How to find water when you're stuck in the desert
- The human body can survive for about three days without water, which can be extremely hard to find in hot desert climates.
- If you're ever lost in a desert, knowing how to quickly find water is key to your survival.
- Water flows down, so check low terrain. Canyons and mountain bases could be home to a water source.
- Fruits, vegetables, cacti, and roots all contain water and mashing them with a rock will release some liquid.
Following is a transcript of the video.
The human body can survive for about three days without water, which can be extremely hard to find in hot desert climates.
Look for signs of life if you can't find a water source. Vegetation, birds, and insects can all mean a nearby water source. Fruits, vegetables, cacti, and roots all contain water and mashing them with a rock will release some liquid.
Water flows down, so check low terrain. Canyons and mountain bases could be home to a water source.
Morning dew can be collected with a cloth and then wrung out into your mouth.Just make sure you collect it before sunrise or it will evaporate before you can get it. Use cups or any other container to catch rainfall. If possible, build a water-catching tarp. This will allow even more water to be collected.
Look for damp ground, vegetation, and dry river beds. These things can all indicate underground water. If you dig a hole a few feet deep nearby, it's likely water will seep in. If possible, always filter the water. But if you have to choose between dehydration and unfiltered water — take your chances with the water.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published on May 12, 2017.