How to Find Water in the Wilderness & Elsewhere

Knowing how to find water in the wild is important. Actually, there are many ways you can find water, whether you are in a desert or forest.

First, look for surface water, such as streams, rivers and lakes. Running water such as springs or streams in isolated areas at high altitudes is probably safe for consumption. Be aware that, for instance, melted water from ice and glaciers contains bacteria in abundance. If you are not familiar with the area, and are unsure about the water quality, purify the water. Take no risk.

In areas where no surface water is available, dig into damp soil and allow this muddy water to settle and become clear or learn how to make a water filter. Be careful of stagnant water with little or no signs of life.

To increase your chances of finding water, look for the following:

· Valleys and low areas are places where water naturally drains.

· Rock crevices. Rainwater may have been collected.

· Muddy or damp ground.

· Patches of green vegetation indicate water of some sort.

· Places where animal tracks converge, maybe a water source nearby?

· Insects, as they often stay close to water.

· Birds, as they will often circle a watering hole.

How To Make A Water Filter

Knowing how to make a water filter is important, if the only water you can find is dirty muddy water. There are a number of different ways to make a water filter. One simple way is to use sand. Sand is nature's way of purifying water.

Simple sand water filter

1. To start with, you need a container. If you can find a large, empty can, use it. Punch 5-10 holes in the bottom of the can. A large plastic bottle is also fine. Cut the end of the bottle off evenly. If there is no container available, you have to use what material that nature can provide, or that you brought with you.

If you find a birch tree, make a cone of birch bark. The cone will need to have a fairly small hole in the bottom. Tie the cone with rope to keep it from opening up.


2. First, you need to stop the sand to get out of the container.
Find some filter material you can place at the bottom. For instance:

• a couple of inches (centimeters) of pebbles.
• a grass mesh, make sure it’s nonpoisonous grass.
• or cotton material.


3. Add a layer of gravel. The main purpose of the gravel layer is to strengthen the filter material and prevent sand mixed with the water you get from the filter.


4. Fill your bottle or cone with sand.


5. Collect some water. Pour your collected water through the filter. Catch it in another container at the bottom. Look at the water that comes out of the filter. It should be clear. If not, you may have to pass the water through the filter more than once.


Safe water

Now you know how to make a water filter, but to get safe water to drink, you also have to purify your water. The water may still contain harmful bacteria that your filter did not remove.

To improve your water filter, add a layer of charcoal between the gravel and sand layer. Get charcoal from your fire, crush it, not to powder but just fine gravel size.