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DIY Guide

Four free / low-cost atmospheric methods — no electricity. Pick what fits your climate and materials.

Sandwich Filter NetSolar Basin StillNight Radiative CondenserDew Pit Air Well
DIY mesh fog net
~$50

DIY Sandwich Filter Net

Multi-layer mesh that captures fog/dew AND filters water simultaneously. No electricity. Anyone can build with local materials.

Materials

Layer 1: 40% Shade Cloth (2m × 2m)$5-8

Fog capture + debris | Replace: 2-3 years

Layer 2: Mosquito Netting (2m × 2m)$3-5

Particle filter | Replace: 1-2 years

Layer 3: Cotton Fabric (2m × 2m)$4-8

Bacterial filter | Replace: 6-12 months

Layer 4: Activated Charcoal (1kg)$5-10

Chemical removal | Replace: 3-6 months

Frame + gutters + bucket$14-25

Structure, collection, storage

Open assembly guideMaterials & specs
Solar basin still in sunlight
~$10-30

DIY Solar Basin Still

Sun heats a black basin; vapor condenses on a clear cover and runs into a clean trough. Ideal for purifying dirty or brackish water — zero electricity.

Materials

Black basin / tray (40–60 cm)$3-8

Heat absorber + source water

Clear glass or PET cover$5-12

Condensation surface (slight slope)

Food-safe trough + tubing$2-5

Catch distillate

Seal (clay / foam / tape)$1-3

Trap vapor under cover

Clean jug with lid (5–10 L)$2-5

Store distilled water

Open assembly guideMaterials & specs
Night radiative condenser under open sky
~$40-80

DIY Night Radiative Condenser

A sky-facing panel sheds heat to the cold night sky, cools below dew point, and drips condensate into a tank. Best under clear arid skies.

Materials

Radiative panel (Al / white film) 1×1 m$15-30

Night-sky cooling face

Insulation backer$8-15

Keep cold on the face

Aluminum / copper fins$10-20

Condensation area

Drip channel + tubing$3-6

Route droplets to tank

Collection tank 5–10 L$4-8

Overnight storage

Open assembly guideMaterials & specs
Dew pit air well at dawn
~$0-40

DIY Dew Pit Air Well

Stone-lined pit stays cool; moist night air condenses on rock and drains into a jug. Ancient air-well idea — mostly labor and local stone.

Materials

Local stone / rubbleFree–$20

Condensation mass

Gravel layersFree–$10

Drainage + airflow

Food-safe jug 10–20 L$3-8

Catch runoff

Cover grate / mesh$2-5

Safety + debris screen

Open assembly guideMaterials & specs

Humidity quick reference (Filter Net)

High Humidity (>70%)
10-20 L/day
Moderate (40-70%)
5-10 L/day
Low Humidity (<40%)
2-5 L/day

Shared advantages

No grid power — fully passive
Local materials where possible
Start tiny, scale with more panels / pits
Pair still with nets for drinkable water
Soneium-ready when you verify & sell excess
Safe builds — cover pits, food-safe plastics only
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