How to Make a Portable Water Distiller

There are many reasons to want one or more convenient water distillers that you can take with you. If you are going camping, for example, you may want a supply of clean water. You may also simply want a convenient supply of distilled water in your home, without the bother of heavy equipment. Whatever your reasons, if you need a simple water distiller that uses nothing but heat from the sun to do its work, the following information should be useful to you.

Step 1 - Set Up Your Materials

To begin select all of your materials and gather them together. It is best to choose a large pot or bowl that is black, or at the very least a dark color. If you plan on dedicating this bowl to this purpose, but it is a light color, you may want to paint the outside of it black. However, if you plan to reuse the bowl for other purposes, do not do this.

Once you have gathered your materials, set up your large bowl outside in an area where it will receive sun all day long. Next, put water in it. Putting in too much is a waste and may interfere with the other parts of the distiller, so limit the amount of water you put in to about 2 quarts.

Step 2 - Put the Collector Together

Now that your bowl is set up, you must suspend the cup you will be using to collect water in it. The best way to do this is with wire and tape. Using the actual cup as a guide, wrap a loop of wire around it and tie it so it holds its shape. If you can support the weight of the cup by holding only the loop, you have done this part correctly.

Next attach four long pieces of wire to the loop. Place the loop in the center of the bowl and run the wires from the loop to the edges of the bowl. Finally, bend each wire around the edge of the bowl until they are parallel; then use duct tape to secure them in place. When you are done, you should have a sturdy wire framework that holds your collection cup in the center of your bowl.

Step 3 - Use Your Water Distiller

Now that everything is set up, you can use your water distiller to collect pure water. Cover the top of your large bowl completely with plastic wrap. Use enough to extend over the edges of the bowl fully. Next secure the plastic wrap in place with duct tape. Finally weigh down the center of the plastic wrap with a small object. Place the object directly over the collector. A pebble or small rock will make a great weight, but you can use anything that is convenient.

Now your water distiller will use the heat of the sun to condense water on the plastic wrap, which will run down to the lowest point and drip into the collector. Open your water distiller and empty the cup frequently, as it will produce more distilled water than your cup can hold.