Water covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, but only 2.5% of it is freshwater. With the majority of the Earth’s water being saltwater, the question arises: “Can we make saltwater drinkable?” In this article, we will explore the process of desalination and discover ways to convert saltwater into drinkable water.
Desalination: What is it?
Desalination is the process of removing salts from saltwater to provide freshwater suitable for human consumption, sanitation, or irrigation. It is a method used on seagoing vessels and submarines, but its popularity is growing as a cost-effective solution to provide freshwater to communities.
Can you boil saltwater to make it drinkable?
No, simply boiling saltwater is not enough to make it drinkable. Boiling water alone does not remove the salt. The process of desalination involves separating the salt from the water. While boiling water does kill bacteria, pathogens, protozoa, and viruses, it does not permanently remove the salt from saltwater.
How to Make Saltwater Drinkable through Desalination
To make seawater drinkable, you need to decontaminate, purify, and remove the salt. Drinking large quantities of saltwater can be dangerous for your organs and does not effectively rehydrate you. There are several methods to separate salt from water, including basic equipment and boiling.
5 easy ways to make saltwater drinkable at home
Here are five innovative ways to make saltwater drinkable using basic household items:
- Stove Top: Use a pot, lid, stove, and metal cup.
- Solar Desalination: Use a large bowl, cup or smaller bowl, sheet of plastic, and a small pebble or rock.
- Solar Desalination #2: Use a bowl or container, plastic sheet, and small rocks.
- Aquamate Solar Still Emergency Water Purification Inflatable Kit.
- Megahome Countertop Water Distiller.
3 innovative DIY ways to make saltwater drinkable with basic everyday supplies from home
- Stove Top: Use a pot, lid, stove, and metal cup.
- Solar Desalination: Use a large bowl, cup or smaller bowl, sheet of plastic, and a small pebble or rock.
- Solar Desalination #2: Use a bowl or container, plastic sheet, and small rocks.
1. Stove Top: Use a pot, lid, stove, and metal cup
To create a stove-top distillation setup, place a metal cup in the center of a pot. Pour saltwater into the pot, surrounding the cup. Be careful not to let any saltwater enter the cup. Then, place a lid with a handle upside down on the pot, allowing the lid to collect the water vapor as it evaporates. Slowly bring the water to a boil on low heat, ensuring a good seal between the lid and pot to prevent steam from escaping. The condensed water droplets will collect on the lid and drip into the cup, leaving behind the dissolved salt. Let the water cool before drinking.
2. Solar Desalination: Use a large bowl, cup or smaller bowl, sheet of plastic, and a small pebble or rock
In this solar desalination method, fill a large bowl with saltwater, leaving enough space for a smaller cup or bowl in the center. Cover the bowl with a tightly sealed sheet of plastic wrap, making sure it hovers directly over the smaller cup. Place a small rock or pebble on top of the plastic wrap, directly over the cup. The sun will evaporate the water, and the plastic wrap will collect the condensation, which will then drip into the cup. After a few hours, you’ll have fresh drinkable water.
3. Solar Desalination #2: Use a bowl or container, plastic sheet, and small rocks
This method involves creating a solar still. Dig a pit in the ground and place a bowl at the bottom to collect the condensed water. Cover the pit loosely with a plastic sheet, ensuring that the lowest part of the sheet hovers directly over the bowl. Use stones or objects to hold the plastic sheet in place. Leave the setup overnight, and in the morning, you can collect water from the bowl. This process requires direct sunlight for optimal results.
2 easy ways to make saltwater drinkable with handy devices
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Aquamate Solar Still Emergency Water Purification Inflatable Kit: This portable kit provides an inflatable solution for water purification. It harnesses the power of the sun and does not require electricity. While it may be slow, it offers convenience and ease of use, making it ideal for emergencies.
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Megahome Countertop Water Distiller: This device converts one gallon of water into steam, which is then condensed into distilled water. It operates on electricity and provides an automatic and efficient way to distill water. The Megahome distiller is effective in removing contaminants from water, ensuring its drinkability.
In Conclusion
Converting saltwater into fresh drinking water is possible using various methods. With the Earth’s abundance of saltwater, it is beneficial to know how to obtain drinkable water from seawater. Whether you choose the DIY approaches or opt for convenient devices, like the Aquamate Solar Still or the Megahome Countertop Water Distiller, having access to safe drinking water is empowering. Prepare for emergencies and explore these methods to make saltwater drinkable. Good luck!
