How to Make a Water Purifier Using Solar Energy

If you want to practice wilderness survival skills, or are thinking about preparing for disruption in the world economic and civil infrastructure, then you may want to work on creating your own small scale solar still. As a result of using the sun's energy, you can purify water and have your own source for potable water. The process is fairly simple and easy to accomplish, however it is advisable to create several solar stills as each one will only produce a small amount of water.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheet of plastic
  • Rocks
  • Cups
  • Shovel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Search for a place that has a high level of exposure from the sun. Ideally, you will want a south facing slope or sandy beach area that is easy to dig into and that receives sunlight throughout the day. If possible, find a location that has wet, moist soil and exposure to the sun. However, if you have to choose between one environmental consideration or the other, finding a sunny spot takes precedence.

    • 2

      Use a shovel to dig a hole that is roughly 3-by-3-by-3 feet.

    • 3

      Place an empty cup in the middle of the hole so that it is resting with its open side facing up towards the top of the hole. If the ground is moist enough, you will not need to put any water source inside the hole. However, the solar still will work better if you can increase the humidity by placing another cup that is full of non-purified water inside the hole as well.

    • 4

      Stretch the clear or black plastic sheet over the top of the hole and line the plastic sheet with rocks on its edges. If possible place dirt or large rocks on the outer edges of the plastic so that no air or moisture can seep out from the inside of the hole. Place a rock in the center of plastic sheet, on top of the hole. The rock should be large enough to create a depression in the plastic. When the sun hits the plastic, it will trap the heat inside the hole, causing evaporation and condensation on the inside of the plastic. The rock will cause the condensing water to run down to the center of the plastic and drip down into the cup placed in the middle of the hole. The water gathered inside the cup is completely purified and safe to drink.