What are the Best Low-Tech Ways to Desalinate Water. (Part 1)
Introduction: Water, Water Everywhere…but Not a Drop to Drink
Imagine this: You’re stranded on a deserted island, the sun is baking down, and all you see for miles is the sparkling blue sea. Sounds dreamy…until your water bottle runs dry. Thirst is setting in, and the irony isn’t lost on you—water everywhere, yet none you can safely drink. This scenario isn’t just the stuff of movies. Whether you’re an adventurer, a prepper, or just someone who loves to camp off the grid, the need to turn salty or brackish water into life-saving fresh water is real.
Why should you care about low-tech desalination methods. Well, for starters, not all of us have access to cutting-edge gadgets. Emergencies don’t send a warning text, and sometimes all you have are your wits, a few basic items, and a pressing need for clean water. In this series, we’re going to dive into the most practical, low-tech ways to turn undrinkable water into something you can safely gulp down. I’ll walk you through the science, the step-by-steps, and the little tricks that could literally save your life. Ready to get your survival smarts on. Let’s start with why desalination matters and the simple science behind it.
Why Desalination Matters (And When You Might Need It)
Let’s face it: Water is the MVP of survival. You can only go about three days without it, and even less if you’re in a hot, dry environment. The World Health Organization reports that around 2. 2 billion people worldwide still lack safely managed drinking water. That’s nearly 1 in 3 of us. Clean water isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must for staying alive, avoiding illness, and keeping your mind sharp.
But when does desalination really come into play. Picture these scenarios:
- Emergency situations: Hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes can knock out water supplies in an instant. You might be surrounded by water, but it’s either contaminated or salty.
- Off-grid adventures: Hiking, camping, or boating far from civilization can leave you without a tap to turn. For those moments, knowing how to make seawater drinkable is a serious game-changer.
- Remote or developing regions: Not every community has reliable water infrastructure. In many parts of the world, people rely on low-tech desalination or purification methods every day to stay healthy.
- Everyday prepping: You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to want a backup plan for water. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, and water shortages happen more often than we realize.
The big challenge. Saltwater is everywhere—97% of the earth’s water is salty or brackish—but it’s no good for drinking straight. So, if you ever find yourself in a pinch (or just want to be ready for anything), learning low-tech desalination could be the most practical skill you pick up this year.
The Science Behind Desalination (In Simple Terms)
So, what’s the big deal with desalination.
Why can’t we just drink seawater as-is. Here’s the scoop: Seawater contains about 35 grams of salt per liter. Your body can’t process all that salt. If you drink it, you’ll actually become more dehydrated, since your kidneys need even more water to flush the salt out. In fact, just a few glasses of seawater can tip you toward serious dehydration or even salt poisoning. Not exactly a thirst-quencher.
This is where desalination comes in. At its core, desalination is simply the process of removing salt—and sometimes other impurities—from water. The most basic methods rely on three key principles:
- Evaporation: When water heats up (from the sun or a stove), it turns into vapor, leaving the salts and impurities behind.
- Condensation: The water vapor cools down and turns back into liquid—this is now fresh water, minus the salt.
- Filtration: Sometimes, basic filters can remove some particles, but to get rid of salt, you need to separate it from the water completely, usually by evaporation and condensation.
Think about boiling a pot of saltwater: as the steam rises and collects on a lid or plate, that condensation is pure water. The salt stays behind in the pot. This is the essence of most low-tech desalination methods. It’s simple science, but when you’re parched and desperate, it feels like magic.
Wrapping Up (For Now…)
We’ve set the stage for why desalination is such a critical skill, and you’ve got a crash course in the science behind it. Next up, we’ll get hands-on with several smart, low-tech techniques that anyone can use—no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re planning your next camping adventure or just want to be prepared for anything, stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore these life-saving methods step by step.
Low-Tech Desalination Methods You Can Use
Alright, now that we’ve covered the “why” and the science behind desalination, let’s roll up our sleeves and get practical. Remember, the best desalination method is the one you can actually pull off with what’s around you. You don’t need a PhD in chemistry—just a bit of know-how, some patience, and maybe a few everyday items.
