There’s a very good reason why DIY distilled water is becoming more popular. With the continuing evolution of more and more diseases, an increase in environmental pollution, and the general breakdown in world relations, more people look for home solutions.
Being self-sufficient is one of the ways preppers ensure they’ll be ready for when an emergency strikes. Water is one of the fundamental supplies every prepper understands they need to store in abundance. Several options already exist, including-
- Bottled
- Emergency rations
- Life straws
- Filters
- Tanks
It’s always a good plan to have a number of options up your sleeve, as well as several supply locations around your home or compound. One can never have enough options and, in this article, I’m introducing you to another. Because while you may think your plan is set in concrete, not every plan is ever foolproof.
What is Distilled Water?
Put simply, distilled water is water that has been heat-treated to such a high temperature, that it turned into a gas, then cooled enough to turn the steam back into a liquid. The resulting water supply is free from a wide variety of contaminants like-
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Some Chemicals
Anything that doesn’t turn into gas will remain in the original water container, giving you one of the purest forms of water possible. This supply of water is perfect for when you need to be sure no harmful contaminants remain. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, while distilled water sounds like the perfect water source, there is a small problem with the idea. If you plan to drink endless supplies of distilled water, you will miss out on some essential minerals the distilling process also removes from the water.
These minerals are essential for a healthy body, so you’ll need to add some of these to your diet, or into the water, to make sure you still take in these minerals.
The best way to replace these valuable minerals is to keep mineral drops in your bug out bag. This will give you a handy supply that you can add to distilled water as needed. If you don’t have access to minerals, there’s another great alternative that is also easily accessible.
Pink Himalayan salt is a great option, containing around 84 valuable minerals that you need. Just remember to take this into consideration if on a low sodium diet.
Create Your DIY Distilled Water
You do have the option to buy a ready-made model. These work just as well as the home-made versions, but can also end up costing considerably more.
It comes down to personal choice and whether your finances stretch to something like this. Whether it’s a worthwhile investment is a question only you can answer.
Step #1: Prepare the items you need
To create your own water distiller, you’ll need to obtain a few simple items. These aren’t too difficult to source, with most hardware shops stocking them.
- Large metal pot with metal lid
- Stainless steel hose barb
- 3 feet of food-grade silicone hose
- Large capture container
The only tool you’ll need is a drill and a drill bit large enough to fit the hose barb to the lid. Drill a hole into the lid and attach the hose barb. Ensure it’s a tight fit and the barb won’t slide out. With the barb in place, you’re ready to move on.
Step #2: Wash all of the equipment
The first thing you’ll need to do is wash all of the equipment in warm soapy water. This ensures you clean any harmful bacteria and chemicals from the parts.
Ensure you reach into some of the hard to get places, and also include the inside of the hose. A great way to do this is to siphon soapy water from one container to another.
Once you have scrubbed all the surfaces, rinse the parts in clean and running water to remove any soap residue. Once you finish, give the equipment time to thoroughly dry. Only when the bits have been properly washed, rinsed and dried, should you move to the next step.
Step #3: Get the water boiling
Grab your metal pot and set it up on a stove-top. Fill it to around ¾ full and heat to boiling point. Filling it too much won’t give the water a chance to turn to steam.
Once the water is boiling, place the lid on top. Take care not to let the steam burn you. Let the water steam vent from the barb for a few minutes.
Step #4: Attach to your capture container
Carefully attach the silicone hose to the barb, taking care not to burn yourself. Place the other end of the hose into your capture container and wait for the magic to happen.
It shouldn’t take long, but before you know it, the steam will liquefy in the hose and come slowly dripping from the other end, into your capture container. You now have your DIY distilled water. For other great prepping ideas, check out some of these articles.
