Post by brad on Sept 6, 2014 19:01:59 GMT 10
A outback water hole
The following ideas are well documented methods of obtaining ground water in Australian survival manuals. Be careful not to drink contaminated water because infection will cause you to further dehydrate. If you have adequately prepared, you will have water purification tablets with you.
Creek Beds
Creek beds, even if dry, may have water just beneath the surface. Look in bends for damp sand or mud, or dig in a likely spot. Water can be extracted by soaking a rag in soil and wringing out the water into a container. Exposed tree roots can be cut in lengths and drained of their fluid early in the morning. To reduce the risk of infection, any surface water must be boiled.
Rock Formations
Rocky areas are ideal for rain catchments so if there is any water seepage from the ground it is likely to be found near rock formations.
Salt Lakes
After rain has fallen, the top 3mm of a salt lake is fresh water. It can be siphoned off by using a grass straw or tubing.
Windmills
If you can see a windmill, then usually there will be a water supply such as a well, dam or soak. Check the water has not gone salty.
Animal Trails
Where a large number of trails converge together, it would indicate that water was not far away. Follow the trails to the water source.
Water Seepage
Natural springs and soft rock erosion area (slopes, banks etc)
Coastal Water Sources
In Western Australia, you can obtain drinking water by digging high up on the beach above the tidemark or behind the first sand hills. It tastes brackish and should only be used in small quantities.
Dew
Wipe down the vehicle with a cloth before sunrise and wring it out into a container.
Transpiration Method
Water can be obtained by placing clear plastic bags over the leafy branch of a non-poisonous tree and securing the end of the branch. Ensure there are no holes in the bag. The action of the sun on the plastic will cause water to be drawn from the leaves and run to the lowest part of the bag. Do not disturb the bag to collect water, simply cut a small hole in the bag then reseal it with tape. The leaves will continue to produce water as the roots draw it from the ground. Water should be drained off every 2 hrs and stored. If no large trees in the area, break up clumps of grass or small bushes and put them into the bag.
Distilling Sea Water
If the only water around is undrinkable (such as sea water), then boiling it will create steam (which is fresh water). Provided you can find a method of collecting the steam, such as trapping it as condensation, you can drink it.
The following ideas are well documented methods of obtaining ground water in Australian survival manuals. Be careful not to drink contaminated water because infection will cause you to further dehydrate. If you have adequately prepared, you will have water purification tablets with you.
Creek Beds
Creek beds, even if dry, may have water just beneath the surface. Look in bends for damp sand or mud, or dig in a likely spot. Water can be extracted by soaking a rag in soil and wringing out the water into a container. Exposed tree roots can be cut in lengths and drained of their fluid early in the morning. To reduce the risk of infection, any surface water must be boiled.
Rock Formations
Rocky areas are ideal for rain catchments so if there is any water seepage from the ground it is likely to be found near rock formations.
Salt Lakes
After rain has fallen, the top 3mm of a salt lake is fresh water. It can be siphoned off by using a grass straw or tubing.
Windmills
If you can see a windmill, then usually there will be a water supply such as a well, dam or soak. Check the water has not gone salty.
Animal Trails
Where a large number of trails converge together, it would indicate that water was not far away. Follow the trails to the water source.
Water Seepage
Natural springs and soft rock erosion area (slopes, banks etc)
Coastal Water Sources
In Western Australia, you can obtain drinking water by digging high up on the beach above the tidemark or behind the first sand hills. It tastes brackish and should only be used in small quantities.
Dew
Wipe down the vehicle with a cloth before sunrise and wring it out into a container.
Transpiration Method
Water can be obtained by placing clear plastic bags over the leafy branch of a non-poisonous tree and securing the end of the branch. Ensure there are no holes in the bag. The action of the sun on the plastic will cause water to be drawn from the leaves and run to the lowest part of the bag. Do not disturb the bag to collect water, simply cut a small hole in the bag then reseal it with tape. The leaves will continue to produce water as the roots draw it from the ground. Water should be drained off every 2 hrs and stored. If no large trees in the area, break up clumps of grass or small bushes and put them into the bag.
Distilling Sea Water
If the only water around is undrinkable (such as sea water), then boiling it will create steam (which is fresh water). Provided you can find a method of collecting the steam, such as trapping it as condensation, you can drink it.