1. The Solar Still: Harnessing the Sun
If you know one low-tech desalination trick, make it the solar still. This ingenious device uses the sun’s energy to evaporate water, leaving salt and impurities behind, and then collects the fresh condensation. Here’s how you can make one, whether you’re stranded on a beach, camping, or just experimenting in your backyard.
What You Need:
- A container or a hole in the ground (for your “dirty” water)
- A smaller cup or bowl (to collect the distilled water)
- Clear plastic wrap or a plastic sheet
- A small rock, weight, or pebble
How To Do It:
- Dig a hole in the ground (if outdoors), or use a large bowl/tray.
- Pour your salty or contaminated water into the base, but don’t let it overflow into your collection cup.
- Place the empty cup or bowl in the center.
- Cover the top with clear plastic wrap, sealing the edges well.
- Put a small rock or weight in the center of the plastic wrap, right above the cup.
- The sun will heat the water, causing evaporation. The vapor collects on the underside of the plastic and drips down to the lowest point—right over your cup.
- After a few hours (or all day), you’ll find fresh water collected in the cup. Carefully retrieve and drink.
Pros:
- Uses only sunlight—no fire or fuel needed.
- Can be assembled with scavenged materials.
- Works with seawater, brackish water, or even dirty puddles.
Cons:
- Yields are small—typically around 500 ml (about 2 cups) of water per day with good sun exposure.
- Takes time and patience.
- Needs plenty of sunlight to work efficiently.
Real-life example: After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, emergency responders used large-scale solar stills to help supplement clean water supplies during the initial relief phase. Solar stills are also included in some ocean survival kits for lifeboats.
2. Boiling & Condensation: The “Pot and Bowl” Distiller
If you have a fire source and a few kitchen basics, you can distill water using the boiling and condensation method. It’s a classic for a reason—simple, effective, and surprisingly doable in the wild.
What You Need:
- A pot with a lid (metal works best)
- A heat source (campfire, stove)
- A small bowl or mug (heatproof)
- Some ice (optional, but helps with condensation)
How To Do It:
- Pour saltwater into the pot, but don’t fill it more than halfway.
- Place the empty bowl or mug inside the pot, making sure it floats and doesn’t tip.
- Put the lid on upside down, so the highest point is directly above the bowl.
- If you have ice, pile it on top of the upside-down lid. This helps cool the lid and speeds up condensation.
- Heat the pot to a boil. As the water turns to steam, it rises, condenses on the cool lid, and drips down into the bowl—pure, fresh water.
- Carefully remove the bowl when done (it’ll be hot. ) and enjoy your distilled water.
Pros:
- Faster than a solar still.
- Produces more water per session (can yield 0. 5–1 liter per hour depending on setup).
- Works in any weather, day or night.
Cons:
- Requires fuel or fire—may not be possible everywhere.
- Needs cookware (pot, bowl, lid).
- Must avoid burns and spills.
A 2018 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that simple distillation methods like this one can remove up to 99.
9% of salts and most bacteria, making them highly effective for producing safe drinking water in the field.
3. Plastic Bottle Solar Distiller: DIY on the Go
If you’re caught with just a couple of empty bottles—don’t toss them. You can rig a makeshift distiller with two plastic bottles and a sunny spot.
What You Need:
- Two clear plastic bottles (1-liter size works well)
- Tape or a connector (optional)
- Saltwater
How To Do It:
- Fill one bottle about a quarter full with saltwater.
- Attach the second (empty) bottle to the first, neck-to-neck, using tape or by simply fitting them together.
- Lay the bottles sideways on the ground, with the saltwater-filled end in direct sunlight and the empty end shaded or slightly elevated.
- As the water evaporates in the heated bottle, vapor travels and condenses in the cool, empty bottle. That’s your fresh water.
- After a few hours, you can collect the distilled water from the empty bottle.
Pros:
- Perfect for minimal gear situations.
- Can be set up almost anywhere.
- Great for teaching kids about science and survival.
Cons:
- Very slow; yields just a few ounces a day.
- Works best in hot, sunny climates.
