Water is essential to our survival, but dirty water can kill us. When you go out camping you need to ensure you have the means to access fresh clean bug free water. If you are exercising outdoors (hiking or other outdoor activities) the absolute minimum intake is two liters per day. It is far better to drink one liter per hour, especially if it is hot, or if the hiking is strenuous. Do not rely on thirst to tell you to drink – when you are thirsty you are already getting dehydrated.
Signs that water is contaminated include the following:
- Nothing living in the water: If you cannot find any signs of life in the water, it is very likely to be unfit for drinking. If plants and animals cannot live in the water, it may contain poisonous chemicals.
- Oil film on surface: Runoff from roadways can deposit petroleum-based oil in the water. If you see a rainbow slick on the surface, this is a sign of pollution.
- Foul Odor: Foul smelling water is sure to be foul tasting as well, but the damage caused by drinking it may well extend beyond the taste buds.
There are basically five ways to purify water for drinking and two natural sources of pure water. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Boiling: Water can be purified by boiling for five to ten minutes. Be sure it really boils though.
Iodine: Iodine is added to water as a solution, crystallized, or in tablets. The iodine kills many — but not all — of the most common pathogens present in natural fresh water sources. Carrying iodine for water purification is an imperfect but light weight solution for those in need of field purification of drinking water. There are kits available in camping stores or on Amazon that include an iodine pill and a second pill that will remove the iodine taste from the water after it has been disinfected.
Chlorine: Chlorine-based bleach may be used for emergency disinfection. Add 2 drops of 5% bleach per liter or quart of clear water, then let stand covered for 30 to 60 minutes. After this it may be left open to reduce the chlorine smell and taste.
Filtering: Water filters are also used to make water potable. These filters are usually small, portable and light (1-2 pounds), and filter water by working a hand pump. Dirty water is pumped via a tube through the filter, then out into another flexible tube and directly into a water bottle. These types of filters work to remove bacteria, protozoa and cysts, all of which can cause disease. These water filters should not be confused with devices or tablets that are water purifiers.
Water purifiers: Water purifiers satisfy higher EPA standards, and also remove viruses, such as hepatitis A and rota virus, among others.
Water from Snow: You can collect pure water from clean snow if available. Collect a pot full of snow and heat. You will want to add a little water to the pot or you can burn an aluminum pot with the air pockets in the snow.
Collect Rainwater: Use a tarp, bucket or other method to catch and collect rainwater that does not require purification.
Collect Dew: In the morning when the dew is still on the grass (or rain) wrap your legs in a clean t-shirt or dishcloth and go for a walk in the grass. You can wring clean water from the cloth and go get more.
Solar still: A solar still can be used to extract pure water from just about anything that is wet. Start by digging a hole 25cm deep. Place a small container in the center of the hole – this will catch the water. Place damp matter (chopped up cacti, wet leaves, etc.) in the hole around the container, and then cover the hole with a transparent plastic sheet. Weight down the edges of the plastic sheet so that it cannot slip into the hole, and place a small weight (such as a small rock) in the center of the sheet. This weight should be situated directly over the center of the container. As sunlight penetrates the sheet, it evaporates the water from the damp material in the hole. The water vapor rises until it reaches the sheet, where it condenses. As the water collects on the underside of the sheet, it runs downhill to the weight where it drips off, and hopefully, falls into the container. This will even work with urine (but reserve that for a real emergency). This is perhaps the toughest way to find fresh water but it can work in the desert and other difficult situations where water is scarce.
Selected Plants: Some plants contain usable water. Learn which ones can be a source of water in your area if you plan to spend a lot of time in the wilderness.
