IISc develops solar still that produces 6 liters of water/hour

Technology Sep 30, 2025

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have come up with a smarter way to turn seawater into drinkable water.
Their new thermal desalination system tackles two big problems—salt buildup and low output—that usually slow down traditional solar stills.

Game-changer for off-grid communities, coastal towns

The system uses a special siphon made from fabric and grooved metal, which keeps salt from sticking around and lets more water flow through.
It can churn out over six liters of clean water per square meter every hour—way more than older methods—and works even with super salty water, all while using simple materials and solar or waste heat.
This could be a game-changer for off-grid communities, coastal towns, or places hit by disasters where clean water is hard to find.