How to Make a Solar-Powered Water Purifier
Water purification involves removing waterborne pathogens (disease-carrying organisms) and making any water source not contaminated by dangerous chemicals safe to drink. The sun provides two key elements that destroy pathogens: heat and ultraviolet (UV) light. So a solar-powered water purifier is a cheap, low-tech method of producing small quantities of safe drinking water.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Clear, clean plastic bottle(s) 1 liter or less
- Well water, lake or river water
- Black metal surface (500 mm per side or larger)
- Access to direct sunlight
Instructions
-
Solar Water Purification
-
1
Position the black metal surface for fullest exposure to sunlight throughout the day. The surface should be horizontal or with a tilt of less than 15 degrees.
-
2
Fill the clear, clean plastic bottle with your source water and cap it tightly.
-
-
3
Place the bottle on the black surface, which will be exposed to direct sunlight for the whole day. The combination of the sun's UV light and heat from the black surface with kill any waterborne pathogens.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Clear water is best. If you have the option to allow your source water to settle (in a large, clean bucket or barrel) and take water from the top, heavier particles will settle to the bottom.
If there is no sunlight available, pasteurization (heating the water to 65 degrees Celsius for more for an hour) will kill pathogens as effectively as boiling the water, but at a much lower energy cost.
This system will not remove chemical or mineral contaminants from the water. Do not use this system for seawater or water contaminated by gasoline, lead or other toxic materials.
In cold locations, shield the water bottle from wind chill (without blocking direct sunlight).
