How to obtain clean drinking water in a survival situation

Sharing is caring!

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Clean Water
• Identifying Water Sources
• Boiling Water
• Filtration
• Chemical Disinfection
• Advanced Purification Techniques
• Conclusion

The Importance of Clean Water

Health Risks of Contaminated Water

Drinking untreated water can pose serious health risks due to the presence of various contaminants. These can include:

Bacterial Infections:

Common Bacteria: Contaminated water can harbor bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
Symptoms: Infections can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Risks: Severe cases can result in dehydration, kidney failure, or even death, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Parasites:

Types of Parasites: Waterborne parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common in untreated water.
Symptoms: These parasites can cause gastrointestinal issues like severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Risks: Persistent infections can lead to malnutrition and chronic health problems.

Viruses:

Common Viruses: Norovirus, hepatitis A, and rotavirus can be present in contaminated water.
Symptoms: Viral infections can cause vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and other flu-like symptoms.
Risks: Viral infections can be particularly dangerous in areas with limited medical facilities, as they can spread rapidly and cause outbreaks.

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can happen quickly in survival situations due to limited access to clean water. Recognizing the signs and understanding the dangers of dehydration is crucial.

Early Symptoms:

Thirst: The most obvious and immediate sign.
Dry Mouth and Skin: Lack of moisture in the mouth and reduced elasticity of the skin.

Moderate Symptoms:

Dark Urine: A clear indicator that your body is conserving water.
Dizziness and Fatigue: Lack of fluids affects blood pressure and energy levels.
Headache: Often caused by decreased blood flow and electrolyte imbalance.

Severe Symptoms:

Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing: The body tries to compensate for the lack of fluids.
Confusion and Irritability: Dehydration affects brain function.
Sunken Eyes and Shrivelled Skin: Clear physical signs of extreme fluid loss.

Dangers of Dehydration:

Heat Stroke: Particularly in hot environments, dehydration can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
Kidney Failure: Prolonged dehydration can cause kidney damage or failure.
Shock: Severe dehydration can result in hypovolemic shock, a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention.

In a survival situation, we need to first be able to identify sources of water, purify it and then drink it.

Identifying Water Sources

Water sources can be obtained from natural sources such as rivers, streams, lakes, and rainwater.  They can also be found from unconventional sources such as plant transpiration, dew collection, and digging for groundwater.

Rivers

Where? Follow the terrain: rivers are typically found at lower elevations, flowing through valleys and lowlands.  Look for lush, green vegetation, as it often indicates a nearby water source. Look also for animal tracks as they often lead to water sources, including rivers.  Characteristics? Rivers have a noticeable, continuous flow of water. They are usually larger and louder than streams, making them easier to locate.

Streams

Where? Streams are common in forested and mountainous areas, often fed by rainfall or snowmelt.  Many streams eventually flow into larger rivers. Characteristics: Streams are smaller and have a gentler flow compared to rivers. Often, streams have clearer water because of their continuous flow, which helps to reduce sediment buildup.

Lakes

Where?: Lakes form in natural depressions or basins in the landscape. Look for clusters of trees and plants that thrive in moist conditions. Characteristics: Unlike rivers and streams, lakes are bodies of still or slow-moving water. They usually cover a larger surface area, making them more visible from a distance.

Rainwater

Where?: Look for natural depressions or rock formations that can collect rainwater. Use any available containers like pots, tarps, or plastic sheets to collect rainwater directly. Indicators: Be aware of local weather patterns and times when rain is likely. Collecting dew from plants and surfaces in the early morning can also provide small amounts of water.

Plant transpiration

Plants release water vapor through their leaves, which can be collected using a clear plastic bag.  Use a clear plastic bag and a piece of string or a rubber band.  Find a leafy branch of a non-toxic plant.  Place the plastic bag over the branch, ensuring some leaves are inside the bag.  Secure the bag tightly around the branch with the string or rubber band. Position the bag so it receives plenty of sunlight. Water vapor from the leaves will condense inside the bag, forming droplets that can be collected.

