WATER: LIQUID GOLD IN A SURVIVAL
SITUATION
A REPORT FROM ORGANIZED PREPPER, LLC.
WATER: LIQUID GOLD IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
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CONTENTS
Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Water Storage ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Bottled Water ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Rain Barrels ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Water Tanks .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Repurposing Plastic Bottles for Water Storage ..................................................................................................... 7
Manmade Ponds ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Swimming Pools/Hot Tubs .................................................................................................................................... 8
Purification/Filtration ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Why You Must Purify all Water ............................................................................................................................. 9
Purification and Filtration—Are They the Same? ................................................................................................. 9
Purification Tablets ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Purification Straws .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Boiling ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Homemade Charcoal Filter ................................................................................................................................. 11
Portable Filters .................................................................................................................................................... 12
Solar SteriPen ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Household Bleach ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Hydrogen Peroxide ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Iodine .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Hot Rock Purification .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Procuring Water ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Finding Water ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Collecting Rainwater ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Dragging for Dew ................................................................................................................................................ 16
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Natural Rock and Tree Bowls .............................................................................................................................. 17
Is Pond Water Safe? ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Solar Stills ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Melting Snow and Ice.......................................................................................................................................... 18
Condensation ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Drinking From Plants ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Water Warning Signs .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Is Urine Really an Option? ................................................................................................................................... 20
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................... 21
About Organized Prepper, LLC ................................................................................................................................ 21
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INTRODUCTION
Water is one of the most important basic needs a person needs to survive. In fact, a person can only live 3 days
without water. Many people assume food is the most important thing in survival, but they would assume wrong.
Those who are untrained in survival ways will often make the mistake of making food a priority and end up
perishing because they were unaware of their need for water. Without water, the body cannot digest food. Water
is an absolute must and should be the first order of business when you are thrust into a survival situation.
In this report, we will discuss some of the basics about storing water, cleaning and purifying it and procuring water.
When you can no longer go to the tap and turn fill up your glass with safe drinking water, you need a backup plan.
Storing water is not something you can do overnight. It takes some time and dedication. You need to devote an
hour a week or a couple of hours a month to building up your water stores.
Cost may also be an issue. You don’t want to run out and buy 20 bottles of purification tablets. That will hit your
wallet hard. Commit to buying a bottle a week or every 2 weeks. Budgeting $20 to $40 a month to your survival
water storage is reasonable. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket so to speak, either. You need to have a minimum
of 2 ways to clean and purify your water. You should also have 2 different methods for storing water.
You will learn numerous ways to store water, clean water and even how to find water. Oddly enough, all of those
discarded water bottles, pop cans and various other containers become life-saving tools in an emergency. A
survival situation that leaves you stranded without a canteen or other water-carrying devices will have you
thanking all those litter bugs who tossed their garbage into the environment.
Although you may read this guide several times over and feel as if it is forever ingrained in your brain, all it takes is
a little stress and it will be hard to remember. It doesn’t hurt to print this guide out and include it with your water
stores or in your bug out bag for reference. In an emergency, it could be the one thing that saves your life.
WATER STORAGE
Storing water for an emergency should be a top priority. You must store enough water for every member of the
family or household. If you are counting on pets or livestock, you will also need to have water stored for them as
well. However, most animals don’t need their water purified so if you are near a source of water you won’t need to
store it for them.
Water Rule: One gallon of water for each person, per day is needed.
That covers just the minimums. If you plan on doing any cleaning, you can bump that number up to 2 gallons per
person, per day. It isn’t necessary to have potable water to take care of personal hygiene needs, but you will want
some water. You also need to think about your food supply. If you have a lot of dehydrated food, you are going to
need water to make it edible. This is going to require additional water.
You are probably doing a little mental math and have just come to the alarming conclusion you need a lot of water.
How can you possibly store that much? We are going to explore some of the ways you can make sure you have
enough water for your family to survive. While the government recommends a minimum 3-day supply, many
preppers will shoot for a minimum of 30 days. There are some folks who take water very seriously and will store up
to a year’s supply. If you are going to be sheltering in place or already have a location picked out that you will be
retreating to, consider the resources.
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Is there a lake or body of water nearby? If so, you can store a little less than those who are not near water. If you
are handy, you could create an irrigation trench or construct a pipe from the body of water to somewhere close to
your shelter. Keep your water stores out of sight, if possible. Water is truly liquid gold in a survival situation. People
are going to be flocking to the water. Unless you know the people and can trust them, it is best to collect your
water when there is nobody around. Nighttime is your best bet. However, be aware of animals that will also be
using the cover of darkness to take care of their own water needs.
BOTTLED WATER
Bottled water is by far the easiest and most convenient method of storing water. Bottled water needs to be stored
in an area that isn’t too hot or too cold. Basements and root cellars are ideal locations. The storage area must also
be out of direct sunlight. If the plastic heats up, it can melt or even release toxins into the water. If it freezes, the
ice could ultimately crack the plastic and when it melts, you will be left with a mess. Heat also encourages mildew
growth.
While bottled water is certainly a great way to go, it isn’t always an option for preppers who are on a budget.
Unfortunately, it takes up a great deal of space and can be rather expensive. It helps to watch for sales at your
local grocery stores. Holiday weekends in the summer are great times to look for bottled water on sale. If you buy
in bulk, it tends to be less expensive as well. You can certainly store a few cases of bottled water and supplement
your water supply with one of the following options. In fact, if you know you are going to bug out, it is a good idea
to have at least a case of bottled water in your home. This way, you can pack a few bottles of water in each
backpack or in the back of your car for your journey. NEVER leave your home without some water to drink.
