
Evaluating Water Source : Salinity
To test if water is too salty:
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- Conductivity Meter - Measures electrical conductivity (higher with more salt)
- Hydrometer - Measures density of water (saltier water is denser)
- TDS Meter - Total Dissolved Solids meter measures dissolved particles
- Salinity Refractometer - Uses light refraction to measure salt concentration
- Salt Test Strips - Similar to pH strips but for salt concentration
Approaches to Desalination
- Distillation - Boiling water and collecting the pure vapor while leaving salt behind
- Reverse Osmosis - Forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks salt
- Solar Evaporation - Using sunlight to evaporate water, collecting the vapor
- Freezing - Salt water freezes at lower temperatures; ice crystals contain less salt
- Electrodialysis - Using electricity to pull salt ions through membranes
Product review: Source Hydropanels - Ben Sullins, youtuber
Ceramic filters trap contaminants in microscopic pores, with designs ranging from pots to disks and recent improvements in flow rates and antimicrobial properties.
For best results with ceramic filters: regularly clean the filter surface to prevent clogging; pre-filter turbid water through cloth to extend filter life; and consider combining with chlorination or UV treatment for complete pathogen removal, especially when water quality is questionable.
Desalinating Water
Section 4: Removing Contamintants
Section 4: DIY Rainwater Filter Systems
Very interestng technology and approach.. Ben shares plans on this video at 3:20