Abstract: Bacteria-containing liquids are sterilized by a method and apparatus which employs electrical current to kill the bacteria. The liquid is caused to flow as a stream in a conduit, and a controlled amount of the electrical current is passed laterally through the stream along a given length of the stream path downstream of a stream location where the flowing condition of the liquid is sensed to initiate the passage of the electrical current. Thus, electrical current is only passed through the liquid after it has been first determined that its liquid is flowing. Provision is also made in the method and apparatus to filter large particles from the flowing liquid at least before the liquid is subjected to the passage of the electrical current therethrough.