Water

Humans need at least 3 liters of water a day. Every survival situation requires water. When lost in the wild finding water could mean the difference between life or death, but where can water be found. Even if water can be found, how do we know if it’s drinkable? Treating water can almost be as important as finding it.

1. Why We Need Water

Water is extremely important; humans are about 70 percent water, our body uses water to: cushion joints, nourish tissues, maintain body temperature, and to filter our blood. Staying hydrated insurers a constant bowel movement, and allows all organs to function properly. If water isn't consumed regularly or not at all the human body will fall into dehydration. Dehydration could lead to organ failure, hallucinations, constipation, lethargic movements, and even death. There is, however, an easy fix, drink water. On average a human can live without food for three weeks; while humans can only live three days without water, but they're stories of people lasting five or even ten days without water. There are exceptions to every rule. Humans can certainly live longer than three days without water, but by the third day, without water, our energy is less than half, organs will shut down, movement is low and lethargic. Try making a fire, or hiking to safety without a functioning cardiovascular system. The bottom line is hydration is critical, but it’s hard to stay hydrated without water. Finding a sustainable water source is important, and might be easier than you think.

2. Finding Water

Regardless of climate or weather, water can be found. To find water it helps to take in your surroundings. Most insects like: bees, ants, mosquitoes, and flies all live within a couple of miles from water. Groups of trees or a change in shrubbery/environment are a clear signal for water. Even if the water can’t be seen it might live beneath the ground. By following clear marked animal trials could lead straight to water, but be careful some trials could lead nowhere or even to animal dens. In region’s with many: hills, mountains, or valleys some form of water can be found near the base of these land masses.

Plants are another valuable source of water and nutrients. Prickly pear, and barrel cactus are like prickly, desert watermelon; by removing their shells freshwater can easily be assessed. In tropical areas water can be obtained by cutting dense veins in half and collecting the clear fluids. Tropical trees can store gallons of fresh water in their roots. By cutting tropical trees, approximately five inches above the ground, water should start to accumulate. Another source of tropical water can be found in the base of large ferns, banana leaf plants, or in pitcher plants. In colder climates ice, snow, and slush can also be consumed to stay hydrated.

This last way of staying hydrated is highly speculated by many survivalists and should not be attempted. Human urine consists of water and salts, much like the ocean. Drinking ocean water will only increase dehydration, and cause severe abdominal pains, this is the result of too much salt. I, personally, Don’t recommend drinking urine, for similar effects will occur over time to that of drinking ocean water. Regardless where water comes from it needs to be treated to maintain a healthy body.

3. Treating Water

Treating water is almost as important as finding it. Regardless of where water is found it should be sterilized. Boiling water is the easiest way to remove bacteria and waterborne pathogens. Any canister can be used to boil water: a plastic bottle, tin can, or even a paper bag can be used over a fire. My personal favorite water boiling technique is using hot rocks. By heating fist sized rocks in a fire, carefully removing them, and one by one adding the rocks to a canister of water. Continue adding rocks until the water boils. After the water cools remove the rocks and drink.

If a more practical method of cleaning water is what you're looking for then water filters are great. Classic hand pump water filters use chemicals like chlorine, iodine, or potassium permanganate to clean water. However, most hand pumps today use reusable ceramic filters. Regardless of the filter type, to prolong and improve filter performance try using hand pumps only in clear, moving water, and keep away from mud or still water.  

Even if you’re not lost in the woods, drinking plenty of water is still important. Humans are constantly losing water even when: walking, sleeping or sitting in the shade. To help prevent unnecessary water loss laying low, literally. Sit if you don’t need to stand, and lay down if you don’t need to sit. This will help to conserve water and stay hydrated longer. If an upset stomach forms after drinking questionable water try eating charcoal, or antacids to remove stomach pain. Humans all need water to survive, so it’s important to set up camp close to a sustainable water source, and remember to treat all water regardless how clean it looks. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for next week and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment or question down below.