Quick Answer
At 10,000 feet, water should be boiled for at least 3-5 minutes to kill Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and possibly up to 10 minutes to be absolutely sure, depending on altitude and water source.
Boiling Times at High Altitudes
Boiling times increase with altitude due to lower atmospheric pressure. At 10,000 feet, water boils at 199°F (93°C), which may not be hot enough to kill some waterborne pathogens. To be safe, boil water for at least 3-5 minutes to kill Giardia and Cryptosporidium, the most common waterborne pathogens.
Waterborne Pathogens and Boiling Times
Different pathogens require varying boiling times to be killed. Giardia and Cryptosporidium, for example, require 3-5 minutes of boiling at high altitudes, while viruses like norovirus require 1 minute. Bacteria like E. coli require 10 minutes of boiling. Boiling times can be affected by factors like water depth, container size, and altitude.
Practical Boiling Times at 10,000 Feet
In practice, boiling water for 3-5 minutes at 10,000 feet is a reasonable minimum to kill Giardia and Cryptosporidium. However, to be absolutely sure, boiling for 10 minutes is recommended. This can be done using a camping stove, a fire, or even a solar still. It’s essential to note that boiling is just one step in ensuring safe drinking water, and additional methods like water filtration or chemical disinfection may be necessary in certain situations.
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