Your Survival Guide on how to find Water in the Wilderness (2024)

Understand Your Body’s Needs

When you’re marooned in the wilderness or cast adrift on a desert island, finding water is of course more than just a thirst quencher; it’s a matter of life and death. Our body can hold out without water for only about three days. Here’s why: water plays a pivotal role in maintaining body temperature, aiding digestion, and facilitating a multitude of other internal cellular processes too. But how can you possibly find water in remote wilderness environments? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with a selection of essential techniques tailored for your survival.

Knowing the Bodies Thirst

The average human body needs a minimum of 350 ml of drinking water per day to survive, which can increase to 600 ml in tropical conditions. Add physical exertion to the mix, and you might need ten times the water. So, when your water supply is running thin, conservation is paramount and knowing how to find water, vital.

Here’s how to conserve water:

• Don’t eat. Digestion, especially fats, requires water, so eat sparingly or not at all. In fact fats require 9 times the amount of water to digest than carbs and proteins 5 times. So, if you have to eat, make it carbs.
• Keep your mouth shut. Literally. Don’t talk, breathe only through your nose to avoid unnecessary water loss. Also don’t smoke.
• Be still and seek shelter in the shade, moving only when necessary to keep cool. Becoming nocturnal is an option.

Signs of Water in the Wilderness

Keep your water bottle at the ready, as we explore the wild for signs of water sources. Look for green vegetation, lush foliage, and animal tracks, as these could indicate the presence of water nearby. Grain-eating birds and swarming insects are typically found near water too. Don’t overlook the earth beneath your feet. Wet dirt or dry riverbeds can be great indicators of underground water. Look for fluvial depressions and follow them downhill.

Rivers and Streams: A Flowing Oasis

Rivers and streams are some of the most reliable water sources you can find in the wilderness. They offer a steady supply of water, although the purity can vary.

1. Choose Wisely: Always collect water from upstream where the flow is faster, as it’s less likely to contain harmful microorganisms and contaminants compared to still or slow-moving water downstream.
2. Be Watchful: While rivers and streams are generally safer sources, they may also be contaminated by human or animal waste, especially near populated areas or animal trails. Always purify as a precaution. plenty more about that later.

Morning Dew

Morning dew may not seem like much, but it can add up to a substantial amount of water every few hours, especially in grassy areas.

1. Early Bird Catches the Dew: Start your collection early in the morning, right before the sun rises and the dew starts to evaporate.
2. Sweep and Collect: Tie absorbent cloths around your ankles and walk through tall grass or foliage. The dew will wet the cloth, and you can then wring out the water.

Snow and Ice

In colder climates or high-altitude regions, snow and ice can be plentiful and provide an excellent source of water. However, there are a few things to keep in mind eating snow is:

1. Melting Point: Never consume large amounts of snow or ice directly as it can lower your body temperature, draining calories and even leading to hypothermia. Always melt it first. To melt start with a small amount of water in a pan and add snow or you can actually burn the snow.
2. Older is Better: Choose old sea ice, when possible, as it’s less salty than newer ice. The salt has a tendency to drain out of sea ice over time, making it a safer choice.

That’s, of course, not one of the ways we collect safe drinking water on a desert island, but, nevertheless, good to know.

Rainwater

Rainwater is one of the easiest and safest ways to collect water in the wild. so long as it’s not a region of heavy industry (acid rain) It is generally pure, as it is essentially distilled water.

1. Ready, Set, Collect: Use any wide, flat object to collect the rain. This could be a tarp, the broad leaves of a plant, or even your own clothing. Palm fronds are great for angling water to your container.
2. Storage: Position your collection container in a way that it captures as much rain as possible. This can be a water bottle, pot, bamboo or any other clean container.

Underground Water

In arid desert environments, you can find water a few feet underground in sand dunes or valleys.

1. Spot the Signs: Look for areas with green vegetation or where animals seem to congregate. They might be indicators of water below the surface.
2. Dig: Dig a hole until you hit wet sand or mud, then wait for water to seep into the hole.
3. Purify: Remember, even though the water is from a natural source, it’s still crucial to purify it before drinking.

Gathering water from the land isn’t always straightforward, but with a bit of knowledge and resourcefulness, you’ll be able to quench your thirst even in the most challenging environments.

Sourcing Water from Plants

Plants can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to find water in the wild. Be cautious though, avoid any poisonous plants.

Leaf Transpiration

Leaf transpiration, a fundamental process in a plant’s life, can surprisingly become an ally in your quest for water. Transpiration is essentially a plant’s way of breathing, releasing water vapor from its leaves into the atmosphere. We can take advantage of this natural phenomena to collect drinkable water.

