While most people are well acquainted with the dangers of excessive heat or cold, many people are not as familiar with the dangers presented by dehydration. Therefore, locating a source of fresh, drinkable water in a survival situation is of paramount importance.
1. Look for water in valleys and depressions
Because water always flows downhill it is where the landscape is the lowest in elevation compared to the surrounding terrain. Consequently, in order to find water in the wilderness, look for it in valleys, depressions and low lying areas.
2. Look for water in shaded areas
If you’re stranded in an arid or semi-arid environment, then you should look for water in shaded areas such as draws and canyons where the sun cannot evaporate it as quickly as in direct sunlight.
3. Dig a shallow well
If you happen to find yourself on a coastal plain or saltwater island, then being aware that rainfall often accumulates in the soil and that it floats above the saltwater in the soil can be your salvation. Often times, digging a shallow well can provide a source of fresh water.
4. Follow the birds
Many bird species that feed exclusively on grains tend to do so throughout morning and then fly to a source of water in the afternoon before heading to their roosts. Thus, following these bird species can lead you to water.
5. Avoid drinking still or stagnant water
Once you have located a source of fresh water, you should avoid drinking still or stagnant water if possible, because it’s more likely to contain microbial contaminants such as Giardia.
6. Filter, treat, or boil still or stagnant water
If still or stagnant water is the only source available, then filtering said water, treating it chemically or boiling it before drinking it, is a wise idea. Consequently, water purification tablets, numerous types of water filters and various desalination filters are available that will enable you to safely consume water drawn from even the most unpleasant of sources.
Harris Norman is a 30-year-old hiking guide, former fitness instructor and part-time blog writer at www.prosurvivalist.com. His favorite past times are fishing, painting and spending time with his dogs in his home town of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Healthy living and wellbeing have always been Harris’s main occupation. He’s a certified fitness instructor and in the last ten years, he’s taken up hiking and trekking as a way of staying in shape and keeping his inner peace. He shares his experiences and advice on http://www.prosurvivalist.com/ as one of its revered writers.
