Question

The vehicle being used by a group of explorers has broken down in the dessert miles from anywhere. They have plenty of fuel to burn, but not enough water. The only supply of water is from a muddy pool. Explain how they could get drinking water from the muddy water using cans,pipes and the fuel they have in their vehicle.

Answer 1

They can distill the muddy water. This can be done by placing it in a can, covered with pipes to collect the boiling water, and then collecting the distillate. The fuel will be used to provide energy for distillation and the solid particles in from the muddy water will remain in the can as residue.