Dew collection

Dew collection is another effective technique. Dew forms on surfaces overnight as moisture in the air condenses. Early morning is the prime time for collection before the dew evaporates. You can use an absorbent cloth or sponge to wipe dew off grass, leaves, or other surfaces. The collected moisture can then be wrung out into a container. This method is particularly useful in areas with high humidity and cool nights.

Digging for groundwater

Digging for groundwater is a more labor-intensive but reliable method. Groundwater can often be found in low-lying areas, near rivers, lakes, or in dry riverbeds. Look for signs such as lush vegetation or damp soil, indicating the presence of water below.  Identify a likely spot where groundwater is close to the surface, such as a dry riverbed or a depression with green vegetation. Dig a hole about a foot in diameter and as deep as needed until you hit moist soil.  Allow the hole to sit for a while. If groundwater is present, it will begin to seep into the hole.  Use a container or cloth to collect and purify the water.  

In dry riverbeds, dig near the outer bends where water is more likely to collect. Look for areas where the soil is damp or discolored.  Dig a hole and wait for water to seep in from the surrounding soil.  The deeper you dig, the more likely you are to reach a water table. 

Basic Water Purification Methods

Boiling Water

Boiling is one of the most effective and simple methods to purify water and make it safe for drinking by killing pathogens. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Collect Water: Gather water from the cleanest available source to minimize contaminants. Even if the water looks clear, it might still contain harmful microorganisms.

2. Filter Debris: If the water contains visible particles, filter it through a clean cloth, coffee filter, or any improvised filter like a bandana. This helps remove dirt, sediment, and larger impurities.

3. Prepare Your Boiling Vessel: Use a clean pot, kettle, or metal container that is safe for heating. Ensure the container is large enough to hold the amount of water you intend to purify.

4. Boil the Water: Place the container on a heat source, such as a campfire, stove, or portable burner.  Bring the water to a rolling boil, which means that the water should be bubbling vigorously with lots of movement.

5. Maintain the Boil: Keep the water at a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill most pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. If you are at an elevation above 6,562 feet (2,000 meters), boil the water for at least three minutes because water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes, and pathogens are more resilient.

6. Cool and Store Safely: After boiling, remove the container from the heat source and let the water cool down. Avoid adding ice or other substances that could recontaminate the water.  Store the boiled water in a clean, covered container to prevent contamination. If you have access to a bottle with a cap, it’s ideal for storage.

7. Optional Filtration: If the boiled water has a smoky or metallic taste from the container or heat source, you can improve the taste by aerating it. Pour the water back and forth between two clean containers to reintroduce some air.

Boiling does not remove chemical contaminants. If you suspect the water has chemical pollutants, you will need to use another purification method.

Filtration

Filtration is a practical method to remove physical impurities and some microorganisms from water using improvised filters made from readily available materials such as cloth, sand, and charcoal. Here’s how to create and use these filters effectively:

1. Gather Materials

Cloth: Use a clean piece of cloth, such as a cotton t-shirt, bandana, or any other fabric that can act as a basic filter to remove large particles.

Sand and Gravel: Collect sand and gravel from a clean source. These materials will act as multiple layers of filtration to remove smaller particles.

Charcoal: Charcoal from a campfire can be used, but it should be finely crushed. Activated charcoal, if available, is even better as it has a larger surface area and is more effective at adsorbing impurities and some chemicals.

2. Create the Filter

Container: Use a plastic bottle, a metal can, or any hollow container that can hold the filtering materials. Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle to create a funnel shape.

Layering the Filter:

• Base Layer: Start with a piece of cloth at the bottom of the container to prevent the finer materials from falling out. Secure the cloth with a rubber band or string if necessary.
• Charcoal Layer: Add a layer of finely crushed charcoal on top of the cloth. This layer helps to remove odors, impurities, and some pathogens.
• Sand Layer: On top of the charcoal, add a layer of sand. Sand filters out smaller particles and some bacteria.