RAIN BARRELS
Why a rain barrel?
*Fact: For every 500 square feet of roof, every inch of rain equates to 300 gallons of water.
It just makes sense to have at the very minimum, one rain barrel. Unlike other preps, you can use your rain barrels
throughout the growing season to help offset your water usage by using it to water your garden or lawn. One of
the biggest hang-ups for many preppers, especially those who need to watch every penny spent, is the idea that all
the preps will go to waste if nothing catastrophic happens in their lifetime. A rain barrel can be refilled over and
over. The water collected will never go to waste.
*Please note; Utah and Washington have some laws about rain barrels. You may be required to get a permit to
use a rain barrel. Typically, this only applies to large scale operations, but if you live in an area where your rain
barrel can be easily seen, check the laws.
You can run down to Home Depot or a similar store and buy a rain barrel that is all ready to go. All you have to do
is place it under a down spout or at the end of your home’s roof. Rain barrels are just like they sound—they catch
the rain. It is a good idea to have several of these around your home. Many of the barrels you buy at the store are
rather eye-catching and come in various styles and designs. Some are designed to look like miniature houses. They
are aesthetically appealing and will certainly conform to any covenants in your neighborhood. Once full, move the
barrel to a shady place for storage if possible.
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If you don’t want to spend the hundred dollars or so that a ready-made rain barrel will cost at a home
improvement store, you can make one for about $10 with very little effort.
1. Check with local restaurants, bars, grocery stores or container companies to see if you can buy food-grade
barrels. Food-grade is critical. Never buy barrels that have been used to store chemicals. Also check with
thrift stores, yard sales and Craig’s List. You can typically find these barrels for free or for just a few
dollars. Lids are a bonus, but not necessary.
2. Head to the hardware store and purchase
A spigot
Silicone
A drill (if you don’t already have one)
1 metal washer that is slightly bigger than the spigot
1 rubber washer that will fit snugly on the spigot
You can also buy a roll of window screen for a lid
Cordage or duct tape to hold the window screen on the barrel
3. Drill a hole about an inch from the bottom of your barrel. The drill bit should be slightly smaller than your
spigot. You want the fit to be snug so water doesn’t leak around the spigot.
4. Slide one of the larger metal washers over the spigot and then slide on a snug-fitting rubber washer.
5. Spread a line of silicone around the rubber washer.
6. Insert the spigot into the hole you have made in the barrel. Press it in tightly to get a good seal.
7. Add another layer of silicone on both sides of the spigot opening to prevent leakage.
8. Cut a length of screening material that will fit over the top of the barrel. If your barrel came with a lid, you
are in luck. You will need to cut a hole in the top for the downspout to pour into. Put a piece of the
screening material over the hole to act as a filter. Leaves and other debris can and will make their way
through the downspout and into your rain barrel.
9. Use rope, wire or even duct tape to secure the screen over the rain barrel. This will keep out critters and
debris.
Place your rain barrel on a couple of bricks. Ideally, you will want it about 6 inches off the ground. This allows
gravity to create a good flow and will allow you to fill buckets, pots and pans or what not. You can even run a small
sprinkler off your rain barrel. You don’t have to have a downspout for your rain barrel. You can just as easily place
the barrel at the end of the roof line and you will catch water. However, the spout gives you the best chance at
collecting as much water as possible by directing it into your barrel.
*Make sure no debris like leaves, twigs and or pine needles get into your barrel. These things can clog the spigot
and make it impossible to get the water out.
WATER TANKS
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You can buy large water tanks that sit on your property. These tanks can hold anywhere from 500 to a 1000 gallons
of water. Many people choose to bury the tanks. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 for one of these
large tanks. Don’t forget to check around for used tanks. Always ask what is was used for, especially if you are
buying from a large farming operation. It isn’t uncommon for these tanks to hold fertilizers and other chemicals.
If you are burying the tank, you will need to have a hand pump or solar pump to get the water out of the tank. You
can have the tank placed on a hill with a piping system that leads to a water containment system close to your
home. This will allow you to take advantage of gravity and avoid the need for a pump. The tanks can be filled via
irrigation, rain water or even a hose from your well. It is best to fill the tank when water is plentiful.
REPURPOSING PLASTIC BOTTLES FOR WATER STORAGE
You can recycle used plastic containers to store water in. This is a cheap way to store water and is another way to
keep plastics out of our landfills. However, do NOT use old milk jugs. The plastic is thin and will break down over a
period of months. You will end up with a flooded storage space. There are really only a few plastic bottles that are
suitable for recycling as water storage containers.
2-Liter pop bottles
Juice bottle i.e. 1-gallon apple juice jugs and what not
Used water bottles
Some folks will use washed and rinsed out bleach jugs, but this can be risky. The bleach will leach into the plastic
and when filled with water the chances of the bleach leaching back into the water is very high. In an extreme
situation, you could use these old bleach containers, but the water shouldn’t be used for drinking. It would be safe
to use for cleaning dishes or surface areas. Laundry detergent bottles, vinegar bottles and other sturdy plastic
containers will work as well but should only be used to store non-potable water.
To store drinking water in old plastic bottles, you need to do a couple of things first.
1. Rinse the containers thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Fill the bottles half-full with water and about a teaspoon of regular household bleach and swish around.
3. Rinse the bottles thoroughly and allow to air dry.
4. Fill the bottles with tap water and add a drop of bleach. Let the bottle sit open on the counter for 30
minutes. Cap the bottle and write the date it was filled on the bottle. Store the bottles in a cool, dark
place.
