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Access to water can be the single most important factor in survival. Dehydration can set in fast—within hours—and without water for several days, survival becomes slim.
While rivers and lakes might be the first sources that come to mind, they aren’t always available or within reach. Sometimes, distance, terrain, or even safety concerns can make it impossible to reach an open water source, especially if you’re sheltering in place at home.
Thankfully, nature provides hidden water sources that aren’t always obvious but could be lifesaving. In a crisis, having multiple options for locating water is essential—each source you know about adds another layer of security. These less obvious sources may be the key to survival when conventional water sources are out of reach.
Here are 20 surprising water sources that could make all the difference when every drop counts.
Morning Dew
Early morning dew can be captured and purified for consumption. Use clothes (thin cotton is best), leaves, or grass to collect moisture from surfaces like plants, grass, or metal. Squeeze the collected dew into a container.
Tree Trunks
Certain trees store water in their trunks. Birch or maple may leak sap or water when cut. You can also tap into trees using a small tube or hollow stick inserted into the trunk to collect water. If you are in an area with these types of trees, it’s smart to have a tree tapping kit in your stockpile.
Cacti
Some desert plants, such as barrel cacti, store water. Be cautious, as not all cacti are safe to drink from. Know your cacti!
Rainwater Collection
When it rains, you can collect water using tarps, plastic sheeting, or even your pots and pans. Make sure to use a surface that is as clean as possible to prevent contamination. Place your pots under the corners of a roof to maximize runoff.
Rock Crevices
Water will pool in rock crevices or even holes in the ground. After a rainfall, collect as much water as you can before it’s absorbed into the ground.
Animal Trails
Animals instinctively know where water is. Follow animal trails or tracks, typically down and you will likely find a creek or stream.
Bird Flight Patterns
Birds will often fly towards water sources at dawn and dusk. Watch their direction and you might find a water source.
Solar-Powered Desalination
If you find yourself near the ocean, you might think there’s nothing you can do to harvest saltwater. You have to desalinate the water. Make a basic solar still or buy a desalination kit now before you need it. You can evaporate saltwater and collect the condensation to use for consumption.
Transpiration
Trees and plants release moisture through transpiration. You can collect this water by tying a plastic bag around a leafy branch, bush, or tall grass. Again, always make sure the plant is not poisonous. The sun will heat the leaves, causing them to release water vapor. You can use sandwiches and grocery bags or secure a water bottle over the foliage.
Underground Springs
Water naturally seeps underground. You can access it by digging in areas down an incline, beneath trees or plants, or where the ground is consistently damp. Look for areas that are lush and green. That typically means there is an underground spring feeding those plants.
Caves
Caves often have cool, damp conditions. Small pools in the cave or at the base of the cave walls are an option. But be very, very careful about drinking the water. If it smells, it’s better to pass it up.
Melting Ice or Snow
If you’re in a cold environment, melting ice or snow is an obvious water source. However, avoid eating ice or snow directly, as it can lower your body temperature. Fill pots, pans, and containers with snow, and it will melt, even if the temperatures are cool. Be prepared, though – a full pot of snow will only produce a little water. Melt more than you think you’re going to need.
Insects and Animals
Insects, like ants, will build their homes near water sources. If you see an ant trail, follow it back to their nest and search for water. Bees will also need a water source. If you see a lot of bees or find a hive, look around for water.
Water Heater
If you’re at home without power, you can drain your hot water heater. Depending on the size of your heater, you might have fifty gallons of water.
Toilet Tank
The back of your toilet holds a couple of gallons of water. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and you don’t want to drink from the bowl no matter how much you purify it.
Pipes
Your home’s pipes under the sink will store water even after the water is shut off. Put a bowl under the pipe and use a wrench to detach from the faucet.
Canned Goods
Canned veggies, fruit, and even meats are packed in water. Never waste a drop.
Backyard Pool/Pond
If you’ve got a pool, you’re golden. You have hundreds of gallons of water at your fingertips. Don’t worry about the chlorine. After a day or two, the chlorine in your pool evaporates, and the water becomes safe. You’ll still want to purify it. If you have a pond, you can use that water as well.
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