Many people may not think about it or know much about what to do if they find themselves in a situation where they need water and there is no clean source nearby. This article will discuss finding a water source when you’re in the woods.
Contents
If You Do Find Water, Clean It!
There are certain ways to find clean water when in the woods. The first way is to boil it for several minutes. This will help to ensure that the water is safe and even kill most parasites, bacteria, or fungi. Other methods of treating your water include using a filter, chemicals, or ultraviolet radiation (UV). Filtering the water will eliminate parasites and bacteria so that the water is safe to drink. There are filters made specifically for this, but a coffee filter from your supplies will work if you need to purify some water.
Look For Over Grown Vegetation
One of the best ways to find water is by looking for overgrown vegetation. A good sign of a natural, clean water source is overgrown plants and grasses that are located near a water supply. If you’re in an area with no trees, look for a place where it looks like it has been raining, and plants and grasses are starting to grow. Another sign of a water source could be changed in plants and flowers. If you see a sudden change in the color of flowers and grasses, it could mean that there is clean water nearby.
Moist Rocks
Another way to find water is by looking for moist rocks, which could mean there’s water underneath. You can do this by using your hand to pick up any stones you come across and checking for moisture or wetness. You can even check a large flat rock by dragging your fingernail across the surface of it. This will let you know if there is water that could be collected underneath because, after long periods, rocks collect water that comes from above ground and store it below their surfaces.
Use Your Hearing
You may be able to find water if you use your hearing. Many animals need water just as much as humans do, so they will often come out to drink near the edge of a river or stream during the daytime. This is when fewer predators are around, and you can hear them getting a drink from their source. If this happens, you should be able to find the water source, which you can collect for yourself. Another way to use your hearing is to stand as still and quiet as possible and listen for the sound of moving water. If you hear this, follow its sound to find your water source.
Dig A Hole
If you’re stuck in the woods without a source of water, don’t worry too much because you can still make one if you have small supplies. Digging a hole is especially helpful if all you have is a backpack or bag with minimal supplies. You should dig down about three feet and be able to see if there’s any water down below. If you find some, make sure to cover the hole back up to evaporate or spill out.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should know how to find a water source in the woods. It’s important to note that these methods will only work if there isn’t already running water around. So if you come across a river or stream of any kind, follow it until you find an area where it is shallow. This way, you’ll be able to get the water you need from the source. To do this properly, make sure you gather as much water as possible and store it for later use. Always remember to do your best to clean any water you find before drinking it!