Here’s how to tap into this abundant source:

1. Choose Wisely: Look for a leafy, sunlit tree branch, preferably a large one. The larger the leaf surface area, the more water vapor it can release. Make sure the plant isn’t poisonous, as toxic substances can contaminate the water.
2. Prepare Your Equipment: You will need a transparent plastic bag, clear enough to allow sunlight through. The larger the bag, the more water you can potentially collect.
3. Setup: Securely tie the open end of the plastic bag around the branch, ensuring the foliage is fully enclosed. The idea is to create a mini greenhouse within the bag where the process of transpiration will take place. Make sure the seal is tight – you don’t want any precious water vapor escaping.
4. Wait: This is a game of patience. The sun’s heat will cause the plant to transpire, with water vapor released from the leaves. This vapor will then condense on the inner surfaces of the bag.
5. Harvest: As the day progresses, the condensed water droplets will start to pool at the bottom of the bag. When you’re ready to collect, carefully untie the bag, ensuring you don’t spill your hard-earned water.
6. Repeat: Remember, survival is an ongoing process. Reattach the bag or move on to a new branch and start the process again.

A word of caution: this method doesn’t yield vast quantities of water, but in a survival situation, every little bit helps. Plus, the water collected through transpiration is usually safe to drink without needing further purification, making it a worthwhile technique in your survival toolkit.

Fruits and Cacti

In rural areas and deserts, fruits, cacti like the prickly pear, and other lush vegetation can be sources of water. They can be squeezed or pressed to extract the juice. Remember, not all fruits are safe to consume, so identification is crucial. For example, on our Panamanian island, we have an apple called the Manchineel which is toxic to the point of deadly.

Coconuts

We have written a more extensive article about coconuts in this article. Palm trees, home of the coconut are called the tree of life, and for good reason. Each coconut can contain up to a staggering 500ml of fresh drinking water. Immature nuts are the best for drinking. these are the lured green nuts often still found on the tree, so you will have to devise a method to get them down. Mature nuts still provide a refreshing drink, however, the mineral and fat content is much higher. Drinking too many of these (more than 3) can even have a laxative effect, dehydrating you further. Plus of course, we know fat needs a lot of water to process, so naturally some of the water you have drunk will be used in digestion.

Turning Sea Water into Fresh Water

Finding fresh water on a desert island can be challenging. If you’re surrounded by salt water, fear not! You can distil salt water into drinking water with a little bit of ingenuity.

Solar Still

Creating a solar still is like harnessing a tiny piece of the Earth’s water cycle right at your feet. It takes advantage of the sun’s heat to create condensation, which then can be collected as fresh, drinkable water. Here’s an expanded step-by-step guide:

1. Location, Location, Location: Choose a sunny spot, preferably where the soil seems moist. A sunlit area is crucial for the success of this method.
2. Dig Deep: With a tool or your hands, dig a hole about two feet deep and wide.
3. Placement: In the centre of this pit, place your collection container. This can be any clean, empty vessel – a bottle, can, or cup. Make sure it’s deep enough so that the pit’s edges are higher than your container.
4. Cover Up: Next, cover the hole with a plastic sheet. The clearer the sheet, the better, as it allows more sunlight to penetrate.
5. Weigh It Down: Place a small rock in the centre of the plastic sheet, directly above your container. This creates a low point for water condensation to drip down.
6. Wait for the Magic: As the sun heats up the ground, the moisture in the soil will start to evaporate, rise, and condense on the underside of the plastic sheet. The water droplets will then slowly drip into your container.
7. Collection: At the end of the day, carefully remove the plastic cover and retrieve your container. You now have a small amount of distilled water ready for drinking.

Desert Island Distillation Method

If, like us, you find yourself surrounded by seawater, fear not! The process of distillation can turn undrinkable seawater into a thirst-quenching drink. Here’s a more detailed process to distil water:

1. Boil the Water: Start by boiling the salt water in a pot. If you have a lid, place it upside down on the pot; this allows the condensation to drip down instead of evaporating into the air.
2. Capture the Steam: Position a plastic bag or an empty bottle above the boiling pot to catch the rising steam. Ensure the steam is not escaping from the sides. The idea is to trap as much steam as possible.
3. Condensation: As the steam rises and hits the cooler surface of the bag or bottle, it will condense back into liquid form, leaving the salt behind in the boiling pot.
4. Collection: Finally, collect the distilled water from the bag or bottle. This water is safe to drink, as the distillation process removes the salt and most impurities.

