How to Find Water in the Wild
People can go for several days without food, but it only takes a few days to die from extreme dehydration. Our bodies are made up of 75 percent water, which means we need to replenish lost fluids on a regular basis or our organs and tissues cannot function properly. If you're lost or stranded in the wild, you need to have a game plan for finding water quickly. Learn a few wilderness survival tips and you should be able to find water in most climates and conditions.Things You'll Need
- Portable water filter
- Plastic water bottle
Instructions
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Look for a stream, lake or river by following wild animal tracks and droppings. Game animals drink directly from rivers and lakes, which means this water needs the least amount of filtering for human consumption. If you're near a hill or a mountain, head to the top. Water flows down, which means the source should be found at higher altitudes.
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Locate damp soil and dig down into it. If you don't have any tools, you can always use a stick to pry soil loose. Dig down far enough to reach a point where water begins to pool and run clear.
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Collect rainwater. It sounds easy, but it's actually quite challenging if you don't have some way of funneling water into a container. Take off your jacket (if it's made of nylon) and create a funnel so the water can run off into your collection vessel.
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Head for higher elevations and gather up some snow. Let the snow melt into a container before consuming it. Snow may harbor bacteria and should be purified before you drink it.
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Scour the wild bushes and shrubs to look for dew or water collecting on the leaves. Walk through these dense areas, preferably wearing something made of cotton, and let the dew soak into your clothing. Wring out the clothing to gather the water in a container.
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Observe the flight patterns of birds. Birds tend to hover over marshlands and lakes during the early morning hours and at dusk looking for food. Follow their lead and you just mind find water.
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