improperly
bottled water can cause cholera, typhoid, and
"Traveler's Disease". Scientists recommend
that bottled water be ozonated, carbonated,
or disinfected in some manner and always kept refrigerated. Clean the outside of the
bottle cap and neck before and after use, with
hot soapy water or a chlorine solution.
Bottled water, or any other kind, should not be used to clean contact lenses. Use only those products prepared for use with contact lenses.
In the case of Traveler's Disease, antibiotics
should be used, except with very mild cases---and plenty of fluids are recommended to
prevent dehydration.
