If you're looking for the safest way to purify water, boiling is your best bet. Boiling is the cheapest and most effective method of water purification, as it kills disease-causing germs, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Water sources or distribution channels can make your water unsafe, as parasites and germs are often invisible to the naked eye but can have life-threatening effects. Boiling requires a heat source and takes a while to fully boil, but it's the safest option if you're worried about the quality of your water. Boiling alone will leave most contaminants in the water, such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons.
To remove these contaminants, multistage distillation is necessary. If boiling is not an option, chlorine tablets can be an alternative; however, iodine tablets should be avoided as they can damage the thyroid if used extensively over time. Aqua mira is another good option that doesn't make water taste like soap like some of the tablets do. People sometimes use fruit peels, such as apple peels, to purify water in remote villages that rely on contaminated water for their daily needs. Filtration is also an option for purifying water, as it does not deplete all mineral salts and is considered healthier compared to other methods. When it comes to the safest way to purify water, boiling is your best bet.
It's easy to use and very effective at killing pathogens and removing impurities. Boiling will also make your water taste better than other methods. So if you're looking for a safe way to purify your water, boiling is your best option.