How To Drink Safe Water & Where To Find It

Water Gathering

River/Stream/Creek

Only gather water from a moving water source. Do not gather water from a stagnant (non-moving) puddle or small shallow pond as this has a greater chance of containing germs that can make you sick. This water may need to be filtered first (if there are bits of things like sand or debris) and then drink it using the water filter straw or the boiling method.

 

Rain

Collect rainwater using your water bottle and your bowl. You can also use your mylar blanket to collect rain by digging a small hole about a foot deep, then lining the hole with the mylar blanket. Secure the edges of the mylar blanket with heavy rocks so it doesn’t slip in when it fills with rainwater. This water should be drank using your water filter but most likely doesn’t need to be boiled first.

 

Condensation

Using your mylar blanket, you can collect water from the air during a humid (wet and warm) day. First, find the right spot. You are going to have to suspend your mylar blanket off the ground (think like a very low sun shade) and this spot needs to be sunny. Dig a small hole in the ground, about a foot deep. Suspend your mylar blanket over the hole, like you are giving the hole shade using your paracord and your duct tape. Tie the ends to branches or use sticks stuck up in the ground to attach your mylar blanket to. Put your bowl or open water bottle in the middle of the hole. Put a small light pebble in the center of the blanket so it hangs down a little, right over the bowl or the open water bottle. The mylar blanket should look like a funnel with the pointy tip facing down. Do not poke a hole in the mylar blanket center. When the sun shines on the blanket, it makes the water from the ground and air turn into little drops that form on the underside of the mylar blanket and will slide down and drip into the bowl. This is called condensation, and it can help you collect water to drink. This water should still be drank using your filter straw or the boiling method.

 

Leaves & Plants

On warm and wet days, you can collect water that has gathered on the leaves in the morning, called dew, or after a rain. This can be generally be drank without boiling or using your filter straw but be careful not to drink off of plants you don’t know because some can hurt you if they are poisonous. When in doubt, boil it or use your water filter straw.

Water Purification Methods

Water Filter Straw

A water filtration straw helps filter and clean the water of harmful elements so you can drink safely. To use it, put the straw into the water and suck like you’re drinking from a regular straw. The straw has a special filter inside that catches dirt and bacteria so the water you drink is cleaner and safer. Always use your water filter straw when you’re not sure if the water is clean.

Water Bottle

If you need to make water safe to drink, you can use your stainless steel water bottle to boil it over a campfire. First, fill your bottle with water from a stream, lake or other water source. Then, carefully place the bottle near the hot part of the campfire or on some hot rocks—not right in the flames, so it doesn’t get too hot too fast. Let the water get really hot and start to bubble—that means it’s boiling. Keep it at a rolling boil (big bubbles) for 2 full minutes to kill germs that can make you sick. If the bubbles fade, you must start your timer over again. It has to boil for 2 full minutes straight. You can count the time by slowing saying out loud to yourself “1 peanut butter, 2 peanut butter,……” all the way up to 120. When it’s done, carefully take the bottle away from the heat and let it cool before you drink. NEVER TOUCH A HOT BOTTLE WITH YOUR BARE HANDS!

 

Water Filter

Using your bandana or a tshirt, fold it once or twice to make a thicker cloth. Then, hold the bandana/tshirt over a clean container like your bowl or water bottle. Slowly pour the dirty water through the bandana—the cloth will catch leaves, dirt, and bugs. This won’t get rid of all germs, but it will remove a lot of the sand, leaves and other bits of large dirty things from the water. After filtering, it’s best to boil the water or use a water filter straw to make it safe to drink.

 

Water Storage & Transport In Your Kit

ü  Water bottle

ü  Water storage pouch (with filter straw)

ü  2L Dry Bag can hold water

ü  2L First Aid Dry Bag can hold water