Use a pot and lid that are meant to be heated on a stovetop. A Pyrex or metal cup is safest, as certain types of glass will explode when exposed to heat. Plastic may melt or deform.
Make sure the pot lid has a good seal with the edges of the pot. Without a good seal, a lot of the steam will escape and this will reduce the supply of fresh water vapor.
If the water is boiling quickly and violently, the glass may shift away from the center of the pot and the handle of the pot lid.
As the water becomes vapor, it condenses in the air as steam and on the lid’s surface as water droplets. The droplets then run down to the lowest point (the handle) and drip right into the glass. This will probably take 20 minutes or more.
You might find that the glass and fresh water will cool faster if you remove it from the pot. Be careful as you remove the glass so you don’t get burnt. Use an oven mitt or potholder to take it out.
Make sure your bowl or container is watertight. If it is leaking, your saltwater will drain away before it can form steam to condense as freshwater. Make sure you have plenty of sunlight because this method takes several hours.
Make sure the lip of the glass remains above water. You might need to weight it down with a rock to prevent it from sliding around.
Use a sturdy brand of plastic wrap so it doesn’t tear.
Make sure your rock or weight isn’t too heavy or it will tear the plastic wrap. Make sure the cup is in the center of the bowl before continuing.
This will allow you to slowly collect freshwater. This method takes several hours so be patient. After you have enough freshwater in your cup, you can drink it. It is safe and completely desalinated.
This method is most helpful if you are stranded on a beach with no fresh water. It was developed by a stranded pilot during WWII in the Pacific.
Don’t fill the bottle up too much. You will want to avoid spilling the water out the top of the bottle. Carry the water back to an area where you can make a fire.
Make sure the hose is free of kinks or clogs. See that the seal between the hose and leak stoppers is strong. This will help you to avoid any freshwater leaking out of the hose.
Make sure the seal is tight to prevent leaks. If you have any twine or tape, you can reinforce the seal with these items.
Don’t bury the gas bottle or leak stoppers. You will need to have this exposed to keep watch to make sure there are no leaks. Make sure the hose is relatively straight and free of kinks as you bury it. Place a pan underneath the exposed end of the hose. This will collect water the fresh water.
The water collected in the pan will be desalinated and safe to drink.
