Preparedness Quick Tip #48: How to Boil Water in a Plastic Water Bottle

I love when I get a book that is fully of juicy tidbits for me to glean and learn from. Bernie Carr’s The Penny-Pinching Prepper is the latest of those books to have a home in My Preparedness Library. 

“HOW TO BOIL WATER IN A PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE

Ideally, a metal container is best for boiling water; however, in an emergency, you can disinfect water in a plastic water bottle. Build your fire under a tree or branch where you can suspend the water bottle. Tie a string around the neck of the bottle and suspend it from the tree or branch, about 6 inches above the fire. Fill the bottle about three-quarters full of water. The fire should start warming up the water. Gradually adjust the height of the string until the bottle is 2 inches above the fire, but not touching it. The water will start to simmer and the plastic may begin to blister. Once the water has boiled for 1 minute, move the bottle away from the fire and allow it to cool before drinking.” excerpt from The Penny-Pinching Prepper by Bernie Carr

I love this tip, not because I plan on finding myself in a situation where I’m without so little that I will go to any means to save myself, but because if I DO find myself in that situation, I have the knowledge to make the effort to save myself instead of just giving up. I will say the idea of heating up plastic to the point of it blistering and releasing those chemicals into my water isn’t appealing, but in a world where plastic bottles are everywhere, but you may not find stainless steel cooking appliances and a tin can may not be handy, knowing this survival tip can be life-saving.

You can read my full review on The Penny-Pinching Prepper here.

Have you tried boiling/disinfecting water in alternative ways? Share your experiences with us!

Emily Mendel

Emily as an MFA in creative writing and a strong passion for cooking! She started trying out her mother’s recipes from a very young age, turning the time she spent in the kitchen into a career. She will soon publish her very first cookbook, and in her free time, Emily contributes to our blog with resources for all our readers, whether beginners or advanced chefs.