Solar Stills

In a desert environment finding a water source is an obvious priority. One example of a sustainable source of water is the solar still.

A solar still is simple to construct and requires minimal materials:

a section of plastic sheeting
a container of some kind to catch water (cup, bowl, etc)
a small weight

A trash bag has thousands of uses but being part of a solar still is one of the primary reasons why I carry at least one trash bag in my kit. A solar still is essentially a hole in the ground with a water container at the bottom and a piece of plastic sheeting as a ceiling. As evaporation naturally occurs inside this hole, the rising moisture is trapped by the sheeting, creating condensation. A rock or other weight is placed on top of the sheet, creating a low point for the condensation to travel down to, placing drops of pure water directly into your container below.

To start, simply dig a hole in the ground about 12" deep. Place your container at the bottom of the hole in the center. This hole will be your "evaporation chamber."

It's not required to put anything in the hole, but putting green plants or even urinating inside the hole adds moisture to the environment, increasing your production of water. Rest assured, the toxins in your urine evaporate completely, leaving only the water. This I can attest to from personal experience, and taste and smell are not effected at all.

Cover the hole completely with the plastic and secure the sides with sand and rocks. Place your small rock or weight directly above your container, and simply wait.

Do not expect to get gallons or even full cups of water from doing this. Expect half a day to produce perhaps a decent sized gulp of water. Create multiple solar stills and remove water daily for best results. Solar stills need only time and sun.

In the desert any amount of water, large or small, is vital to survival. I use solar stills only to supplement the water I already have or if I absolutely have no other options at my disposal.