If your test shows bacteria, boiling is your cheapest friend. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute—three minutes if you’re at high altitude (because even water needs a little extra workout up there).
Let it cool, and boom: you’ve killed 99.9% of the nasty stuff. But boiling doesn’t remove chemicals, heavy metals, or that funky taste. So it’s great for emergencies, but not a long-term solution. Think of it as a fire extinguisher, not a lifetime gym membership.
