How to Purify Saltwater Pool Water for Drinking

Water is needed for all living things to survive. If in an emergency situation you find that you have nothing but saltwater, do not drink it. Saltwater can not be filtered by human kidneys because of the sheer amount of salt. The result would be dehydration. The only alternative in this case is to purify the saltwater to make it into drinking water.

Things You'll Need

• Pot with lid
• Glass cup

Instructions

1. Place the glass cup in the center of the pot.

2. Pour saltwater into the pot around the glass cup. Do not allow any to go inside the cup. Make sure that you do not fill it up too high or it could go into the cup when boiling.

3. Place lid on the pot upside down.

4. Boil the water. As the water vaporizes, it will condense on the lid, move toward the center and drip into the glass cup. Vaporized water is free of any substance, except pure water. This process can take up to 20 minutes. Allow time for the water to cool before attempting to drink it.

References

• American Water Works Association: The Story of Drinking Water
• Dr. Kate: How to Treat Water for Drinking