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Luke_Porter's avatar
Luke_Porter
Explorer
Aug 09, 2020

Salt water purification

Know of a small salt water purification system?
  • For a RV? A reverse osmosis system would require a lot of filter cleaning. I would look at a system for a boat.
  • I second miltvill's advice. You might check out what is available for boats on WestMarine.com.
  • Luke Porter wrote:
    Know of a small salt water purification system?


    I’m probably wrong with this, my memory isn’t that great.....but, I think with an RO System, the reject water is about 4X the good water. memtb
  • Yes, there is quite a lot of waste with RO systems. They are incredible when it comes to their purification capabilities, no denying it, but the water waste just doesn't make it a worthwhile solution, not in my opinion at least.

    Why not try a filter pitcher? I don't know any specifically for salt water, but there should be some that can handle it too, I guess. You could even install a small countertop water filter, should work just as well. With classic-style cartridges, no RO membrane involved.

    I'm pretty sure that you can improvise a purification system of your own too, I know I once read a neat guide, I'll look for it and link it here if I do find it. Nonetheless, whatever you do, steer clear from the wasteful RO system.
    https://www.instructables.com/id/Salt-Water-Purifier/
    https://www.optimainstitute.com/water/alkaline-water-pitcher.html
    https://popular.reviews/countertop-water-filter/
    https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/desalination
  • How much fresh water (in gallons) do you need on a daily basis? Is this water for general utility use and/or for drinking? Is the primary source ocean water or some other brackish source?

    If the quantity is fairly low, (under 5 gallons per day) and you have good sun exposure, space availible, a clean source of water, a solar still may work. (distillation) They are a lot of work/maintenance and temperamental.

    Chum lee