How to Turn Red Water to Clear Water
Fresh water can be turned red by the presence of iron oxide (rust) in the water. While the presence of rust in drinking water is not harmful, it can cause a funny taste and stain clothing. Removing rust in the home involves installing a rust filter in the cold water input, preferably before any water softening system. Removing the iron oxide from drinking water while backpacking or camping is a little more tricky and involves using a solar still.
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Instructions
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Dig a circular hole in the ground with the shovel that is smaller than the size of the plastic sheet and 1 to 2 feet deep. A deeper hole may be required for a larger tarp.
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Make a small mound of dirt in the center of the hole that is 3 to 4 inches higher than the rest of the hole.
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Fill the hole with the rust-contaminated water up to the height of the central mound of dirt.
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Set the cup on the mound of dirt right side up and work it slightly into the dirt to keep the cup in place.
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Spread the plastic sheet over the hole with a little bit of slack in the sheet and then place rocks around the edge to keep the sheet in place.
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Set the smaller stone in the center of the sheet, directly over the cup to make the sheet sag into a funnel shape. The red water will evaporate then condense on the sheet and roll down to the center before dripping into the cup.
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Remove the sheet after six to eight hours of sun and the cup should be full of clear and pure drinking water. A sunnier and cooler day will distill the water fastest.
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Tips & Warnings
Some high-quality portable water filters use a reverse-osmosis process, which will remove most of the rust in water as well as the bacteria and other living organisms.
References
- Photo Credit red water ripples background image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