How Effective Are These Low-Tech Setups. (By the Numbers)
Let’s put all this into perspective with some real-world stats:
- Solar stills typically
Low-Tech Desalination: Fun Facts, Expert Insights, and What’s Next (Part 3)
Last time, we got hands-on with three of the most practical, low-tech desalination techniques—the trusty solar still, classic pot and bowl distiller, and the surprisingly effective plastic bottle solar distiller. You now know how to turn salty or dirty water into something drinkable with nothing but sunshine, basic cookware, or even trash-bound bottles. But there’s even more to this topic than meets the eye. Ready for some fascinating trivia and expert know-how. Let’s dive into 10 fun facts about low-tech desalination, then meet an inspiring voice who’s helping make clean water accessible for all.
10 Fun Facts About Low-Tech Desalination
1. The Ancient Roots of Desalination:
The idea isn’t new—Greek sailors as far back as 400 BC described using primitive distillation to make seawater drinkable. Aristotle even wrote about using clay pots for evaporating and condensing water.
2. Solar Still Yields Depend on the Sun:
A well-built solar still can produce about 500 ml (about two cups) of drinkable water per day in full sun. But move it into the shade or a cloud rolls in, and your yield might drop by half or more.
3. Survival Kits at Sea:
Many commercial lifeboat survival kits include a small, foldable solar still. Navy and Coast Guard have used these since World War II.
4. Not Just for Salt:
Distillation methods also remove many harmful bacteria, viruses, and even some chemicals—making them great for purifying contaminated water, not just salty water.
5. The Desert Hole Still:
Survival expert Les Stroud (“Survivorman”) made a desert solar still using just a plastic sheet and a hole in the ground—showing you don’t even need containers if you improvise.
6. Water from Plants:
In an emergency, you can create a solar still using fresh green leaves or cut plant material as your water source. As the leaves “sweat” under plastic, you collect condensed fresh water.
7. You Can Taste the Difference:
Water distilled from seawater tastes “flat” since all the minerals are removed. That’s why some survivalists add a tiny pinch of clean table salt or electrolytes back in before drinking.
8. Boiling ≠ Desalinating:
Boiling seawater alone doesn’t make it safe to drink—it only kills microbes. You must capture and condense the steam to separate the salt.
9. Plastic Bottle Distillers Made a Splash:
The two-bottle solar distiller trick became popular in schools and survival workshops because it’s a great way to teach the water cycle and resourcefulness.
10. Emergency Solar Still Myths:
Some TV shows exaggerate how much water a single still produces. In reality, you may need multiple solar stills working together to meet daily hydration needs in an emergency. Always plan for low yields.
Author Spotlight: Cody Lundin
No discussion about practical, low-tech survival skills is complete without mentioning Cody Lundin. Renowned for his barefoot style and sage advice, Lundin is a survival instructor, author, and expert in minimalist and sustainable living. His book, 98. 6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive, is considered a modern classic for anyone interested in self-reliance and emergency preparedness.
Cody’s approach to water survival is all about simplicity and adapting to what’s around you. He’s taught thousands of students how to improvise solar stills and distillers with scavenged materials—emphasizing that the best survival tools are knowledge and creativity, not fancy gadgets.
In his workshops and TV appearances (including “Dual Survival” on Discovery Channel), Lundin demonstrates that low-tech desalination isn’t just for hardcore preppers—it’s a core life skill. He advocates practicing these methods before you need them, so you’re never caught off guard. If you’re keen to go deeper, check out his YouTube channel and books for hands-on demos and no-nonsense advice.
What’s Next: Your Desalination Questions Answered
By now, you should have a solid grasp of the top low-tech ways to turn salty or dirty water into something drinkable—and some memorable trivia to boot. But, odds are, you still have questions: How safe is it, really. What’s the best way to improvise with limited gear. How much water can you realistically get each day.
In our next section, we’ll tackle the most common (and a few surprising) Frequently Asked Questions about low-tech desalination. Whether you’re curious about specific techniques, troubleshooting your setup, or just want to know how to make these methods work for you, stay tuned for clear, practical answers.
