Survival Skills Saturday: Securing Safe Drinking Water
Survival Skill Saturday: Securing Safe Drinking Water
Welcome to another Survival Skill Saturday at WLD MTN, where we're here to equip you with the knowledge you need to thrive in the great outdoors. Today, we're diving deep into the vital skill of securing safe drinking water when you're far from the convenience of home. In our modern world, clean water flows from our taps with ease, but what do you do when you're outside the comfortable amenities of civilization? Join us as we explore obtaining potable water in the wild, from backpacking adventures to survival scenarios. You might find yourself backpacking with all the right gear but underestimated your water needs. Or you could be traveling in a less developed region where tap water is unsafe. Perhaps you're facing a survival situation without access to clean water, or maybe you're living in an area with a temporarily contaminated water source.
So, how do you procure clean drinking water in these situations?
The approach you choose can vary based on your location, budget, the duration of your need for filtering materials, and other factors. There are numerous methods for filtering and purifying water, but the terminology can be confusing and non-standardized, especially on the internet.
In this guide, we provide a crash course on water filtration and purification for camping, survival, and travel. We'll discuss the risks of consuming untreated water, clarify essential terminology, explore the pros and cons of various methods, and offer guidance on the best techniques for different scenarios.
Understanding the Risks of Drinking Contaminated Water
In both the wild and areas with poor sanitation practices, water can become contaminated with bacteria and parasites through contact with humans and animals, their waste, and even their remains. Common waterborne illnesses in the wilderness include giardiasis, dysentery, cholera, and various other infections. Symptoms typically involve intestinal issues, which can be especially problematic when dehydration is a concern.
In survival situations, drinking untreated water should only be a last resort. Remember the adage in wilderness survival: "Doctors can treat giardiasis, but they can't treat the dead." It's far safer to treat any water from the wild or questionable sources to avoid debilitating illness.
Does All Water Need Treatment?
In the wild, rainwater collected in clean containers and melted snow are generally safe to drink. Water obtained through transpiration or a still (assuming the plant itself isn't toxic) is usually safe as well. However, water collected from streams, lakes, dew, and other sources may require filtering and/or purification because you can't be sure of what's upstream or lurking in the ground.
In urban areas, rainwater may not be safe due to pollution from the atmosphere. In developing countries with questionable tap or well water safety, it's advisable to drink bottled water or consistently purify your water.
Purification vs. Filtration
It's crucial to differentiate between water filtration and purification, as they are not interchangeable terms. Some situations may require both filtration and purification, while others may need just one method. Understanding this distinction can be a lifesaver. For instance, if you rely solely on a filter while backpacking in Africa, you could still risk contracting a deadly disease.
Water Filtration: Water filters, particularly commercially tested ones, can remove some bacteria, protozoa, and dirt from water through a cloth, or mesh net but can't eliminate viruses. In the United States and Canada, mountainous areas often have water rated as safe for filtration-only methods. Filters also improve water taste and can provide immediately drinkable water. It's important to note that filters may not completely eliminate all impurities, and there's still a possibility of negative consequences, especially in cases of poor sanitation practices.
Water Purification: Water purification methods make water safe to drink by deactivating all harmful pathogens, including viruses. Purification doesn't remove contaminants, so it's best used in conjunction with filtration for the cleanest water. Purification methods include boiling, chemical agents, and UV light, with boiling being the standard method for backwoods water purification. Boiling requires a heat source and can result in some water loss due to evaporation.
Chemical Methods (Iodine/Chlorine/Bleach)
Chemical methods use drops or tablets containing iodine, chlorine, or bleach to disinfect water and eliminate harmful pathogens:
Iodine: Apply 5 drops of 2% tincture per quart of water (or 10 drops for cloudy water) and let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking. Iodine may alter the water's taste and isn't suitable for pregnant women, those with shellfish allergies, or children who dislike its flavor.
Chlorine: Chlorine tablets can purify water over a longer period, generally around 4 hours. Chlorine dissipates over time, minimizing its impact on water taste and odor.
Bleach: Household bleach containing 5-8% sodium hypochlorite can be used for water purification. Add 2 drops per quart, let stand for 30 minutes, and then drink. Make sure to use the right bleach concentration and check the label.
