Clean drinking water is high on the survival checklist, second only to shelter. The fragility of the human body means that it can only survive a day or two, maybe less, without clean water to drink. Water is necessary to regulate the body’s temperature and allow maximum physical performance.
Without doubt, in the case of a natural disaster or being stranded out in the wild there will be little if any water. That’s why it’s important for you to think outside the box and make yourself familiar with different methods of finding water.
Most importantly, do not rest until you have found some sort of drinking water – ‘procrastination is the thief of time’ and time is the thief of your body’s precious resources.
Nature, in many and varied ways, provides us with the essentials needed for our survival. Common sense, keen observation, creativity and a clear and open mind are the tools you will need to rely on when faced with such danger.
SURFACE WATER
The most obvious step, if you find yourself stranded without drinking water, is to try and locate a surface water source nearby. Freshwater lakes, rivers or streams are the most likely places to find it are going to be located in valleys or low-lying ground.
Firstly, make a physical scan of the area. Most topography maps will show water sources, or at least low-lying ground, however, in the absence of a map, position yourself at a high vantage point – maybe high ground or a treetop – and visually scan the area for signs of water or damp ground. (continue reading)