How to Make a Water Purifier

Water can need purification for a number of reasons, the most common being bacteria (and other biological materials) and foreign chemical and mineral contaminants. Though purification processes vary depending on what elements need to be removed from water and what use the purified water is intended for, most common water problems can be eliminated by boiling and distillation. This simple, homemade purifier can be used for both purposes--in an emergency.

Things You'll Need

• Stove (or other heat source) Boiling pot Length of small PVC pipe 2 PVC two-way "L" joint connectors Aluminum foil Duct, electrical, or masking tape. Mixing bowl, pitcher, or other large liquid container (preferably same height as boiling pot)

Instructions

1. Attach the "L" connectors to the PVC at both ends, making sure both connectors are facing the same way. The exact lengths of the pipe and connectors don't particularly matter, but they should be small enough to be held in your hand or your purifier will be too large to be practical. Also, if your pipe is too small (say, the size of a drinking straw), your purifier may whistle like a tea kettle while the water is boiling.

2. Fill the boiling pot with the water to be purified. To avoid contamination, be careful not to splash unpurified water on your clean-water collecting container or anything your clean source will come in contact with.

3. Position the pipe. Hook one of the "L" connectors over the edge of the boiling pot and hook the other over the lip of your water-collecting container. If the two containers aren't the same height, prop up the pipe using anything you can find of the appropriate height. If need be, you can create a custom-sized prop with a large wad of aluminum foil.

4. Cover the boiling pot with several layers of aluminum foil. Press each layer around the edge of the pot to create an airtight seal. Seal around the PVC connector by using enough foil to wrap it part way down the length of the pipe. Secure it in place with tape.

5. Place the boiling pot on your stove or heat source, with the collecting container off the heat. Turn on the heat.

6. Reduce the heat once the water has started to boil (you won't be able to see it, so listen for the bubbling). The water will escape as steam, which will travel through the pipe and into the second container.

7. Let the water cool and use.

Tips & Warnings

• This technique should only be used in emergencies or in situations where potable drinking water is not available.