Need better solution for water evaporation

Master_Shake · Post by **Master_Shake** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:05 pm

hi,

Last year our water evap ponds didn't work so well. I am looking for a better solution.

What forum should I be in for this?

Also, looking to build a nice solar power system. I built a small scale one for last year. Time to build a bigger collection system for electricity.

Mike

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:42 pm

You probably want to find out about "wicking." I'm not sure if that's a good enough term to search on, though. Although using "evaporation pond", especially in the "Q&A, Tips and Tricks" section will get you side discussions that lead to good things. The other option is some sort of pumping over small metal things that become large surfaces in aggregate. Well that's how all the grey water systems work, really. The problem with mechanical pumping is the crap in the gray water clogs up the pump.

Have fun.

Trishntek · Post by **Trishntek** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:43 pm

Hi Mike and welcome to eplaya! I have some pics posted on the "Harbor Freight" Thread in Questions and Answers http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 73&start=0 which might interest you concerning solar power.

Our evap pond worked quite well using 2x6 frame, 8 feet square, covered with black plastic stapled all around. Using a black pipe frame for showers, we would soak a towel and hang it to enhance evaporation. We also swept the water to spread it over the plastic,,,, everyone in camp would do this as they walked by the pond. It worked very nicely.

Turnip · Post by **Turnip** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:13 pm

Take a few towels, soak up water and string them on a line over the evap pond.

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:28 pm

Water evapoarates at about 1 quart per hour, while boiling. Thinking about using a burn barrel to do the job...and keep us warm at the same time.

Post by **Elderberry** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 6:46 am

Trishntek wrote:Hi Mike and welcome to eplaya! I have some pics posted on the "Harbor Freight" Thread in Questions and Answers http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 73&start=0 which might interest you concerning solar power.

Our evap pond worked quite well using 2x6 frame, 8 feet square, covered with black plastic stapled all around. Using a black pipe frame for showers, we would soak a towel and hang it to enhance evaporation. We also swept the water to spread it over the plastic,,,, everyone in camp would do this as they walked by the pond. It worked very nicely.

I would agree that sweeping the water in the pond after showering really works well.

MoonSplash · Post by **MoonSplash** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 5:09 pm

How big is your camp?

Wicking works wonders. There is just two of us at our little camp. The first year we went, our system of water evap sucked and we ended up carrying back 15 jugs of stinky gray water. Our second year, I brought a ton of black towels and cut up burlap I picked up at thrift stores, and used those to wick up gray water. All day long every day, we soaked up the pieces and hung to dry. Repeat ad nauseum. We only brought back 2 jugs of stinky gray water. It was worth the extra effort.

DB Cooper · Post by **DB Cooper** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 5:27 pm

parachutes are key to everything

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 6:53 pm

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=12911

Check it out. Would work well with 12 volt solar.

Lord Of Ruin · Post by **Lord Of Ruin** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:26 am

motskyroonmatick wrote:http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=12911

Check it out. Would work well with 12 volt solar.

Yup...that's the thread I was lookin' for to recommend. Actually, if you read through the whole thread, it goes into a VERY in depth discussion of a whole host of methods that have been tried of the years.

Can save hours of wasted effort. It was reading that thread that made my chuck my ideas and truck my water back out, leaving more time for fun stuff.

To each his/her own.

LoR