You will need to rotate your water stores. It is recommended you do not keep stored water for longer than a year.
Read the household bleach section in the purifying chapter to learn why this is important.
MANMADE PONDS
Manmade ponds are another way to get the most out of your water storage. A pond in the backyard can be a
beautiful addition to your landscaping during normal times and provide life-sustaining water in an emergency. The
ponds we are referring to here are the small ornamental ponds you will often see in landscaping. Larger fish ponds
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that cover a large space are tricky and most of the time, there are county restrictions that prohibit these large
manmade ponds.
Making your own pond can be done a couple of different ways. You can buy a kit at a hardware store and be done
with it in no time. Expect to pay $100 to $500 for a small pond complete with the plastic shell and a pump to keep
the water moving. This is important for your pond. You do not want stagnant water that will become a main
attraction for mosquitoes.
You can also make your own pond with a little elbow grease and hard work.
1. Choose an area on your property to dig your pond. Keep in mind; we are only dealing with the small
ornamental ponds.
2. Dig a hole about 2 to 3 feet deep.
3. Line the hole with a sturdy black plastic. You can find plastic rolls at any hardware store. Leave a minimum
of 6 inches overlap along the top edge. Do not stretch the plastic tight. It should be loose enough it will
not tear under the weight of the water. Add a layer of dirt over the plastic around the top edge to hold it
in place.
4. Stack rocks on top of the layer of dirt around the edge of the pond for added weight on the plastic.
5. Install a filtration system or a pump to keep the water moving. These can often be found at pet stores, but
tend to be less expensive at hardware stores. You will need a pump or filter that is large enough for your
pond size. Keep in mind; the filtration system is simply keeping the water moving, preventing it from
being stagnant. It is not cleaning the water for you to drink directly out of the pond.
Depending on the area where you live, your pond will likely need to be filled from time to time. This water will
need to be purified before drinking. It is simply a reservoir for you to store water.
Dogs who see your pond as their personal playground will end up tearing the plastic along the bottom. If
you have animals or wildlife that frequent your yard, it is a good idea to put a fence around your pond.
This is true for families with small children as well.
Plastic will deteriorate over time. You can expect to get about 3 to 5 years out of your plastic before it
breaks down and your pond seeps into the ground.
Old plastic water tanks or fiberglass tanks that are no longer useful can be cut in half and used as a bowl
for your pond. These will last for years.
Those giant satellite dishes from the 80s that tend to fill up landfills and junkyards could also be fashioned
into a shallow pond. You could probably pick one of these up for free!
Old bathtubs are another option. You can find these in junkyards, landfills and occasionally at second-
hand stores for just a few dollars.
SWIMMING POOLS/HOT TUBS
For those who have large swimming pools in their backyards, you are fortunate to have a giant water reservoir
within steps of your home. Hot tubs are also excellent for storing a large amount of water. Despite the chlorine
treatment and the pool filtering system, you will still need to purify this water before you drink it.
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PURIFICATION/FILTRATION
Part of your water storage plan must include a way to purify the water. Filtering is also something we have become
accustomed to and tends to make water taste a little better, while making it safe to drink. In this section, we are
going to talk about the differences between purifying water and simply filtering it and the different ways to go
about each of those tasks. This is probably the most crucial information any prepper can have. It could just save
your life one day.
WHY YOU MUST PURIFY ALL WATER
The rule of thumb in any situation is this:
All water is unsafe to drink.
No matter how crystal clear water may look, it should always be considered dirty and unsafe to drink. Drinking
water that is not purified can result in a variety of different health issues. Some may be deadly. The most common
side effects of drinking dirty water are vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms could be caused by bacteria or a
deadly parasite that gets into the gut. When water is scarce, you cannot afford to get dehydrated. Both of those
situations will lead to dehydration.
If you are in an absolutely desperate situation, most experts agree that you can drink a little water from a spring at
the point where it bubbles up from rocks or even rain water. Any other body of water has likely been
contaminated with animal or even human fecal matter. As you probably know, fecal matter often contains E. coli,
which is extremely dangerous and can cause kidney failure and ultimately, death.
PURIFICATION AND FILTRATION—ARE THEY THE SAME?
Purifying and filtration are definitely not the same.
Purification of water removes the things you can’t see like viruses, chemicals and biological contaminants. The
process of purifying water usually involves a chemical cleansing like using bleach or iodine.
Filtration is the process that removes the things you can see from the water like debris via a charcoal filter or
another obvious filter. There are still some hidden particles in the water that cannot be removed with chemical
treatments. Filtration tends to make water taste better. Filtration systems can remove harmful bacteria. Boiling is
yet another way to filter the water. Your best bet is this;
Purification + Filtration=Healthy, clean and safe drinking water.
Some unpleasant particles that could be in water you collect include;
Fecal matter
Giardia lamblia
Cryptosporidium parvum
Bacteria (salmonella and E.coli)
Viruses
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You can’t see these things, but they are likely present in most bodies of water. They can make you incredibly ill.
You wouldn’t grab a cup of slimy green water to drink because you can see that it is filthy. But, that clear, blue
mountain stream is just as dirty, you just can’t see it. One mistake people commonly make is they drink water from
a stream or creek and feel just fine. The next day, they still feel good and they may drink a little more assuming the
water is safe. What they don’t realize is that it takes several days for these buggers to wreak havoc on your
digestive track. Just because the water didn’t cause immediate vomiting doesn’t mean it isn’t dirty. It is also
important to realize is all it takes is a little water to make you sick. You don’t have to drink a full cup to ingest the
bacteria and other pathogens lurking in the water.
