How to Make Distilled Water from Rainwater?

You can make distilled water from rainwater using a simple stovetop distillation method.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Materials Needed:

Pour the Rainwater: Fill the large pot about halfway with rainwater. Make sure the water level is below where the bowl will float.
Place the Bowl: Carefully place the small, heat-safe bowl in the center of the pot. It should be floating on top of the rainwater.
Heat the Water: Place the pot on the stove and bring the rainwater to a boil.
Cover with the Lid (Upside Down): Put the lid on the pot upside down. This is crucial because the condensation will form on the center of the lid and drip down.
Add Ice to the Lid: Place ice on top of the inverted lid. This creates a temperature difference that encourages condensation. Replenish the ice as it melts.
Collect the Distilled Water: As the rainwater boils, the steam rises and condenses on the cool lid. The condensation then drips down into the bowl floating in the pot. This collected water is distilled.
Remove from Heat and Cool: Once you've collected a sufficient amount of distilled water in the bowl, turn off the heat and let the pot cool down completely.
Carefully Remove the Bowl: Carefully remove the bowl containing the distilled water from the pot. Be careful, as the bowl may be hot.
Store Properly: Store the distilled water in a clean, airtight container.

Cleanliness: Use a very clean pot and bowl to avoid contaminating the distilled water.
Rainwater Source: Collect rainwater from a clean surface, such as a rooftop. Avoid collecting water after long periods of drought as this may contain accumulated debris. Do not use rainwater from puddles or the ground.
Pre-filtration: Consider pre-filtering the rainwater before distillation to remove any sediment or debris. A simple cloth filter can be used for this purpose.
Safety: Be careful when handling hot water and the hot pot. Use oven mitts or pot holders.
Not for Drinking Immediately: While this method creates relatively pure water, it may not be perfectly sterile. If you plan to drink the distilled rainwater, consider boiling it for a minute after distillation for added safety.
Purpose: Understand why you need distilled water. Distilled water lacks minerals and electrolytes. It is typically used in appliances, car batteries, and for specific medical purposes (check with your doctor). Drinking only distilled water long-term is generally not recommended due to the lack of essential minerals.

By following these steps, you can create distilled water from rainwater at home.