GRIDFALLSurvival
← All guides

Water · 1 hour to build · Intermediate

Solar Still: Distill Drinkable Water

Turn salt water, urine or contaminated water into pure distilled water using only sunlight and plastic.

This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.

Ask AI about this

Warning

A pit still yields only about 1 pint per day—never rely on it alone. Distillation removes salt and germs but some volatile chemicals (fuels, solvents) can carry over.

  1. 01

    Dig the pit

    Dig a bowl-shaped hole about 3 ft wide and 2 ft deep in a sunny spot. Damp soil gives more water.

  2. 02

    Place the cup

    Set the cup in the center bottom. Surround it with green leaves, or a pan of salt/dirty water—never let it splash into the cup.

  3. 03

    Cover and seal

    Lay plastic over the pit, sealing edges with soil so no vapor escapes.

  4. 04

    Make the drip point

    Put a small rock in the plastic's center directly over the cup so it sags into a cone 12–18 in. down.

  5. 05

    Collect

    Sun evaporates water; it condenses on the plastic and drips into the cup. Use a tube to drink without opening the still.

  6. 06

    Build a better one

    For a long-term still, use a sloped glass box over a black tray of water with a gutter at the low edge—produces 1–2 qts per sq. yd per day.