The following table explains just how small these harmful contaminants are and why they are invisible to the
naked eye. This chart will also help you understand how to choose the right filter. We will talk about filters a little
later in this section.
Giardia lamblia 8 to 12 microns
Cryptosporidium parvum 4 to 6 microns
Bacteria (salmonella - E.coli 0.2 to 4 microns
Viruses 0.004 to 0.1 microns
PURIFICATION TABLETS
Purification tablets are one of the most common ways of purifying water in a survival situation for those who have
planned ahead. The tablets are relatively inexpensive and are made by a number of different manufacturers. They
are easy to use and very effective. The tablets can be sold in bottles or blister packs and take up very little space in
your food and water preps or in a bug out bag.
There are 2 main types of tablets; those that are chlorine dioxide and those that are iodine. Both tablets work the
same and purify the water. The iodine tablets do tend to leave a bit of an off taste to the water, but it won’t hurt
you. Experts tend to lean towards the chlorine dioxide tablets simply because prolonged use of iodine tablets can
have some unwanted side effects and it can be harmful to pregnant women and young children.
We tend to be used to a trace of chlorine in our drinking water and although you may smell it after using one of
the tablets, it is safe to drink and will not cause any ill effects. Keep in mind, once you open a bottle of purification
tablets, they will need to be used within a year. Exposure to air and sunlight will cause the chlorine and/or iodine
to break down and become ineffective. Follow the directions on the packaging for purifying your water. Some
manufacturers will recommend a different number of tablets be used to clean the water. There is also a wait time
you need to adhere to in order to make sure the tablets have completely dissolved and killed off the harmful stuff
in the water. Don’t get in a rush and try to drink the water before the allotted time.
PURIFICATION STRAWS
Purification straws are sold under a variety of names like SteriStraw and Lifestraw. They are miniature filtration
systems. Stick the straw in the water you are going to drink and suck. As the water makes its way through the
straw, it is filtered. The size is not that of a typical straw you would find in a soft drink. It is basically a small pipe,
about 12 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. The filtration system is wrapped inside the plastic pipe. Different
brands will vary in size and weight. The majority of these straw filters weighs just a few ounces and can easily be
carried on a belt or in a bug out bag.
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It is incredibly important you read the fine print before you buy one of these straws. Some bacteria and viruses are
incredibly tiny. You need a filtration system that is effective enough to filter 0.2 microns (refer to chart above). The
labeling should include phrases like “filters 99.9% of known bacteria” or something along those lines.
Purification straws are incredibly handy when you are on the move. Sometimes it isn’t always easy to collect and
carry water from shallow creeks or streams, but with the filtration straws, you can simply stick one end into the
water and get a cool, clean drink without waiting for a tablet to dissolve or worrying about procuring the water.
Depending on the brand of straw you buy, you can filter anywhere from 20 gallons to 100,000 gallons of water
with just one filter. Another added benefit to storing a few of these filtering straws is the fact there is no shelf life
on them. Unlike most purification treatment methods that expire or will weaken after exposed to the air, filtering
straws will not become ineffective when exposed to air or sunlight.
BOILING
Bringing water to the boiling point is about one of the only sure ways of sterilizing your water. It is simple, cheap
and effective. The water doesn’t have to boil for five minutes or even a minute. It simply needs to reach a
temperature of about 212 degrees. At the first sign of boiling, the water is considered safe to drink. There are
plenty of blogs and experts who advise you to boil the water for 5 minutes or even 30 minutes. This is a waste of
time, fuel and energy. The second the water reaches the boiling point, the harmful bacteria are killed. Boiling it any
longer is just wasting good water by allowing it to evaporate. Another common misconception is you need to boil
the water longer if you are in higher elevations. This is not the case either. The boiling point in the mountains is the
same as the boiling point at sea level.
If you have pulled the water from a pond, river or other source that may have some debris in it, you can run the
water through a piece of material like a bandana, before the boiling process. This will remove the debris and make
it look and taste more palatable.
Water that is still cloudy after boiling should be ran through a filter to remove any additional chemical
contaminants. You can use the following;
Coffee filters
Cheesecloth
Paper Towels (solid white are best)
Cotton cloth like a t-shirt or athletic sock
Please note the above filters are not 100 percent effective at removing chemical contaminants. These filters are
more to get rid of some of the small floating debris that tends to plague most bodies of water. Boiling water
cannot get rid of chemical contaminants. If you know or suspect the water has chemicals in it (cloudiness is usually
a good indicator) you should run it through a filter.
HOMEMADE CHARCOAL FILTER
If you are in dire need of water, you can make your own filter out of charcoal, sand and gravel. Keep in mind; filters
do not purify the water. There is still a risk of viruses or bacteria contaminants being present in the water. The
following is a makeshift water filter you can make from a few things that are likely to be in your environment.
When things are tough, this homemade filter will do until you can boil your water.
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1. Find a used water bottle or pop bottle.
2. Remove the lid and cut off the bottom inch of the bottle.
3. Holding the bottle upside down, with the cut side up, add a layer of charcoal. This can be from an old
campfire or a tree that has been struck by lightning.
4. Add a layer of sand on top of the charcoal.
5. Add a layer of gravel or small rocks on top of the sand.
6. For additional filtering, add a layer of greens, like dandelions (that have not been treated with weed killer)
on top of the rocks.
7. If the water is filled with debris, place a corner of your shirt or a bandana across the top (which would
have been the bottom).
