Section 5

Section 5 - Drinking water

Pages 107 to 122

Water is essential in any survival scenario. To prevent dehydration in the first place, stay out of the sun and try not to sweat.  Water is the 5^th on the list of “Necessities of Life” and eventually will be critical in any scenario.

Sources of Water

Desert – few sources of water, carrying minimal amounts (2.5 gallons/day) is a necessity. To find water, watch local wildlife (game trails, birds, etc.), they need water too. Also, green vegetation is often an indicator of available water.

Ways to get water in a desert

·         Catch rain and collect dew (sponge up and wring out in a container)

·         Vegetation / transpiration bags (transpiration if possible)

·         Dig near wet areas in creek beds

·         Depressions in rocks may hold water

Tropical – Generally many sources of water, but disinfection is critical.

Ways to get water in tropical environments

·         Catch rain from a tree trunk (not sure what this means, but ok?)

·         Catch dew and rain with a cloth and wring out into a container

·         Water vines, fig trees, bamboo, and coconuts all have “plant water” which is an acceptable water replacement

·         On Beaches, you can desalinate water by turning it into steam and finding a way to catch the steam (coil condenser, catch the steam with a rag and wring out, A still, etc.)

Colder Climates – you still need to disinfect, but water should be available in some capacity

Ways to get water in cold climates

·         Melt snow or ice (preferably ice)

·         Streams, ponds, lakes, rivers, etc.

·         Seepages or springs

·         Melt snow and ice by using dark colored plastics laid out in the sun

·         A water machine (fill some cloth material (anything) with snow/ice and hang over a container near your fire)

A Water Transpiration Bag is method of obtaining potable water by using rooted vegetation and a plastic bag. The branches of vegetation are placed inside of bag, and tied off.  As the green plant loses water through the stomatal openings due to evapotranspiration, the vapor condenses on the inside if the plastic and can be collected. The species of plant used will make a huge difference in overall water production. Speaking from experience, this method is difficult at best to procure large amounts of water, but in some scenarios is the only option, and can be utilized to collect some water, providing a physiological benefit, and often large morale boost.

Disinfection of Water (Biological contaminants)

·         Boiling

·         Chemicals (Iodine, Potable-Aqua)

Filtration of water is an effective method if you have a filtration system. Since this publication they are getting smaller and more efficient.