UV/Solar Methods
Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS): SODIS uses sunlight to make water safe. Place a clear water bottle in direct sunlight for about 12 hours (or longer on cloudy days) to allow UV rays to kill most bacteria and microorganisms. While not always effective against all pathogens, it's suitable for survival scenarios or areas with relatively safe water.
UV Devices: Some devices generate UV light artificially to eliminate bacteria and viruses. These devices do not filter out larger particles, so it's advisable to filter water before using them.
Where to Find Water in the Wild
In any survival scenario, water takes center stage as your most critical resource. While you can go without food for days, and shelter may not be an immediate concern (unless you're facing freezing conditions), the absence of water for just 24 hours can severely deplete your physical and mental strength, making survival all the more challenging. If you go three days without hydration, your body will shut down, and your chances of making it out alive decrease significantly.
With your body needing around two liters of water per day to circulate blood, process food, regulate body temperature, think clearly, and perform essential internal processes, it's clear that water is indispensable to your survival. The good news is that, with a little know-how, water can be found in almost any environment on the planet. In this article, we'll walk you through several methods for finding water, suitable for temperate climates and various other conditions, including tropical, freezing, and desert regions.
General Methods and Tips for Finding Water in the Wild
Start With the Obvious: Streams, Rivers, Lakes: Streams and small rivers are prime water sources in the wild. Clear, flowing water is your best bet as the constant movement discourages the proliferation of bacteria. Look for small streams first. While rivers are acceptable, larger ones may contain pollution from upstream. Lakes and ponds are okay, but they tend to be stagnant, increasing the risk of bacteria. To locate these water bodies, rely on your senses. Stand still and listen for the sound of running water, even if it's some distance away. Keep an eye out for animal tracks, insect swarms, and follow the flight paths of birds, especially in the mornings and evenings. These can all lead you to water sources. In arid areas, watch for animal tracks in the sand, as they often lead to water, and observe bird behavior.
Collect Rainwater: Collecting rainwater is one of the safest ways to obtain hydration without the risk of bacterial contamination, especially in rural areas where the rain is less polluted than in urban centers. There are two primary methods for collecting rainwater: Use any available containers to catch rainwater directly. Tie the corners of a poncho or tarp between trees a few feet above the ground. Place a small rock in the center to create a depression, allowing water to collect. Combining these methods by directing the water into a container can increase your effectiveness. Always purify collected rainwater before drinking it.
Collect Heavy Morning Dew: In areas with tall grasses or meadows, you can collect substantial amounts of water from heavy morning dew. Tie absorbent cloths or grass tufts around your ankles and take a pre-sunrise walk through these areas. When the cloths are saturated, wring out the water and repeat the process. Ensure you avoid collecting dew from poisonous plants.
Utilize Fruits and Vegetation: Many fruits, vegetables, cacti, fleshy plants, and roots contain significant amounts of water. Simply collect these plants, place them in a container, and use a rock to smash them into pulp to extract the liquid. While this method won't yield a large quantity of water, it can be a lifesaver in desperate situations, especially in tropical environments where such plants are abundant.
Collect Plant Transpiration: Another straightforward method for collecting water is harnessing plant transpiration. This natural process moves moisture from a plant's roots to the undersides of its leaves, where it vaporizes into the atmosphere. However, you can capture this water before it evaporates: In the morning, tie a bag (the larger, the better) around a leafy green tree branch or shrub. Place a rock in the bag to weigh it down slightly. Over the course of the day, the plant will transpire, producing moisture that collects at the bottom of your bag. Never attempt this with poisonous plants.
Explore Tree Crotches and Rock Crevices: While these sources won't provide large quantities of water, they can be invaluable in dire circumstances, especially in desert environments. The crotches of tree limbs or the crevices of rocks can trap water. In arid regions, bird droppings around a rock crevice may indicate the presence of water inside. To access this water, insert a piece of clothing or cloth to soak up the moisture, then wring it out. Repeat if necessary and return after rain to replenish your supply.
Dig an Underground Still: Creating an underground still offers a reliable source of water and allows you to estimate how much you'll collect, aiding in rationing. Underground stills are more effective than their aboveground counterparts. Here's how to make one:
Supplies:
Container (the larger, the better)
Clear plastic sheeting
Digging tool
Rocks
Optional: a drinking tube or straw (e.g., CamelBak straw, bamboo)
Instructions:
Find a sunny area.