8. Place another cup or pail under the bottom of the bottle and pour the water slowly through your filter.
The first water to run through the filter will likely be dark due to the charcoal. It will run clear after a few passes
through the filter. The charcoal in the filter will trap the majority of the bacteria in the water.
You can also make a filter that is solely charcoal. Fill the bottle at least ½ to ¾ full of cool charcoal you have found.
The water should seep through the charcoal. It needs to run slowly through the charcoal to ensure it is being
thoroughly cleaned. If it runs through too fast, start over and make sure to pack the charcoal in the bottle.
PORTABLE FILTERS
There are plenty of portable filters you can store in your vehicle, bug out bag or shelter. Again, it is important to
buy a filter that removes at least 99 percent of bacteria from the water. There are numerous brands to choose
from, although the more expensive brands are not always better. However, the majority of the more expensive
brands do tend to provide better filtering or will filter more gallons of water before becoming ineffective.
Some portable filter options you have include water bottles with filters built in. These bottles can be clipped to a
backpack or stuck in the pouch. It is a water containment system and filtration system all in one. The filter inserts
into the water bottle. When you drink from the spout, the water is pulled through the filter. You will want to have
spare filter cartridges on hand if you are going to use this method.
Pump style water filters are an option as well and are great for sheltering in place situations. Most of these
systems will filter water at about a liter per minute. The filter should be cleaned after each use. Most of the
filtering systems are good for about 2000 liters before the filter will need to be replaced. You don’t have to worry
about keeping track of the amount of water you have run through the filter. An indicator beacon will let you know
when it is time for a fresh one.
Gravity filters are great when you are on the move. The systems typically consist of 2 bags. The “dirty” bag can be
used to scoop water. It will then hang from a tree or branch and drip water through a filtering system to a lower
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bag. The lower bag holds the clean water and can be carried around. The filtering life of these bags is not as long as
one of the straws or pump filters, but they are effective.
SOLAR STERIPEN
This is a unique way to purify water. The pen produces UV light that kills off 99.9 percent of protozoa, bacteria and
viruses that may be lingering in water. The solar version comes with a solar charger that will charge the pen for
use. The SteriPen purifies a liter of water in about 90 seconds. That is pretty quick and it really does work. Of
course, this is solely a purifier and not a filtering mechanism. It does get rid of one of the most common plagues
that is found in water, giardia lamblia. The mechanism will indicate when the water is purified. If the light flashes
red, the water was not purified. If you can visibly see floating particles, run the water through a bandana and try
again. There are other UV filters on the market, but they all require electricity to operate. This filter is unique
because it can run off solar power or electricity. The pen is lightweight and will not weigh down a pack.
HOUSEHOLD BLEACH
We mentioned bleach earlier as an additive to storing water. Then, if you remember, we talked about only storing
your water for 6 months to a year. This is because bleach breaks down over time and becomes ineffective.
However, if the bleach is fresh, you can use it to purify your water. Preppers will often keep a supply of bleach on
hand with this purpose in mind. As long as the bleach is rotated properly, you can easily store a year’s worth of
water purification. A gallon of bleach will go a long way and it is very inexpensive.
The following table is the amount of bleach you would need to clean water. After you have added the bleach, stir
the water. Allow the water and bleach solution to sit, exposed to air, for about 30 minutes. Cap the jug and add a
label with the date. When drinking water that you have stored with bleach, you will want to let it “breathe” a bit
before drinking. Remove the cap and gently swirl the water around. It may have a faint bleach smell, but it is safe
to drink.
1 quart/1 liter 5 drops
1/2 gallon/2 quarts/2 liters 10 drops
1 gallon 1/4 teaspoon
5 gallons 1 teaspoon
10 gallons 2 teaspoons
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to make water safe to drink. It oxidizes the water when added to dirty or
contaminated water. However, hydrogen peroxide or H2O2, breaks down rather fast, faster than household
bleach. That bottle of peroxide that has been in the bathroom for years is not going to be strong enough to
adequately clean your drinking water. Peroxide must be stored in a dark bottle and exposure to light and air must
be kept to a minimum. Expiration dates really do matter in this case.
It is not one of the favorite methods of cleaning water, but it will do in a pinch. You will need a lot of peroxide to
get the job done. It takes approximately 1/8 of a cup of peroxide per every gallon of water. If peroxide is all you
have, you can use it, but if you are planning ahead, you are better served by storing other water purification
agents.
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IODINE
Iodine is inexpensive and can serve multiple purposes in a survival situation, including water purification. You will
want to purchase a bottle that is at least 2 percent iodine and 47 percent alcohol. For every liter of water, you will
need 5 to 10 drops of iodine depending on the condition of the water. If it is especially murky or cloudy, you will
want to add the full 10 drops. If you are purifying a gallon of water, you will need to add 30 drops of iodine.
After adding the iodine, swirl the water and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This gives the iodine time to purify the
water. Do not drink it before the 30 minutes is up. Swirl the water again and it is safe to drink. As was mentioned
earlier, iodine can be dangerous when regularly ingested in high doses. If you can find another alternative to
cleaning your water, it is best to do so.
HOT ROCK PURIFICATION
If you don’t have a pot or can for boiling water in over a fire, you can bring the heat to the water via hot rocks. Hot
rocks will heat the water enough to bring it to a boil and thus ultimately purify the water. This will take several
rocks and you will need a container that is large enough to hold the rocks without the water spilling over. This
method can take some time, but it does work.
1. Gather 6 to 10 small to medium sized stones. The stones should be smaller than your fist and not porous.
The number of rocks you need will depend on the amount of water you are attempting to boil. If the rocks
are muddy, rinse them off before the firing process.
