Solar distillation of salt water works. I've done it. I am less inclined to purify water solely with one method. I utilise both mechanical and chemical resources, conditions permitting. I have tried solar stills to produce water. Once locally ( Oak Riparian Woodland), The Joshua Tree high desert near Edwards AFB and Death Valley. I tried in spite of believing my references that it will not work. I failed to generate anything but a miniature sauna with perhaps a few tablespoons of water at best. My sweat equity was far greater. AArdvark's efforts were not a failure. He learned firsthand, as did his students.His students hopefully realized there are few steely eyed, charismatic Rambo-McGyver with all the answers. <br><br>