Dig a bowl-like pit, approximately 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep, with a smaller hole in the center for your container.
Optional: Attach the drinking tube to the container.
Place the container in the pit, allowing the tube to protrude from the hole.
Cover the hole with plastic sheeting, securing it in place with rocks and soil.
Position a small rock in the center of the sheet to create an inverted cone over the container.
If you have a tube, you can drink directly from it. Otherwise, collect water from the container's bottom and store it elsewhere.
This method utilizes moisture in the ground, which, when heated by the sun, condenses on the plastic sheeting and flows into your container. You can expect to collect approximately 0.5 to 1 liter of water per day from an underground still.
Cold/Snowy-Specific Tips
Melt Snow and Ice: In snowy or icy environments, snow and ice can be abundant water sources. However, always melt and purify snow and ice before consuming it, as eating them directly can lower your body temperature and lead to dehydration. To make melted snow or ice taste better, mix it with any other water you may have, sloshing it around until the snow or ice melts. If you're heating it, add a small amount of other water, as direct heating can scorch the snow or ice, resulting in a foul-tasting drink.
Desert-Specific Tips
Dig Wells: Finding water in desert environments can be exceptionally challenging. However, you can try digging wells in areas where you spot dampness on the ground, green vegetation, or behind cliffs and sand dunes. Even if you're not always successful, the muddy water you might obtain will need thorough filtering and purification but can still be a vital water source.
Collect Condensation from Metal: In regions with extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, condensation forms on metal surfaces. Collect this moisture before the sun evaporates it by using absorbent cloth. Be sure to place your metal items outside in the open rather than storing them in your pack.
Beach-Specific Tips
Dig a Beach Well: If you find yourself stranded near a saltwater body, you can access fresh water by digging a well on the beach. Follow these steps:
Dig a hole about 3-5 feet deep behind the first sand dune, typically around 100 feet from the shore.
Line the bottom with rocks and the sides with driftwood or other available wood to prevent the well from collapsing and to filter out sand.
Allow the well to fill up with a combination of rainwater running down the dunes and sand-filtered ocean water.
If the water tastes salty, dig further away from the shore.
Another variation is to let the water seep into the well, then heat additional rocks and drop them into the water to create steam. Collect the steam by holding an absorbent cloth over the well, wringing it out, and repeating the process. This method ensures your water is free from salt and other contaminants, although you will collect less water.
Avoid Water Substitutes
In desperate survival situations, you may be tempted to substitute water with other liquids, but in most cases, this should be avoided. Non-water substitutes typically worsen your health and vitality. These substitutes include:
Alcohol: Dehydrates you and impairs judgment.
Urine: Contains harmful body waste and is about 2% salt.
Blood: May transmit disease and has a high salt content.
Seawater/Sea Ice: Contains 4% salt and requires more water to eliminate waste than it provides, ultimately depleting your body's water supply.
While Bear Grylls famously drank his own urine in the Sahara Desert, this should be your absolute last resort. Urine is 95% water but contains waste products that, if consumed for an extended period, can lead to kidney failure as you become more dehydrated. Before resorting to such extreme measures, exhaust all the methods outlined above. With some effort, knowledge, and ingenuity, you stand a good chance of finding a genuine water source to keep you alive in the wild.
Choosing the Right Method for Different Scenarios
The best water treatment method depends on your specific situation:
For hiking or backpacking in first-world countries: Commercial filtration systems or chemical treatments are often sufficient, as the risk of viruses is low.
For international travel: Purify water in addition to filtering, using tablets, UV devices, or filters with a purifying element.
For bug-out or survival bags: Include both a filter and purification tablets, with boiling as an option when feasible.
For wilderness survival: Boiling is the first choice if you have water and fuel. If not, create a wood/tubing filter or a layered filter using natural materials.
Remember that filtering improves taste and removes impurities, while purifying ensures that water is free of harmful pathogens. When in doubt, prioritize your health and safety by treating water rather than risking illness in the wilderness. In the wild, water is your lifeline, but it can also be a source of danger if not treated properly. Always remember that filtering enhances taste and removes impurities, while purification ensures your water is free of harmful pathogens. When in doubt, prioritize your health and safety by treating water, because as they say in wilderness survival circles, "Doctors can treat giardiasis, but they can't treat the dead." Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy your outdoor adventures!