In survival situations, water quickly becomes a vital priority. The human body can endure several days without food, but rarely more than 72 hours without hydration. Dehydration affects physical and mental capabilities, significantly increasing the risks of error or serious discomfort.
This article guides you through the various natural water sources that can be found in the wild, and the essential actions to hydrate without putting your health at risk.
1. Water in cold regions
Water can be obtained from snow and ice. Here are some tips to make it a drinking source:
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Melt the snow or ice Melt the snow or ice before consuming it.
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Avoid eating snow or ice directly. : Do not eat snow or ice directly, as it can cause hypothermia and accelerate dehydration.
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Differentiating sea ice: Gray or opaque sea ice is salty and must be desalinated, while bluish sea ice contains little salt and can be used without desalination.
2. Water in the sea
Water can be found in several ways at sea:
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Sea water : Never drink seawater without desalinating it. Use a desalination kit if available.
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Rain : Collect rainwater using tarps or containers. If your tarp is sold, wash it first with seawater.
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Sea ice : As for cold regions, follow the same recommendations.
3. The water on the beach
It is possible to collect water on the beach in different ways:
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Dig a hole to collect water : Dig a hole in the sand to allow water to accumulate there.
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Use heated stones to generate steam You can also heat stones in the fire and under water to create steam. Absorb this steam with a cloth and wring it out to extract the water.
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Recovering steam from seawater: One alternative is to boil seawater and collect the steam with a cloth.
4. Finding water in the desert
In the desert, water can be found by digging or observing the environment:
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Sun : Dig a hole in the following places: valleys, concave riverbanks, cliffs or rocky outcrops, depressions behind sand dunes, and areas with green vegetation.
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Cactus : Cut off the top part of the cactus and press on the chair to extract the liquid. This can be difficult without a suitable knife, due to the thorns and tough bark.
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Rocks and cracks : Water can accumulate in the cracks of rocks. Insert a flexible tube to siphon the water.
5. The water from the dew
Dew can be collected by tying rags or grass around your ankles and walking through the dew-covered grass before sunrise. Then twist the rags to collect the water in a container. Repeat the process until you have a sufficient amount.
6. Indices of water presence
Several signs in nature can indicate the presence of water:
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Bees and Ants Their presence near a tree trunk may suggest a hole filled with water.
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Condensation on metal : Water forms on metal surfaces due to day/night temperature variations. Use a cloth to absorb the water.
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Signs in the Desert : Abandoned camps, animal tracks, ashes from a fire, flocks of birds in circles, or the chirping of birds early in the morning can be signs of the proximity of a water source.
7. The water coming from plants
Some plants can provide drinking water:
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Green bamboos : Bend a bamboo stick and tie it. Cut the top part so that the water drains at night.
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Bananas and plantains : Cut the tree about 30 cm from the ground and dig out the stump to collect the water that accumulates.
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Tropical climbing plants : Make a high notch on the stem and cut the base to collect water in a container.
8. Liquids to avoid
Some liquids should be avoided as they can worsen dehydration:
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Alcohol : Dehydrate the body and impair judgment.
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Urine : Contains toxic waste and about 2% salt.
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Sang Very salty, its digestion requires additional water.
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Sea water : Very salty (4% salt), it accelerates dehydration.
Do not consume any liquid that is gummy, milky, or bitter, as it may be harmful.
Conclusion
Water is crucial for survival, and there are many techniques to find it and make it drinkable. Know the water sources 'Natural skills are an essential survival skill. In extreme situations, the ability to spot, collect, and preserve water can make all the difference between life and death.'
It is therefore essential to learn to observe one's environment , has use natural signs , and to equip oneself with simple yet effective tools to ensure access to drinking water, wherever you are.
