Reports on the technical, practical, and economic aspects of solar distillation, with emphasis on family-sized solar stills. Report is intended to assist those working in LDC's in making decisions on use of solar distillation technology. The modern history of research in solar distillation is summarized and it is suggested that the generally accepted imminence of a technological breakthrough will take place in field work in LDC's. The report is devoted primarily to analyzing the physics of solar distillation, the climactic factors involved in solar still production, and the construction, design and operation of solar stills, especially those of the simple basin type preferable in LDC's. The report then considers the two basic constraints to the use of solar stills in LDC's -- cost and acceptability. Costs are high, exceeding the average annual per capita income, and so must be borne by a sponsoring authority. At the same time, the reasons for excessive local costs of imported materials should be analyzed. At present, solar distillation can compete with fresh water prices primarily in areas where the latter has to be transported by truck or boat. Use of solar stills is also limited by local acceptance. The stills will be accepted most readily where they are seen not to conflict with local traditions and lifestyles and where the need level for them is high. After noting special automotive, luxury, governmental and medical uses of solar distillation technology, the report concludes by reemphasizing its most significant contribution -- providing potable water -- and by suggesting several practical directions for further research. Appended are a select bibliography of recent works on solar distillation, a list of concerned institutions, and three sample still designs.