How To To Find Water From Your Surroundings
There are many ways to collect water when out in the countryside. Olivia Beardsmore shows us the best ways to find drinkable water in the wilds.
Step 2: Finding water
When looking for water you must consider your environment, if you are in a valley then go to the bottom as that is where water will drain to. If you cannot find a stream or pool, then look for patches of green vegetation and try digging there, there may be water just below the surface which will collect in the hole. Even gullies and dry stream beds may have water just below the surface. As a general rule if you can find lush green vegetation, you should be able to find water.
Step 3: Dew and rain collection
Tie a piece of material around your ankle. This could be a towel or a T-shirt, and simply walk across a patch of grass. The material will absorb the dew, and can then be wrung out.
Leave out containers, or create pockets in your camp either by using your kit, or the environment around you to collect water.
Step 4: Condensation
This method only works when there are leaves on the trees. By tying a plastic bag around a leafy branch, evaporation from the tree will produce condensation in the bag.
Step 5: Solar still
Dig a hole in the ground about 1ft wide and 1/2ft deep, depending on how much space you have. Place a can in the bottom and cover the hole with a sheet of plastic. Place some stones to secure the edges of the plastic at the edge of the hole and one smaller stone in the centre to create a cone. Heat from the sun will raise the temperature of the air and the soil as the air becomes saturated, water condenses on the underside of the plastic and runs down into the container.
Step 6: Water purity
If you are unsure about the purity of the water you have collected then use a water purification method. This can be done by boiling, or filtering the water. If this is not suitable then purification tablets are best, there are many types on the market so always check the label when using this method.
