Water and desalination
Posted by NotAQuiltnB@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 9 comments
I have been looking at water purification. I live next to a salt water bay. Am I correct in thinking that water purification will not be sufficient due to the salt content or will the tablets suffice? Thank you in advance for your input!!
Savag3k1ller@reddit
Don't they have water distillers for $50-$100? They will desalinate the water.
Sharp-Tax-26827@reddit
Boil the salt water underneath a plastic tent.
The water will evaporate and be caught by the plastic and drain into some other containers for further purification.
When the water is all boiled away you’ll be left with sea salt in one container and salt free water you’ve collected in other containers
GornsNotTinny@reddit
You could buy a still. It won't be cheap, but it's almost foolproof. I'd shoot for stainless. I have a copper one, but it eventually gets green corrosion, and you don't want that in your water.
You can also make a still fairly cheaply with a stainless pot and some plumbing fittings. Teflon/PTFE gasket material and some compression fittings on the lid, attach tubing and you're set. Then just seal the lid to the pot with flour paste or whatever. Apply fire, et voila! Fresh, pure water.
Financial_Resort6631@reddit
I know they have portable systems for kayaking and small boats. They are not cheap. https://www.lrse.com/products/copy-of-katadyn-survivor-35-watermaker?variant=35393152910&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_media=cpc-pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22347534912&gbraid=0AAAAAC1gmbpl6YDaoFZgw3tHxWQI-fnwu
Monarc73@reddit
You are correct. Desalinating is a HUGE energy cost, and must be done even BEFORE you attempt to purify, especially if you are going to do that via boiling. There are lower-energy methods, but tend to require more time and effort, btw.
-Thizza-@reddit
Only reverse osmosis or a still will separate the salt.
Ryan_e3p@reddit
Purification tablets will do nothing to desalinate. You want distillation.
Here's a camping-sized one you can easily make on the cheap: DIY Salt-Water Survival Bottle (Compact Desalination Kit)
Xsiah@reddit
Water purification tablets kill bacteria. They won't remove twigs, salt, or fish from your water.
fenuxjde@reddit
That's correct. A desalination rig is a huge energy waste. You may have a low water table though and could potentially dig a well with significantly lower salt. You'd still need to boil and filter at a minimum.