How to Find WATER in a Survival Situation

Finding Water....

The first place to look is in valley bottoms where water naturally drains. If there is no obvious stream or pool, look for patches of green vegetation and try digging there. There may be water just below the surface which will build up in the hole. Even digging in gullies and dry steam beds may reveal a spring beneath the surface, especially in gravelly areas. In the mountains look for water trapped in crevices.
   On the coast digging above the high water line, especially where there are sand dunes, has a good chance of producing about  2 inches of fresh water that filters down and floats on the heavier salt water. It may be brackish but is still drinkable. Where cliffs fall into the sea look for lush growth of vegetation, even ferns and mosses, in a fault in the rock formation and you may find a soak or spring. If no freshwater can be found, Saltwater can be distilled.

     *Be suspicious of any pool with no green vegetation growing around it, or animal bones present. It is likely to be polluted by chemicals in the ground close to the surface. Check the edge for minrtals which might indicate alkaline conditions. ALWAYS  BOIL WATER FROM  POOLS. In desert there are lakes with no outlets, these become salt lakes. Their water MUST be distilled before drinking.

DEW AND RAIN COLLECTION.... Despite the acid rain produced by industrialized countries, which can cause build up of pollution in the soil, rainwater everywhere is drinkable and only needs collecting. Use as big a catchment area as possible, running the water off into containers of every kind. A hold dug in the ground and lined with clay will hold water efficiently, but keep it covered. If you have no impermeable sheeting, metal sheets or bark can be used to catch water in. If you have any doubt about the water you have collected, boil it.
    In Climates where it is very hot during the day and cold at night, heavy dew can be expected. When it condenses on metal objects it can be sponged or licked off.
    You can use clothing to soak up water and then wring it out. One way is to tie clean cloths around the legs and ankles and walk through wet vegetation. These can be sucked or wrung out.

All Animals Lead To water...

Mammals... Most animals require water regularly. Grazing animals are usually never far from water, though some kinds travel thousands of miles to avoid the dry season, as they need to drink at dawn and dusk. Converging game trails often lead to water, follow them downhill. carnivores (meat eaters) can go for a long period between watering. They get moisture from the animals on which they prey so are not a positive indication of local water.

Birds... Grain eaters, such as finches and pigeons, are never far from water. They drink at dawn and dusk. When they fly straight and low they are heading for water. When returning from water they are loaded with it and fly from tree to tree, resting frequently. Plot their direction and water can be found.
     Water birds can travel long distances without stopping to feed or drink so do not necessarily indicate water nearby. Hawks, eagles and other birds of prey also get liquids from their victims so cannot be taken as a sign of local water.

Reptiles... Not an indicator of water. They collect dew and get moisture from prey, so can go a long time without it.

Insects... Good indicators, especially bees... They fly at most 4 miles from their nests or hives, but have no regular water times. Ants are dependent on water. A column of ants marching up a tree is a going to a small reservoir of trapped water. Such reservoirs are found even in arid areas. Most flies keep within 100 yards of water.

Human Tracks....  Human tracks will usually lead to a well , bore hole or soak. It may be covered over with scrub or rocks to reduce evaporation. Be sure to Replace the cover out of the respect for the owner.

REMEMBER: RATION YOUR SWEAT NOT YOUR WATER!!
If you have to ration water, take it in sips. After going a long time without water, don't guzzle it when you find it. Take only sips at first. Large gulps will make a dehydrated person vomit, losing even more valuable liquid.

Thanks for reading, Be sure to come back and visit often for more great post.
Please feel free to leave questions or comments below.
Eric from Ruff Survival