2. Make a fire and place the stones around the edges of the fire. Rocks that are directly in a roaring fire can
actually explode and become dangerous missiles. You will need long sticks or tongs to grab the rocks out
of the fire so consider placement of the rocks carefully.
3. After the rocks have been heated by the fire, add 1 to 2 rocks at a time to the water. The rocks will cool
quickly and you will need to continue to add hot rocks to the water. As the water heats, the rocks will not
cool as fast. Replace the cool rocks already in the water with the fresh hot rocks coming out of the fire.
4. To purify the water, the water must reach 212 degrees. You probably won’t have a thermometer handy so
you will need to look for boiling. As soon as the water boils, remove the rocks and allow the water to cool.
It is now ready for you to drink.
*If you do not have a container that can withstand the hot rocks being placed directly against the material, line the
bottom with leaves to prevent the rocks melting the material.
PROCURING WATER
If you don’t have hundreds of gallons of water at your disposal when the world goes sideways, you are going to
need to be able to procure water to keep you and your family alive. We have already talked about the amount of
water each person needs to survive on a daily basis—1 gallon. That can be a lot of water to pack back to a shelter if
you are not prepared. And that is if you have a body of water to pull from. This section will explain how to find
water and how to collect it from sources that are a little different than the usual lake or well.
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If you have your own well and you plan on sheltering in place, you should have a hand pump on standby. This will
allow you to keep getting water from your well. It is an ideal situation and means you will not have to store as
much water, freeing up your space for other things. However, depending on the catastrophic event that has left
you in a survival situation, your well water may not be safe to drink without purifying and filtering it first.
FINDING WATER
Sometimes the problems isn’t getting the water, it is finding it. If you are in a location that does not have a body of
water immediately visible, you are going to have to look for the water. This can be difficult if you don’t know what
you are looking for. One of the easiest ways to find water is to get to the highest point possible in the terrain and
take a look at the surrounding area. Climb a tree or a hill and complete a 360 degree turn to find water. If you
don’t immediately see the water, look for patches of green. Vegetation is always a sign of water.
Carefully consider long treks. If you see water in the distance, it is best to move your camp or shelter closer to the
water. You cannot afford to make a long hike to get water. This will waste precious calories and in warm weather
leave you needing more water than you can carry.
Each of these methods for finding water will depend greatly on the environment you are in. It is best to have a
good idea about how to find water in all situations because you just never know when you will find yourself
fighting for survival.
FOLLOWING THE TREES
There are several species of trees that thrive near water. In fact, they will only grow in areas where there is plenty
of water available. Take the time to learn how to identify these trees now so that you can use them as beacons for
water in a survival situation. While you are up in that tree we mentioned earlier, look for these trees and you will
have a water supply.
River maple
Cottonwood
River birch
Willow
Cypress
Sycamore
The sycamore tree is extremely easy to see and identify. It may stand out in a stand of trees due to its sheer height
and the white bark. Willows are large and easily identifiable by their weeping branches that tend to hang over a
body of water.
If you don’t immediately see a river or lake, but have positively identified the trees, don’t fret. It means the water
is just below the surface. A little digging and you will find water. It likely means the trees are in a run-off zone and
you can actually follow the direction further down the terrain to find where the water has pooled.
DIGGING
Digging for water should be a last resort in a survival situation unless you have one of the above mentioned
scenarios. Digging for water takes a great deal of energy and will waste precious calories, something that may be in
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short supply when you are fighting to survive. Unless you have the right tools to dig and you know it isn’t too far
down, you should avoid digging for water. If it is your only hope, dig a small hole until you find the water. Look for
muddy ground. This is a sure sign the water isn’t too far down. You may need to prospect a bit and dig several
small holes before you find water. If you have a long hollow tube, like bamboo, you can use it to test an area for
the presence of water. If you are in a desert situation, this is the ideal method.
Speaking of desert terrain, cacti hold water. If you come across a cactus, slice it open and you will likely find water.
Never drink water from a cactus that is milky colored. It is poisonous.
FOLLOWING THE ANIMALS
Animals will use their instincts to find water. Pay close attention to any animal tracks. If you see a trend heading in
one direction, follow the tracks. You will likely be led directly to water. Not all animals will be happy to see you, so
use caution. Things like bears, wild boar and various reptiles will be near the water.
Insects will also stick close to water. Look for hordes of mosquitoes or flies. Listen for the sound of mosquitoes,
frogs, crickets and other animals. Birds are another sign of water. Look to the sky and in trees for birds. All living
creatures need water and will instinctively know where to find it. Bees will fly in a straight line from their hive to
water.
HEAD DOWNHILL
That old saying about everything rolls downhill is very true, especially in the case of water. If you are on a hill or
mountainside, just keep heading down. You will run into water eventually. It is important you keep your ears open
and listen for the sounds of running water as well as the animal sounds mentioned above. Sometimes, you can
smell signs of water. Thicker vegetation that is not exposed to a lot of light and lies near water will have a bit of a
rotten, mildew smell. Use all of your senses to find water.
COLLECTING RAINWATER
You can still collect rainwater, even if you do not have a rain barrel or a pond. Ideally, you will want to direct the
rainwater into whatever vessel you are using. A basketball cut in half, pots, and old pools are all great for catching
rainwater. You need a vessel that has a large opening if you do not have a gutter of some type.
If you are sheltering in place, you can use the rain gutters on your home. If you are without a roof or rain gutters,
use large squares of plastic or large leaves as funnels. This will help you capture as much rain water as possible.
