Since it’s crucial to find water in any type of landscape, we can rely on a topographical map and other natural signs to know in which direction to head. And if that doesn’t work out, then you can always learn to evaporate water using a solar still (see the video below). You’ll become more confident in your survival skills after knowing you can find water in apparently impossible environments. You'll never take water for granted again!

The step to finding fresh water in the wilderness is to obtain, carry and learn how to read a topographic map; this handy tool will not only display the details of the terrain you are traveling in, but is also will reveal any sources of fresh water in the area.

Water always flows downhill, so you should always look for creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes in the valleys between mountains. Either dig up the roots or cut the branches from trees; cut them into short sections and stand them up vertically in some sort of pan to allow the water to seep.

But in more arid regions, surface water is often difficult to find. You should look for the presence of water-loving plants and trees such as birches, alders, cottonwoods and willows. Another good place to look for subsurface water sources in arid regions is in the outside of a bend in a dry creek bed. By digging a hole in these areas and allowing the water to seep into them from below ground, you can obtain drinkable water.

Yet another method for obtaining fresh water in arid terrain is to build a “solar still”.

If this isn’t possible and you’re traveling in barren, rocky terrain, then the best place to look for water is in depressions, caves or crevices in the rock. In addition, many species of birds, such as pigeons and mourning doves, always visit fresh water sources after leaving their roosts in the morning and before returning to their roosts in the evening. By noting their direction of flight during these times of day and following them, you can find fresh water.

It should be noted that even the clearest mountain streams often contain harmful bacteria, and you should always carry some means of purifying any fresh water source. You can construct a crude water filter by pouring it through charcoal from a fire and then boiling it.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for finding water in the wilderness?

Article Source: Off The Grid News