• Gravel Layer: Finish with a layer of gravel or small stones. This helps to keep the sand in place and filters out larger debris.

3. Using the Filter

Pre-filter the Water: If the water contains large debris or particles, pour it through a cloth first to remove the bigger impurities before using the improvised filter.

Filter the Water: Pour the pre-filtered water slowly into the top of your improvised filter. Allow it to pass through each layer. Collect the filtered water in a clean container placed below the filter.

4. Additional Steps

Repeat the Filtration: For best results, you may need to run the water through the filter multiple times. Each pass will make the water cleaner.

Boil the Filtered Water: Filtration alone does not remove all pathogens. To ensure the water is safe to drink, boil it after filtration to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, or protozoa.

5. Maintenance and Replacement

Replace Materials: Periodically replace the filtering materials, especially the cloth and charcoal, as they can become clogged with impurities over time.

Keep Clean: Keep the filtration setup as clean as possible to avoid recontamination. Use separate containers for collecting dirty and clean water.

Filters can remove bacteria, parasites, and some chemicals. They cannot remove viruses.

Chemical Disinfection

Chemical disinfection is another way to purify water. The most common chemicals used are chlorine and iodine. Here’s how to use them:

Iodine Tablets

1. Read Instructions:
   • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging for the correct dosage.
2. Dosage:
   • Typically, one tablet treats one liter (or one quart) of water. Adjust the number of tablets based on the volume of water you are treating.
3. Procedure:
   • Collect the water you need to treat.
   • Add the appropriate number of iodine tablets to the water.
   • Shake the container to ensure the tablets dissolve completely and distribute evenly.
4. Waiting Time:
   • Let the water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cold or cloudy, wait for 45 minutes to an hour.
5. Taste and Smell:
   • Iodine can give the water an unpleasant taste and odor. To improve the taste, you can use flavoring agents like drink mixes or vitamin C tablets after the purification process is complete.

Check out Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus from Amazon here.

Chlorine Drops

1. Read Instructions:
   • Follow the specific instructions provided with the chlorine drops for the correct dosage.
2. Dosage:
   • Typically, two drops of chlorine per liter of water are sufficient. However, this can vary based on the product and water quality.
3. Procedure:
   • Collect the water to be treated.
   • Add the specified number of chlorine drops to the water.
   • Stir or shake the container to mix thoroughly.
4. Waiting Time:
   • Allow the water to sit for at least 30 minutes. If the water is very cold or turbid, extend the waiting time to one hour.
5. Safety and Taste:
   • Chlorine-treated water may have a slight chlorine taste, which is generally less pronounced than iodine. Ensuring proper dosage and waiting time will help minimize any potential taste issues.

Check out Ef-Chlor Water Purification Tablets (17 mg – 100 Tablets) from Amazon here.

Other Disinfectants

1. Purification Tablets:
   • There are other types of purification tablets available, such as those containing chlorine dioxide. Follow the specific instructions on the packaging for dosage and waiting times.
   • Chlorine dioxide is effective and leaves less taste compared to iodine or chlorine.
   • Check out Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets from Amazon here.
2. Bleach (Unscented):
   • In emergency situations, unscented household bleach can be used. Use 8 drops of bleach per gallon of clear water, or 16 drops for cloudy water.
   • Stir well and let the water sit for at least 30 minutes. The water should have a slight chlorine smell; if not, repeat the process and wait an additional 15 minutes.
3. Stabilized Oxygen:
   • This is another chemical option where specific dosage and instructions will be provided with the product. It is generally less common but effective for water disinfection.

General Tips for Chemical Treatments

• Pre-filtering: Always pre-filter water through a cloth or other filtering device to remove large particles before using chemical treatments.
• Storage: Store treated water in clean, covered containers to avoid recontamination.
• Check Expiry Dates: Ensure that your chemical disinfectants are within their expiration dates for maximum effectiveness.
• Understand Limitations: Chemical treatments may not remove chemical pollutants, heavy metals, or physical debris. They are primarily for killing microorganisms.

