Health Tip: Make Water Safe While You're Traveling

(HealthDay News) -- If you''re planning a trip to a place where the water may not be safe to drink, here are some suggestions from the U.S. government''s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• The best solution is to bring bottled water if you know you''ll be in an area where water may not be pure.
• Boil water for one minute to kill bacteria, parasites and viruses. Boil for three minutes at higher altitudes. The CDC recommends adding a pinch of salt for each quart you boil to make the water taste better.
• Disinfect water with iodine tablets or crystalline iodine (both can be found at sporting goods stores), following manufacturer''s suggestions.
• Use a portable water filter -- but you may need to follow up with a chemical disinfectant.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: March 24, 2006