And although rainwater is believed to be generally safe enough to drink without any kind of purification or
filtering, it is always best to be safe than sorry. This is especially true if the vessel you have used to catch the water
has been found in the wild.
DRAGGING FOR DEW
If you are in an area with tall grass or other foliage, you can collect the dew from the vegetation first thing in the
morning. This is done by tying cloth like a t-shirt or other rag around your ankles. Walk through the grass. The cloth
will become saturated with the dew you are essentially wiping off the plants. Remove the cloths and wring them
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out over a cup, bowl or whatever container you have. This can get you enough water to stay alive until you can find
a larger source.
You can also use a bandana to wipe the dew off the vegetation if there isn’t enough for you to walk through. Wring
the bandana out into the cup for purification. In extreme cases, you can wring the water directly into your mouth.
NATURAL ROCK AND TREE BOWLS
In nature, you can often find natural rock bowls. These natural bowls will often hold pools of water. This is an
excellent source of water and you can often find these under rock outcroppings and near dried river beds. A layer
of rocks in a dried river be will also act as a barrier from the sun and there will typically be some water in the
ground in that one area. You will need to dig a little. Be careful when turning over rocks just in case a scorpion,
poisonous spider or a snake has decided to take up residence.
A trail of ants leading to a hole in a tree is another indicator of a water pool. Bees will also hover around a tree that
is holding water. It is best to use a length of hose to siphon the water out of the tree. If that isn’t an option, you
can stick a cloth into the hole to soak up the water and then ring it out. Hollow stumps are another excellent place
to look for pools of water.
IS POND WATER SAFE?
Despite the putrid smell and the nasty scum floating on the top, pond water is safe to drink AFTER you have
purified it. You will want to filter and purify it first. Pond water will have plenty of floating debris. If you don’t have
a filtration system, pour the water through a t-shirt or other material before boiling it or treating it with a
purification tablet. Pond water isn’t going to be your first choice, but if it is all you can find, you can make it work.
Try to collect water from a spot in the pond that has some movement or a rocky bed.
Sometimes, simply boiling pond water will not rid it of that icky smell. If your purification involves boiling the pond
water, drop a bit of charcoal from your campfire into the pot with your pond water. You will want to let the water
and charcoal simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. The charcoal will help rid the water of the smell and somewhat
pungent taste that accompanies pond water.
SOLAR STILLS
If you are in a desert environment and are in need of water, a solar still may be one of your only options for
procuring water. It will not get you a lot of water, but it can keep you going as you search for a steady supply.
There are a couple of different ways to make a solar still. The following is one of the most common and least
complicated. One bonus to the solar still is the fact you will not need to purify the water you collect. It will have
already been processed by the sun and is considered safe to drink.
What you will need:
2 large rocks or other heavy objects
A can, bowl, pot or other water catching device
A sheet of plastic
Small pebble
Shovel or knife to dig with
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1. Dig a hole no wider than the sheet of plastic. It should be about 2-3 inches smaller in diameter than your
piece of plastic. The hole will need to be deep enough for you container to be completely submerged with
an additional 3 to 4 inches from the top of your container to the surface of your hole.
2. Place the container in the middle of the hole.
3. Spread your plastic over the hole and secure it in place with the rocks. It is crucial the plastic completely
seals the hole. If you need to add more rocks to hold the plastic in place, do so. You can also use dirt or
logs to hold the plastic in place.
4. Place a small rock on top of the plastic over the center of your can or bowl. The plastic should not be
touching the lip of the container. You just want to create a downward slope directly over the container.
This will allow the condensation to run into your bowl.
*Add vegetation like green leaves, cactus leaves or damp rags into the hole. This will create additional
condensation. In desperate situations, survivalists will urinate in the hole before placing their bowl in it. The water
in the urine will become condensation and is actually safe to drink.
*Hot temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night are a prime condition for using a solar still.
MAKING SALTWATER SAFE TO DRINK
If you are stranded on an island in the ocean or are along a coastline and cannot find a fresh water supply, you can
use the saltwater from the ocean to survive. Of course, everybody knows drinking saltwater can be deadly, but you
can make it safe via distillation. The solar still can also be used to make saltwater safe to drink.
If you need to turn saltwater into drinking water, gather 2 containers--one small one and one larger one.
Fill the large container with water from the ocean. Place the small container inside the larger one and then
continue on with steps 3 and 4.
The water that evaporates from the saltwater will be trapped inside the plastic and drip into the smaller container.
The water in the smaller container will be safe to drink.
*If you cannot find 2 containers, you can fill the hole with the saltwater and then anchor your only container by
placing a rock in the bottom of it. This will hold it down while the sun heats the saltwater.
MELTING SNOW AND ICE
If you are in a winter situation and there is snow or ice around, you can collect it in pots, water bottles and other
containers. You were probably taught to never eat yellow snow when you were a kid. That applies in this situation
as well—never collect yellow snow! All snow and ice will need to be purified after it has melted. Although some
people feel snow is safe to drink without purification, you just never know what else has walked through that snow
or fallen into the snow.
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*NEVER eat snow if it is cold outside. This puts you at an increased risk of hypothermia by dropping your core
body temperature. It can also dehydrate you because your body must expend more energy to melt the snow.
You will need to collect a great deal of snow in order to get enough water to drink. If you have a fire going, place
your container of snow or ice near the fire to allow it to melt quicker. If you don’t have a fire, wrap the container in
a blanket or leaves to start the melting process. Water bottles can be put into socks and carried to melt the snow.
You can also put the snow in the direct sunlight.