Advanced Purification Techniques

Solar Disinfection (SODIS)

Solar Disinfection (SODIS) is a simple and effective method for purifying water using the power of sunlight. This technique utilizes UV radiation from the sun to kill harmful microorganisms in the water, making it safe to drink. Here’s how you can use SODIS:

Materials Needed:

• Clear Plastic Bottles: Use clean, clear plastic bottles (preferably PET plastic, which is usually indicated by a recycling symbol with the number 1). Avoid colored or opaque bottles as they reduce the effectiveness of sunlight penetration.
• Sunlight: A sunny spot where the bottles can be placed undisturbed for several hours.

Steps for Solar Disinfection:

1. Collect Water:
   • Gather water from the available source. If the water is very cloudy or murky, pre-filter it through a cloth or allow the sediment to settle before using SODIS. Clearer water allows more sunlight penetration, increasing the effectiveness of the disinfection.
2. Fill the Bottles:
   • Fill the clear plastic bottles with the water. Fill them to the top, leaving as little air as possible to maximize the UV exposure to the water.
3. Shake the Bottles:
   • Shake the bottles vigorously for about 20 seconds with the caps on. This helps to oxygenate the water, which can enhance the disinfection process.
4. Place the Bottles in Sunlight:
   • Lay the bottles on a flat surface where they will receive direct sunlight for at least six hours. If you’re in an area with partly cloudy conditions, extend the exposure time to about two days. For fully cloudy days, it’s best to wait until you have a sunnier day to ensure proper disinfection.
   • Alternatively, you can place the bottles on a reflective surface like aluminum foil to increase the amount of sunlight hitting the bottles.
5. Exposure Time:
   • The minimum exposure time is six hours in full, direct sunlight. If the weather is partly cloudy, extend the time to two days. It is crucial that the bottles remain in direct sunlight for the entire duration.
6. Storage and Use:
   • Once the water has been exposed to sufficient sunlight, it is ready to drink. Store the disinfected water in the same bottles or transfer it to a clean container. Keep the water covered to prevent recontamination.

Benefits and Considerations:

1. Benefits:
   • Accessibility: SODIS requires minimal resources—just sunlight and plastic bottles.
   • Cost-Effective: It’s an inexpensive method, especially useful in resource-limited settings.
   • Ease of Use: Simple steps make it an easy method for anyone to follow.
2. Considerations:
   • Bottle Condition: Ensure the plastic bottles are clean and free of scratches or discoloration, as damaged bottles reduce the effectiveness of UV penetration.
   • Climate Dependence: This method relies on sunny weather, which might not be feasible in consistently cloudy or rainy regions.
   • Water Clarity: The method is most effective with clear water. Heavily turbid water should be pre-filtered.

Effectiveness:

SODIS effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making the water microbiologically safe to drink. However, it does not remove chemical contaminants or toxins, so it is best used with water sources that are not chemically polluted.

Solar disinfection is not effective if the water is cloudy or if the bottle is not clear.

Distillation

Distillation is a method of purifying water by boiling it to produce steam and then condensing the steam back into liquid water, leaving most contaminants behind. This process is effective in removing bacteria, viruses, salts, and many other impurities. Here’s how to build and use a simple distillation apparatus:

Materials Needed:

• Heat Source: A campfire, stove, or portable burner.
• Boiling Container: A metal pot or kettle.
• Condensation Container: A clean bottle or container to collect the distilled water.
• Lid or Cover: A lid that fits the boiling container or a makeshift cover that can channel steam.
• Tubing: Heat-resistant tubing to direct the steam. Copper tubing is ideal, but silicone or plastic can work if they can withstand the heat.
• Cooling Mechanism: A coil of tubing can be cooled by immersing it in a bucket of cold water or wrapping it with a wet cloth.
• Sealant: Clay, putty, or heat-resistant tape to seal connections and prevent steam leaks.

