In a survival situation, access to clean drinking water is a top priority. While many preppers store water, long-term survival requires the ability to purify and produce potable water. Solar water distillation is an effective, low-tech method to obtain safe drinking water from contaminated or saltwater sources. This guide will cover the basics of solar distillation, its benefits, and how to build your own solar still.
Why Use Solar Water Distillation?
Solar water distillation harnesses the sun’s energy to evaporate water, leaving behind contaminants such as salts, bacteria, and chemicals. The purified water then condenses and is collected for consumption. This method is highly effective and requires no electricity or specialized equipment.
Advantages of Solar Water Distillation:
- Removes bacteria, viruses, and parasites
- Eliminates heavy metals and chemicals
- Works with saltwater, muddy water, or contaminated water
- Requires only sunlight to operate
- Easy to build and maintain
How a Solar Still Works
A solar still operates on the principle of evaporation and condensation. Here’s how it works:
- Contaminated water is placed in an enclosed area exposed to sunlight.
- The sun heats the water, causing it to evaporate.
- Impurities, including salts and bacteria, are left behind.
- The water vapor rises and condenses on a sloped surface.
- The clean water drips down and is collected in a container.
Building a Simple Solar Still
There are different types of solar stills, but a simple pit-style still is easy to construct with minimal materials.
Materials Needed:
- A clear plastic sheet (3ft x 3ft or larger)
- A container or cup to collect water
- A shovel
- Small rocks
- A flexible tube (optional for drinking directly)
Step-by-Step Construction:
- Dig a Hole:
- Choose a sunny location and dig a shallow hole about 3 feet wide and 1-2 feet deep.
- Place the Water Source:
- Pour contaminated or saltwater into the hole, avoiding overfilling.
- Position the Collection Container:
- Place the cup or container in the center of the hole.
- Cover with Plastic Sheet:
- Stretch the plastic sheet over the hole, securing the edges with rocks to keep it in place.
- Weigh Down the Center:
- Put a small rock in the center of the plastic sheet, just above the cup, so it forms a slight cone shape.
- Wait for Distillation:
- As the sun heats the water, evaporation will occur. The water vapor will condense on the plastic and drip into the collection cup.
- Drink Safely:
- After several hours, fresh distilled water will accumulate in the cup. Use a tube or carefully remove the cup to drink.
Enhancing Efficiency
- Use Dark Materials: Placing a dark-colored cloth or pan inside the pit absorbs more heat, increasing evaporation.
- Increase Surface Area: A larger still or multiple smaller ones can produce more water.
- Add Greenery: Placing fresh vegetation inside the pit can release moisture through transpiration.
Final Thoughts
Solar water distillation is an invaluable skill for any prepper. It provides a reliable method to purify water using only the power of the sun, ensuring a continuous supply of safe drinking water. Whether you’re preparing for an emergency or living off the grid, mastering this technique could be a lifesaver.
Would you consider building a solar still for your prepping plans? Let us know in the comments!
