Section 3 — Water

Why Water Comes First

You can survive 3 weeks without food — but only 3 days without water. Dehydration destroys decision‑making, mobility, and body temperature regulation. Water is the foundation of every survival plan.

Daily Water Requirements

• Minimum survival: 1 liter/day
• Recommended: 2–3 liters/day
• High heat or exertion: 4–6 liters/day

Safe Water Sources

Reliable Sources

• Flowing streams and rivers
• Rainwater (best natural source)
• Snow (melt before drinking)
• Springs
• Lakes and ponds (filter required)

Use With Caution

• Roof runoff
• Puddles
• Animal tracks or wallows
• Stagnant water

Never Drink

• Industrial runoff
• Water near roads
• Water with chemical smell
• Bright green or oily water

Purification Methods

1. Boiling (Best Method)

• Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute
• At high altitude: 3 minutes

2. Filtration

• Sawyer Mini
• LifeStraw
• Katadyn filters
• DIY sand/charcoal filter (emergency only)

3. Chemical Treatment

• Water purification tablets
• Household bleach (8 drops per gallon)
• Iodine tablets (not for pregnant women)

4. Solar Disinfection (SODIS)

• Fill clear bottle
• Place in direct sunlight for 6 hours
• Works best with thin bottles

Emergency Water Collection

• Rain catchment using tarp or poncho
• Dew collection with cloth
• Solar still (slow but effective)
• Snow melt (never eat snow directly)
• Tree transpiration bags

Water Storage

• Store 1 gallon per person per day
• Use BPA‑free containers
• Rotate stored water every 6 months
• Add 1 tsp bleach per 5 gallons for long‑term storage

Signs of Dehydration

• Dark urine
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps

Conservation Techniques

• Drink small, steady amounts
• Stay in shade when possible
• Reduce physical exertion
• Cover skin to reduce sweat loss
• Use electrolyte packets sparingly