Solar Water Purification: An Eco-Friendly Approach to Filtration

Solar water purification systems can be used to disinfect water for a community or for a family. Solar distillation is a proven and effective technology for water purification. Solar water purification has no moving parts, depends on the sun alone for their power, and is created to last 20 years or more. Solar water purification is excellent for use in remote areas, as they can be built on-site and needs no electricity.

Solar water purification uses direct sunlight to change contaminated water into safe drinking water. They work without filters and need very little cleaning.

Solar water purification systems are all composed a bit differently, depending on the amount of water required. But, ideally, water gathers in a basin or a tray or some type of vessel which is covered. As the temperature of the water increases due to the heat of the sunlight, the water evaporates, leaving the contaminants behind, and condenses on the side of the glass or plastic covering. Droplets of water slowly pass down the glass (or multiple tray system), to a clean water channel which in turn lets the clean water into a new, clean vessel.

For those who want to create a solar purifier, there are only basic tools needed for building it and several plans can be easily found on the Internet.

Here are the several solar water purification types available in the market. Aqua Sun Water Purification Systems are handy and self-contained systems. They are great for giving clean and safe drinking water to remote locations, but can also give safe drinking water in the case of an emergency or after a natural calamity. Aqua Sun can purify water from almost any fresh water source, including streams, creeks, lakes, rivers and even puddles. It can simply utilize solar energy or, if a vehicle is available, it can work with only 12 volts of power. The Aqua Sun system can purify up to 60 gallons of water per hour utilizing the 12 volts of vehicle power, or up to 100 gallons of water per day with solar charged batteries.

The Augustin Watercone is another choice for remote locations or simply for the average household, depending on the amount of water required. This model of solar water purification is primarily a cone shaped cover which fits into a circular base and is very simple to use. Just pour water into the bottom, cover with the cone, and place it in the sun. As the water vaporizes, it condenses on the inner wall of the cone and goes into a separate vessel. Later, lift the cone top and pour the treated water into a container. This model can purify up to 1.5 litres a day using only sunlight.

Camping or hiking lovers appreciate the solar water purification device which comes with a portable solar charger. The purifier itself does not use solar power to purify the water, but the solar charger that comes with it allows for recharging simply by using the sun’s rays.

Solar water purification is an excellent preference for those who prefer economical methods of purifying their water or for those who will often be in remote locations without another source of electricity available to them.