| Making Water to Drink |
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Most scientists believe that Mars once had oceans of water, early in its life. Water may no longer flow on the surface today, but it most
likely is just below the surface in the form of an ice and sand mixture. The water laden sand could be brought to the surface and placed in a tank that is heated by the sun. The liquid
water produced would be filtered, sterilized and pumped into well insulated storage tanks for later use. |
| Another method would extract water from deep below ground by forcing hot water down holes drilled into the ground. The water,
heated by concentrated sunlight, would melt the ice below which could then be pumped to the surface. |
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As discussed above, water would also be used to form rocket fuel and oxygen to breathe. If truly oceans of water is discovered, there will be
many more things that could be done with it. |
| Water will be a precious commodity on any Mars settlement and will therefore need to be recycled. Urine, washing and cooking
water waste will all need to be treated and made available for drinking and cooking over and over. |
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