"Distillation ... materials that vaporize at lower temperatures will come off before the water does. If the water is contaminated by alcohols and lighter petroleum products they will get through."

Just wondering... would there be any benefit to open, uncovered heating of the water so the vapors of those low-temp chemicals would leave the water first, then go to regular distillation. I'm talking if there was no other water to be had.

Sue

Yes. The other option is to discard the first 10% and last 15%of whatever is distilled over. Switch out the receiving container to collect only the middle portion of the fluid. Redistill the water a second time removing the same cuts if you are really concerned the water may be contaminated. You'll lose a fair amount of water but the water you do collect will be safe.

-Blast

Thank you very much, Blast!

I'm moving your info over to my saved into, very useful.

HEY, STEPHANIE M! See what I mean? These guys always know!

Sue

Katadyn Pocket

any thoughts on this unit. I am looking for a grab and go package. I like the filter life on it too.

For chemicals brita filters aren't a bad choice for a cheap easy to find solution. While they do not get rid of nasties They do take care of a handfulla chemicals. The only issue would be the slow drip method they work off of.