You can fill a garbage bag with snow and hang it from a branch to allow the sun to melt the water. You can also do
this with a pillowcase. You will want to put a pot below the pillowcase to catch the melting water. If temperatures
are extremely cold out, you will need to have a fire going to help melt the snow. Make sure you put the hanging
garbage bag or pillow case near the fire and not directly over it.
If you have a reflective survival blanket that you do not need for a short time, you can spread it out and put snow
on top to melt. Ideally, you will want to fashion a bowl out of your blanket to keep the water from spilling out. If
there is a lot of snow on the ground, you can make a crater in the snow and put the blanket inside.
You can expect to get about an inch of water from 10 inches of snow. If you are using a deep pot and fill it to the
top with snow, you can expect a tenth of it to remain after the melting process. Fluffy, dry snow may produce even
less water.
*You can speed up the process of the snow melt by adding a little of your current water supply to the pot or
container holding your snow.
CONDENSATION
You can get water from leaves and other green vegetation. It must be green! You will also need to have a pretty
good idea about what plants are poisonous. You don’t want to drink water from poison oak or poison ivy. This
method is not a permanent source of water. It should only be used in emergency and as a way to get you by until
you can find a larger water source. Condensation does not produce a lot of water. You can expect to get less than a
quarter cup or so from each setup.
The following set of instructions will explain how to use leafy greens and a bag to collect water.
1. Tie a garbage bag or other empty plastic bag around the limb of a leafy green tree or a bush. Choose limbs
that receive direct sunlight.
2. The bag should hang slightly off the limb to allow the water to pool at the bottom.
3. Leave the bag hanging overnight and throughout the day. The sun will warm the leaves and produce
condensation. The condensation will drop to the bottom of the bag.
After 12 to 24 hours, you will remove the bag and pour the water into your pot for purifying. If you are in a
desperate situation, you could drink it without going through the purifying process. If you know the plants have
been treated with chemicals, it is best to at least filter the water before ingesting.
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You can also use an old 2-liter pop bottle or a water bottle to get water from vegetation. Put leaves inside the
bottle and seal it with the lid. Place the bottle in the sun and the water in the leaves will seep out and into your
container.
*Know your plants and never try to use this method with poisonous plants like poison oak or poison ivy.
DRINKING FROM PLANTS
Some plants and trees will hold fluid inside the roots, stems and trunks. Remember Tom Hanks in “Castaway?” He
drank coconuts to survive. That is accurate, but as you may also remember, he explained it is a natural laxative.
Drinking coconut milk can keep you alive until you find a source of water, but do so sparingly. Diarrhea can lead to
dehydration. Green or unripe coconuts are your best option. The liquid hasn’t quite matured to the point that it
becomes a laxative.
The following plants hold water. Make sure all water you collect gets purified before drinking. You never know
what kind of insects and what not have went swimming in the water before you found it.
Plantain
Banana trees-The water is in the base of the tree. Once you cut off the trunk, wait for a bit and the water
from the roots will seep into the hollowed out stump.
Green Bamboo
Tropical vines will also hold water- You will need to slice off one end of a vine and angle it down to allow
the water to flow out.
Palm trees-Bend one of the stalks that are flowering downward to allow the liquid to drip out. It is a
sugary substance that is sweet tasting.
WATER WARNING SIGNS
After purifying and filtering the water, look at it before you start drinking. There are some warning signs you need
to be on the lookout for. In some cases, purifying or filtering the water may not always be enough. There are some
key signs of poison that cannot be filtered or purified away.
Milky colored
Bitter taste
Sticky or gooey
If you are desperate and the only water available is from a source that is contaminated with chemicals or other
poison, you can dig a hole about 9 feet from the body of water. The water will seep into the hole. The process of
going through the dirt and gravel will help filter out the contaminants. You will still need to purify the water before
drinking. This should only be a last resort.
IS URINE REALLY AN OPTION?
You have probably seen or heard about people drinking their own urine to survive. The theory is the urine is
purified by the kidneys and therefore safe to consume. Here’s the thing, your kidneys do filter out a lot of the dirty
stuff in your urine when you are hydrated. As you become dehydrated, your kidneys are not filtering much,
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because there is no intake. The urine becomes darker because the kidneys are struggling to filter it. If you were to
drink dark-colored urine when you are dehydrated, you would essentially be drinking all the nasty stuff your body
is trying to get rid of. Your kidneys would have to work harder to try and filter the dirty urine you just ingested.
There is no easy answer to this one. If you are desperate, then a little urine once or twice is considered to be safe.
However, if the urine is dark and you are already bordering on dehydration, you are risking your health. Experts
say you could add about a day, possibly two to your survival by drinking your own urine.
CONCLUSION
Water is the most important tool in survival. Simply put, without water, you will die within 3 days. There are plenty
of people who have learned the hard way that water found in the wild is not safe to drink. If you manage to survive
the horrible side effects caused by water laden with parasites and bacteria, you will be left extremely weak and will
be unable to do what you need to do to live. It is never worth the risk.
You have 3 days to find water if you haven’t stored any. Don’t put off your search for water until the third day.
Even if you do have water stored, you need to start thinking of the future. What if services are not restored within
30 days, 60 days or whatever the amount of water stores you have on hand? It is too critical to ignore. That old
saying, never put off to tomorrow what you can do today, applies in the case of storing water for survival. Take the
time today to store water and the tools necessary for cleaning water in a survival mode.
ABOUT ORGANIZED PREPPER, LLC
Organized Prepper, LLC is a family run organization based in Texas dedicated to providing information and supplies
to those who would like to be more prepared for whatever curve-balls the universe wants to throw at them.
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