Steps to Build the Distillation Apparatus:

1. Prepare the Boiling Container:
   • Fill the boiling container with the water you want to purify. Do not fill it completely; leave some space for boiling

2. Set Up the Lid or Cover:
   • Secure a lid or cover on the boiling container that has an opening for the tubing. The lid should be tight enough to prevent steam from escaping.
3. Attach the Tubing:
   • Connect one end of the heat-resistant tubing to the opening in the lid. Ensure the connection is sealed well to prevent any steam from leaking out.
4. Create the Cooling Mechanism:
   • Coil the tubing and place it in a bucket of cold water, or wrap the coiled section with a wet cloth. This cooling section will help condense the steam back into liquid water.
5. Set Up the Collection Container:
   • Position the other end of the tubing above a clean bottle or container where the distilled water will be collected. Ensure the end of the tubing is securely placed to avoid any spills.
6. Seal All Connections:
   • Use clay, putty, or heat-resistant tape to seal all connections where steam might escape. This includes the lid connection and any joints in the tubing.

Using the Distillation Apparatus:

1. Heat the Water:
   • Place the boiling container on the heat source and bring the water to a boil. As the water heats up, it will produce steam.
2. Condense the Steam:
   • The steam will travel through the tubing and into the cooling mechanism, where it will condense back into liquid water.
3. Collect the Distilled Water:
   • The condensed water will drip out of the end of the tubing into the collection container. This water is now purified and safe to drink.
4. Monitor the Process:
   • Keep an eye on the apparatus to ensure that the water continues to boil and that the tubing remains cool enough to condense the steam effectively.
5. Safety Precautions:
   • Be careful when handling the boiling container and tubing, as they will be very hot. Use gloves or cloths to protect your hands.

Benefits and Considerations:

1. Benefits:
   • Effective Purification: Distillation removes a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, salts, and many chemicals.
   • Versatility: Can be used with various types of water sources, including seawater and polluted water.
2. Considerations:
   • Energy Intensive: Requires a continuous heat source, which can be resource-intensive in survival situations.
   • Time Consuming: The process can be slow, especially for larger quantities of water.
   • Equipment: Requires specific materials and setup, which might not always be available.

UV Light Purifiers

UV light purifiers are a convenient and effective method to disinfect water by using ultraviolet (UV) light to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Here’s how to use portable UV light devices for water purification:

How UV Light Purifiers Work

UV light purifiers use ultraviolet light, specifically UV-C light, to penetrate the cells of microorganisms. The UV-C light damages the DNA and RNA of these pathogens, rendering them unable to reproduce and effectively killing them. This makes the water safe to drink.

Using a Portable UV Light Purifier

1. Choose the Right Device:
   • Select a portable UV light purifier that suits your needs. Popular brands include SteriPEN, PureWater, and other similar devices. Ensure the device is charged or has fresh batteries.
2. Prepare the Water:
   • Collect the water you need to purify. If the water is cloudy or contains large particles, pre-filter it through a cloth or coffee filter to improve the effectiveness of the UV light.
3. Follow Manufacturer Instructions:
   • Each UV light purifier will have specific instructions. Generally, you’ll need to turn on the device and immerse the UV lamp in the water.
4. Agitate the Water:
   • Stir the water with the UV purifier to ensure that all the water is exposed to the UV light. Most devices require you to agitate the water for a specific period, typically 60-90 seconds for one liter of water.
5. Completion:
   • Once the specified time has passed, the UV light purifier will typically turn off automatically, or you’ll receive an indicator that the process is complete. The water is now disinfected and ready to drink.

Check out the SteriPEN ULT-MP-EF SterPen Ultra UV Water Purifier from Amazon here.

