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Wilderness survival: Finding water to drink

the plastic to create an apex. Make sure the underside of the reverse' apex of the plastic runs over the can. The sun raises the temperature of the air and soil below, producing vapour. Water then condenses on the underside of the plastic, running down into the container. This is effective if it is hot by day, and cold by night. This kind of still should collect about 1 pint of water over a 24 hour period.

If you have a tube, we can also get water through a process called, distillation. Pass a tube over a water-filled container, placed over a fire and the other end of the tube into a sealed collecting tin. We all know what it is. Water vapour will condense and droplets will form in the tube which then runs into the other tin. As long as you are able to direct the steam to a collection vessel, you are okay. This type of method is used if you suspect the water is contaminated or undrinkable - therefore you would distill it to extract pure water. Never drink urine or seawater. But both can produce water if distilled. Like the movies, don't distill blood! For they can carry diseases. Unless you want to 'cannibalize' your friend for the sake of procuring water, then that's another story which cannot be covered under this topic.

Ice yields twice as much as water from snow for half the heat. To heat snow, melt a little in a pot and gradually add more. Fill the pot, and a 'hollow' will form at the bottom as the snow melts, making the pot burn. Water!

Plants are water collectors; for they trap water in their cavities. Water are stored in their roots, and in some species their trunk. Learn the different types, for they are many that we can't cover here.

Lastly, water can also be found in animals. Water can be extracted from their eyes by sucking them. All fishes contain drinkable fluid. Larger fishes in particular, have a reservoir of fresh water stored along their spine. Gut them flat, carefully remove the backbone and drink it. If you really need to, you can still suck up any juices left in the fish; only be careful not to suck up any fish juice in the flesh, for they are rich in protein content, and fluid in your vital organs will be used to digest them.

How to find water in a survival situation? Keep a clear head; water can be found.
What we've discussed applies to a situation we would seldom face. In all our travels bring lot's of water according to our ability to carry it. If you can't remember all this, then know this one: Ration Your Sweat, Not Your Water. Irony is it?

Learn more about this author, Adrian Hummer.
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Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Wilderness survival: Finding water to drink

  • 1 of 13

    by statesofminds

    Finding drinking water in the wilderness can be a difficult and daunting process, but it is possible, even in the desert.

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  • 2 of 13

    by Jerica Collins

    There are actually many ways to find water in the wilderness whether you are in a desert or forest. First of all don't just

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    Water is needed by all forms of life, humans included. Our bodies are made of 50-60% water, so we must drink copious amounts

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    by Jack Thornton

    The basic question of 'How to find fresh water to drink during wilderness survival' is better phrased as 'How do you avoid

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  • 5 of 13

    by Adrian Hummer

    Our need for water is an essential part of survival. The human body loses 2-3 litres (4-6 pints) a day. In a survival situation,

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Wilderness survival: Finding water to drink

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