Remember, both methods require patience and time, as they provide small amounts of water. But in survival scenarios, these techniques can make all the difference between dehydration and hydration.on.

The ABCs of Water Purification

No matter where your water originates from, ensuring its safety for consumption is paramount. Still water, surface water, runoff, or even water from an unknown source can potentially host harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Here are some reliable and practical methods to help you get your water squeaky clean.

Boiling: The Natural Disinfectant

One of the oldest and most effective methods of purification, boiling water destroys many pathogens that may be present in water. To do this:

1. Fire Up: Start a fire or use a camping stove if available.
2. Roll It: Place your collected water in a container and bring it to a rolling boil. This doesn’t just mean a few bubbles here and there – you should see vigorous, rolling bubbles throughout the pot.
3. Wait: Let the water maintain this rolling boil for at least one minute. If you’re at a high altitude (over 2000m or 6562ft), extend this time to three minutes to account for lower boiling points.
4. Cool: Allow the water to cool naturally before drinking.

Filtration: Clearing the Murky Waters

Filtration can help clear out solid impurities in the water, although it won’t remove chemicals or microscopic pathogens. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Prep Your Filter: Use an absorbent cloth, a piece of clothing, or even a coffee filter.
2. Pour: Slowly pour the collected water over the filter material (Charcoal sand etc see below). Letting the clear water collect into a clean container.
3. Repeat: You may need to repeat the process until the water runs clear. Repeat twice for the first pass.

Disinfection: Extra Layer of Safety

For added safety, especially when dealing with water from uncertain sources, chemical disinfection is recommended. Purification tablets or iodine can be used to kill bacteria and viruses. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package for effective use.

Harnessing Natural Materials for Water Purification

When conventional tools for water purification are not within reach, the natural world can offer solutions:

1. Charcoal: Obtained from burning wood until it is white-hot, charcoal serves as a filter to help remove certain impurities from water. Pack the charcoal into a container and pour the water through it.
2. Sand and Gravel: Constructing layers of fine sand and coarse gravel can create a makeshift filtration system, helping to filter out solid particles from the water.
3. Plant Power: Some plant materials, like the pads of a prickly pear cactus, can act as natural sponges, absorbing impurities while retaining the water’s moisture.

Remember, these methods can make a huge difference in improving the quality of your water, but none are 100% foolproof. Always use multiple methods of water purification when possible to maximize safety.

Water Storage in the Wilderness: Preserving Your Lifeline

Once you’ve located and purified your water, the next challenge is how to store it. Proper storage not only ensures you have a steady supply, but it also helps maintain the purity of the water.

Choose the Right Container

The container you choose to store your water in can significantly impact its quality. Here are some options:

1. Manufactured Containers: If you have them, use containers designed for water storage. These could include hydration packs, water bottles, or camping containers. They’re typically made from materials that won’t leach harmful chemicals into the water and are designed to keep the water clean.
2. Nature’s Vessels: If you’re without a man-made container, nature can provide some alternatives. Hollowed-out logs, bamboo stalks, or animal bladders can be used. However, be sure to clean these natural containers thoroughly before using them to store water.

Storage Location Matters

Where you store your drinking water can significantly impact its quality. Here are some tips:

1. Cool and Shaded: Always try to store your fresh water in a cool, shaded place. Sunlight and warmth can promote the growth of algae and bacteria. If possible, bury your container partially in the ground or cover it with foliage to shield it from the sun.
2. Away from Contaminants: Keep your drinking water storage away from places that could contaminate it. This includes areas near latrines, garbage dumps, or animal trails. The further away from potential sources of contamination, the better.

Preserving the Water

While storing drinking water, it’s crucial to maintain its cleanliness to ensure it’s safe for future consumption.

1. Cover It Up: Always keep your freshwater container covered to prevent contaminants, like dust or insects, from getting in. A cloth, lid, or even a flat stone can work as a cover.
2. Re-Purify If Needed: If your stored water has been standing for a while, it’s a good idea to re-purify it before drinking. Boiling, chemical disinfection, or filtering can ensure your water remains safe to drink.

Water is life, especially in a survival situation. Effective water collection, purification, and storage methods can ensure that you stay hydrated and healthy, even in the harshest of wilderness conditions.

Want to learn more about bushcraft? Check out our articles on

• How to catch fish without any equipment
• How to build a home
• The 3 most important things to bring

Now that you’ve got the basics, why not delve deeper? Sign up for one of our desert island survival adventures to learn more about finding water, shelter-building, navigation, and much more. Take the quiz below to find out which destination would be best for you.