Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage Factsheet: Source ...

Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage
Fact Sheet: Boiling
Key Data
Hazards:
Potential for burn injuries; caution should be maintained around stoves and fires and when
handling hot water
Cause of respiratory infections associated with poor indoor air quality; improved stoves can
be used to improve indoor air quality and reduce illness and death
Maintenance
Pot and lid should be cleaned on a regular basis
Direct Cost
Capital Cost Operating Cost Replacement Cost
US$0 1 US$0-0.06/10 litres 2 US$0 1
Note: Program, transportation and education costs are not included. Costs will vary depending on location.
1 Households are assumed to already have a pot and fire/stove for cooking
2 Clasen (2007)
Other
Boiled water tastes flat to some people. This is caused by dissolved oxygen escaping from
the water as it boils. The flat taste can be reduced by vigorously stirring or shaking cooled
water to increase its dissolved oxygen content.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). Household Water Treatment Options in
Developing Countries: Boiling. Atlanta, USA.
Clasen, T. (2007). Microbiological Effectiveness and Cost of Boiling to Disinfect Drinking Water:
Case Studies from Vietnam and India. (Presentation) London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine.
Clasen, T., Thao, D., Boisson, S., and O. Shipin (2008). Microbiological Effectiveness and Cost of
Boiling to Disinfect Drinking Water in Rural Vietnam. Environmental Science and Technology;
42(12): 42:55.
World Health Organization (nd). Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage Following
Emergencies and Disasters: South Asia Earthquake and Tsunami. Available at:
www.who.int/household_water/en/
CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology)
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Website: www.cawst.org, Email: cawst@cawst.org
Last Update: June 2011