The present disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying an
impaired liquid. In a particular example, the disclosure provides methods
and systems for purifying water containing a solute. A feed stream of
solute containing water is introduced in a flow chamber. A permeate
stream of water at least substantially free of the solute is placed in
the flow chamber. A hydrophobic membrane is placed between the feed
stream and the permeate stream. A vacuum is applied to the permeate
stream. A vapor pressure differential causes water to vaporize from the
feed stream, pass through the hydrophobic membrane, and condense in the
permeate stream.