How to Create a Cheap Solar Still

Having clean water is an essential part of life. However, there are times when clean water isn't easily available. During these times, it's good to know how to make a solar still, which is a device used to distill and purify water. Fortunately, solar stills are fun to make and don't cost a lot. Here are the steps to create a solar still.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Shovel
• Large bowl
• Tall, heavy cup
• Clear plastic sheet
• Stones

1. Locate a water source and fill a shallow bowl.
2. Select a sunny location. Dig a hole in the ground that is approximately 1 to 1.5 feet deep and 2 to 2.5 feet in diameter. The hole must be large enough to accommodate the shallow bowl.
3. Set the bowl in the hole, so it's resting on the bottom of the hole.
4. Put a tall and heavy cup in the middle of the bowl. Your clean water falls into this cup.
5. Cover the hole with a sheet of plastic. The sheet must have a diameter at least 6 inches greater than the diameter of your hole.
6. Anchor the sheet on all sides with several medium-size rocks or tent stakes. Use the dirt removed from the hole to seal the rest of the plastic against the ground.
7. Place another medium sized rock in the middle of the plastic sheet, directly above cup. This directs the distilled water into your cup. Wait for all the water into the bowl to evaporate.

Tips & Warnings

• If your cup floats in the bowl, then your bowl is too deep or your cup is too light.
• Make the seal as secure as possible to prevent water loss.
• If no water source is available, moisture in the ground, from vegetation or even from urine can be distilled in the same manner.