Low-Tech Desalination: Frequently Asked Questions and Next Steps (Part 4)
Welcome back to the final part of our deep dive into low-tech desalination. We’ve covered the “why,” the “how,” and even some fun facts and expert advice. Now, let’s wrap it all up with the top questions people ask about low-tech ways to turn saltwater into drinkable water. Whether you’re a weekend camper, a world traveler, or simply want to be prepared, these answers are for you.
1. Is drinking distilled water from low-tech methods safe.
Yes—when done correctly, water distilled through solar stills or boiling/condensing methods is generally safe to drink. Distillation removes salt, most bacteria, and many contaminants. However, it may not remove some volatile chemicals or toxins, so always use the cleanest source available. As a reminder from the Bible, “But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. ” (Amos 5:24, NKJV) — purity matters, especially with your water.
2. How much water can I realistically expect from a solar still each day.
A small, homemade solar still often yields around 500 ml (two cups) of water per sunny day. In emergencies, this is not enough for long-term survival, so set up multiple stills if possible—or supplement with other methods.
3. Can I use these methods with any type of water (e. , seawater, brackish, dirty pond).
Distillation works with seawater, brackish water, and even muddy or contaminated sources. It removes salts and many impurities. However, avoid water with industrial chemicals, fuel, or heavy metals if possible, as some toxins can vaporize and contaminate the distilled water.
4. What simple gear do I need for low-tech desalination.
- For a solar still: plastic wrap, a cup, and a container or hole in the ground.
- For a pot distiller: a pot with a lid, a heat source, and a small bowl or mug.
- For a bottle still: two clear plastic bottles and tape.
The best part. These are everyday items or DIY improvisations—no fancy gadgets required.
5. How long does it take to desalinate a batch of water.
- Solar stills: 6–12 hours, depending on sunlight.
- Pot distillers: 30 minutes to several hours, depending on volume and heat source.
- Bottle distillers: all day for just a few ounces, especially in cooler or cloudy weather.
6.
Is there a way to speed up the process.
For pot distillers, adding ice or cold packs on top of the lid helps condense steam faster. For solar stills, increase surface area, use darker containers to absorb heat, and set up more than one still to boost output.
7. Does distillation remove all contaminants.
Distillation removes most salts, bacteria, and minerals, but not all volatile organic compounds or chemicals (like gasoline or pesticides). If you suspect dangerous chemicals, seek another water source if possible.
8. Can I desalinate water without plastic or kitchenware.
Absolutely. In survival situations, you can dig a hole, use a shirt or large leaves as a cover, and collect condensation with a cup made from bark, shells, or even carved wood. As Cody Lundin and other experts often say, creativity and adaptability are your best assets.
9. Why does distilled water taste “flat,” and is it okay to drink long-term.
Distilled water lacks minerals, making it taste flat or bland. Short-term, it’s fine for hydration. For longer-term use, add a pinch of table salt or electrolyte powder to each liter to replace lost minerals and maintain balance.
10. Where can I learn more or see these techniques in action.
Check out Cody Lundin’s books and YouTube channel for practical, visual demonstrations. The blog [Practical Survivors](https://practicalsurvivor. com/) is also an excellent resource for real-world, low-tech survival skills, including water purification.
Wrapping It All Up: Take Action for Water Security
So, what have we learned. Low-tech desalination is not just a science experiment—it’s a practical, potentially lifesaving skill. Whether you’re using a solar still on a sunny beach, boiling water in a camp pot, or improvising with plastic bottles, you now have the know-how to turn undrinkable water into a safe resource.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Try building a solar still in your backyard or distilling a batch of saltwater on your next camping trip. Familiarity with these techniques now means you’ll be ready if the situation ever demands it.
As we read in Scripture, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…” (Psalm 23:2-3, NKJV). Clean water is not just a necessity—it’s a gift and a source of restoration.
Ready to Take the Next Step.
Don’t wait for an emergency. Practice low-tech desalination now, share these skills with friends and family, and spread the knowledge. You never know whose life it might save.
OUTREACH: Cody Lundin / [Practical Survivors](https://practicalsurvivor. com/).