Simple salt removal to get fresh water

Scientists in the US have developed a membrane-free, solvent extraction method to remove salt from seawater that works at low temperatures. 

Access to clean, fresh water is a necessity. Unfortunately, supply is becoming over-stretched and there is a struggle to meet demand. As a result, the development of desalination technology (the conversion of salt water to fresh water) has become increasingly important. More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/March/18031105.asp