Abstract: A Method for destruction of pathogenic organisms in water is described. When used in conjunction with a rough filtration prior to chemical treatment, the method purifies drinking water for consumption by humans. The method is based on the well-known ability of alkaline solutions to kill micro-organisms. The method uses dry pellets of either sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). These are added to the water in proper proportion. The resulting alkaline solution is allowed to stand for a short period of time, typically one hour or more. And then the resulting solution is neutralized by the addition of an edible acid, such as citric or tartaric acid. The resulting water has a more or less neutral pH, and does not have an unpleasant taste.