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This DIY Solar Water Still is a 3D-printable adapter designed to turn two standard wide-mouth Mason jars into a simple, portable water purification system. The bright orange adapter connects the two jars vertically, with the lower jar acting as the reservoir for contaminated water and the upper jar serving as the collection chamber for distilled water. A small outlet port on the side of the adapter allows for easy draining of the purified water via tubing. The clever triangular design inside the adapter likely helps to direct condensation from the upper jar back into the collection tube, maximizing water recovery. Ideal for emergency preparedness, camping, or off-grid living, this solar still offers a low-tech solution for obtaining potable water from questionable sources. Simply fill the bottom jar with water (even brackish or contaminated water will work), seal the system, and place it in direct sunlight. The sun's heat will evaporate the water, leaving contaminants behind, and the vapor will condense on the cooler surfaces of the upper jar. The distilled water then trickles down the sides and is collected via the outlet tube. Printing this design with a durable, UV-resistant plastic like PETG is recommended for long-lasting outdoor use. This is a great project to improve the quality of your water when you're in a pinch.
PETG — PETG, not PLA — a solar still sits in direct sun and holds hot water. PLA's glass transition is 61C, so it deforms in a hot car and creeps under sustained load. PETG holds to about 80C and still prints on any open-frame printer, no enclosure needed.
Handles heat, sun and load without an enclosure. The default for gear that leaves the house.
