Systems and methods for generating a thin film of a fluid are described. In an embodiment, a fluid support structure may be configured to receive a fluid, such as water, at a top surface and to support the fluid over at least a portion of the top surface. Channels may be formed in the top surface of the fluid support structure. Wiper blades may be configured to move over the top surface in contact with at least a portion of the fluid to form the fluid into a thin film. The wiper blades may include protrusions corresponding to the channels. As the wiper blades move over the top surface, the protrusions may move within the channels forming a thin film of the fluid within the channels. According to some embodiments, the fluid support structure may be configured as an evaporation surface configured to facilitate the evaporation of the fluid.