Benefits of UV Light Purifiers

1. Effective Against Pathogens:
   • UV light purifiers are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making the water microbiologically safe to drink.
2. Quick and Convenient:
   • The purification process is fast, usually taking only 60-90 seconds per liter of water. Portable devices are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for hiking, camping, and emergency situations.
3. No Chemicals:
   • UV light purification doesn’t involve adding any chemicals to the water, so it doesn’t alter the taste or smell.
4. Low Maintenance:
   • UV purifiers require minimal maintenance, often just a recharge or battery replacement. The UV lamp will need replacement after a certain number of uses, as specified by the manufacturer.

Considerations and Limitations

1. Clear Water Requirement:
   • UV light is less effective in turbid or cloudy water because particles can block the light from reaching microorganisms. Pre-filtering is essential for optimal performance.
2. Battery Dependency:
   • Portable UV purifiers require batteries or a power source. Ensure you have spare batteries or a way to recharge the device, especially on extended trips.
3. No Removal of Chemicals:
   • While UV light effectively kills pathogens, it doesn’t remove chemical contaminants, heavy metals, or sediments. Use additional filtration if these contaminants are a concern.
4. Device Durability:
   • The UV lamp is fragile and can be damaged if the device is dropped or handled roughly. Protect the device during transport and use.

Commercial filters

Commercial portable water filters like the Sawyer and LifeStraw are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone needing access to clean drinking water in emergency situations. These filters are designed to remove harmful bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants from water, making it safe to drink. Here’s a closer look at each:

Sawyer Water Filters

Features:

1. High Filtration Capacity:
   • Sawyer filters are known for their impressive filtration capacity. For example, the Sawyer Mini can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water before needing a replacement.
2. Effective Filtration:
   • These filters remove 99.99999% of bacteria (such as salmonella, cholera, and E. coli) and 99.9999% of protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium).
3. Versatile Use:
   • Sawyer filters can be used in various ways: directly from a water source with a straw, attached to a hydration pack, screwed onto a standard disposable water bottle, or used with the included squeeze pouch.
4. Portable and Lightweight:
   • The Sawyer Mini weighs just 2 ounces, making it extremely portable and easy to carry in a backpack or emergency kit.
5. Easy Maintenance:
   • These filters can be backwashed using the included syringe to clean and restore flow rates, ensuring long-term use.

Usage:

1. Direct Drinking:
   • Drink directly from a water source using the filter as a straw.
2. Squeeze Pouch:
   • Fill the included pouch with water, attach the filter, and squeeze the clean water into a container or directly into your mouth.
3. Hydration Pack:
   • Integrate the filter with a hydration pack for continuous clean water on the go.

Check out the Sawyer SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System, 2-Pack, Blue and Green from Amazon here.

LifeStraw Water Filters

Features:

1. Simple Design:
   • The LifeStraw is a straightforward, straw-like device that allows you to drink directly from water sources.
2. Effective Filtration:
   • It removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa. LifeStraw does not remove viruses, chemicals, or heavy metals.
3. Lightweight and Portable:
   • Weighing just 2 ounces, the LifeStraw is easy to carry, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and emergency kits.
4. High Filtration Capacity:
   • Each LifeStraw can filter up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of water, providing long-term use for individuals.
5. No Batteries or Moving Parts:
   • The LifeStraw operates without batteries or moving parts, reducing the risk of malfunction and ensuring reliable performance.

Usage:

1. Direct Drinking:
   • Simply place one end of the LifeStraw into the water source and suck water through the straw.
2. Personal Use:
   • Ideal for personal use in various outdoor scenarios or emergency situations where clean water is not readily available.

Check out the LifeStraw Peak Series – Solo Personal Water Filter from Amazon here.

Conclusion

Purifying water is essential in a survival situation. There are many methods to choose from, depending on the resources you have available. Boiling, chemical disinfection, solar disinfection, filtration, and natural filtration are all effective ways to make water safe to drink. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. Always purify water before drinking it in a survival situation.

Sharing is caring!