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Wilderness & Navigation Life-saving
Finding Water
Water is an early priority. Find it, then make it safe — almost all wild water needs treatment.
What to do
- 1Head downhill and toward green vegetation, valleys, and animal trails.
- 2Collect rain, dew (drag cloth through grass at dawn), and morning condensation.
- 3Running water is generally safer than stagnant; avoid water near carcasses or heavy algae.
- 4Always treat: boil 1 minute (3 at altitude), filter, or use purification tablets.
- 5If desperate with no treatment, choose flowing, clear water over stagnant — but treat as soon as you can.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Drinking untreated water when avoidable
- Eating snow directly (lowers core temp — melt it first)
- Drinking seawater or urine
Good to know
- A clear plastic bag tied over a leafy branch collects clean water by transpiration.
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