Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

DIY Moisture Trap

Moisture traps, also known as condensation traps and solar stills, are most often used by survivalists for capturing drinkable water. The technique dates as far back as the ancient Incan civilizations of Peru. Modern inventions, particularly plastic sheeting, has made it easier and more efficient to capture and collect the water, yet the method has remained essentially the same. Moisture traps use the moisture that gathers overnight. So to be most effective the trap must be left open for several hours, and have a cover to prevent evaporation.

Things You'll Need

Plastic sheet
Receptacle such as a pot
Rocks
Shovel (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole so that the top of the receptacle is between 2 and 3 feet below the ground.
- 2
  Place the receptacle at the bottom of the hole, leaving a few inches of space between the receptacle and the sides of the hole.
- 3
  Cover the entire hole with the plastic sheet. Make sure there are no tears or rips. Any plastic sheet, such as a tarp or a shower curtain, can be used.
- 4
  Clamp down the edges of the sheet with rock or another heavy object. Cover these objects with dirt, creating a seal between the ground and the plastic sheet.
- 5
  Place a stone at the center of the sheet so that it covers the receptacle beneath. Press the sheet downward in to the receptacle so that it creates a funnel. The slope of the tarp should draw any water down and into the center.
- 6
  Leave the trap overnight to allow moisture to gather before digging it up.

Nature