16 Unexpected Places to Find Water in an Emergency

In human survival, water reigns supreme. While we can endure weeks without food, our bodies can only last a mere 3 days without this vital liquid.1 

Comprising about 60% of our body weight, water is essential for countless physiological functions, from regulating body temperature to flushing out toxins

When disaster strikes or you’re lost in the wilderness, finding water becomes your top priority. But what if traditional sources like rivers and lakes are nowhere to be found?

Fear not, intrepid explorer! Here are 16 lesser-known water sources that could save your life in a pinch.

1. Plant Transpiration

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Plants are nature’s water factories, constantly releasing moisture through their leaves. This process, called transpiration, can be harnessed to collect clean, drinkable water.

By tying a clear plastic bag around a leafy branch, you can capture the water vapor as it condenses.

A single bag can yield up to a quart of water over the course of a day, depending on the plant and climate conditions. Berry bushes and water-loving trees like willow and cottonwood are excellent choices for this method.

The best part? The process doesn’t harm the plant, so you can repeat it as often as needed.

2. Rock Crevices

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In arid environments, rocks can be unexpected sources of life-saving moisture. Water often collects in small crevices and depressions, protected from evaporation by shade and cooler temperatures.

These natural reservoirs can hold surprising amounts of water, especially after rainfall.

To access this hidden treasure, use a cloth or sponge to soak up the liquid, then wring it out into a container. While the yield may be small, it could mean the difference between life and death in a survival situation.

Remember to check north-facing rock faces, as they tend to retain more moisture.

3. Bamboo Reservoirs

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Bamboo isn’t just for pandas – it’s also a potential lifesaver for thirsty survivors. These hollow plants can store significant amounts of water within their segments.

To access this natural reservoir, locate a mature bamboo stalk and cut it just above a joint.

Tilt the bamboo and let the water flow out. Depending on its size, a single segment can hold up to a quart of water.

This method is particularly useful in tropical and subtropical regions where bamboo is abundant. Just be sure to filter or purify the water before drinking it, as it may contain impurities.

4. Dew Collection

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Early birds don’t just catch worms – they can also catch water. Morning dew can be a valuable source of hydration in survival situations.

Before sunrise, tie an absorbent cloth around your ankles and walk through tall grass or vegetation.

The dew will collect on the cloth, which you can then wring out into a container. While this method may not yield large quantities, it can provide enough water to keep you going until you find a more substantial source.

In some areas, heavy dew can produce up to a quart of water per hour of walking.

5. Tree Forks

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Nature’s drinking fountains can sometimes be found right in the crooks of trees. Water often collects in the forks where branches meet the trunk, creating small pools that can sustain wildlife – and desperate humans.

These natural reservoirs are most common in trees with large, broad leaves.

To access this water, use a straw or hollow reed to sip directly from the pool, or scoop it out with a makeshift cup. While the quantity may be limited, these arboreal oases can provide crucial hydration in emergencies.

Always check for insects or debris before drinking, and purify the water if possible.

6. Banana Trees

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In tropical climates, banana trees can be unexpected sources of clean water. These plants store large amounts of water in their trunks and leaf bases.

To access this liquid lifeline, cut down a banana tree and create a bowl-shaped depression at the top of the stump.

Within minutes, clear water will begin to fill the depression. A single tree can yield several quarts of water over a few hours.

This water is generally safe to drink without purification, as it’s been naturally filtered by the plant. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and purify when possible.

7. Vines

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Some vines can be veritable water pipelines in the jungle. Woody vines with a diameter of at least 3 inches often contain drinkable sap.

To tap into this source, cut the vine as high as you can reach, then cut it again near the ground. Let the liquid drip into your mouth or a container.

Be cautious, though – some vines contain toxic sap. Avoid vines with a milky or colored sap, and always test a small amount first.

Water vines can yield up to a quart of liquid in some cases, making them valuable resources in tropical survival situations.

8. Solar Still

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When all else fails, you can create your own water source using the power of the sun. A solar still uses heat to evaporate moisture from the ground, which then condenses on a plastic sheet.

This condensation is collected in a container, providing clean, drinkable water.

To build a solar still, dig a hole, place a container in the center, and cover the hole with plastic sheeting weighed down by rocks. A properly constructed still can produce up to a quart of water per day.

While labor-intensive, this method can be a lifesaver in arid environments where other water sources are scarce.

9. Cactus Water

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In desert environments, cacti can be unexpected sources of life-saving moisture. These hardy plants store water in their fleshy stems as a survival mechanism.

To access this liquid, carefully cut off the top of the cactus and mash the inner flesh to extract the water.

However, not all cacti are safe to drink from. Stick to barrel cacti for the best results, and avoid any with milky sap.

The liquid may be slightly acidic and can cause nausea if consumed in large quantities. Still, in a dire situation, cactus water can keep you alive until help arrives.

10. Animal Tracks

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Where there are animals, there’s usually water. Look for animal tracks leading downhill or converging from different directions – they often lead to water sources.

Bees and pigeons, in particular, rarely venture more than a few miles from water.

In arid regions, animals may dig for water in dry riverbeds. These spots, known as “soaks,” can often be identified by damp sand or a concentration of animal tracks.

Dig a hole in these areas, and you may find water seeping in from the water table below.

11. Condensation Traps

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In humid environments, you can literally pull water out of thin air. Create a condensation trap by digging a hole and placing a container in the center.

Cover the hole with plastic sheeting, securing the edges with soil. Place a small rock in the center of the plastic to create a low point.

As the air in the hole cools at night, water vapor will condense on the underside of the plastic and drip into the container. While yields are typically small – often less than a cup per night – this method can provide crucial hydration when other sources are unavailable.

12. Green Bamboo Tips

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The tender, green tips of bamboo shoots contain a surprising amount of potable water. Cut off the top 12-18 inches of a young bamboo shoot and hold it vertically.

The water will slowly drain from the cut end, providing a clean and easily accessible source of hydration.

This method is particularly useful in Southeast Asian jungles where bamboo is plentiful. A single shoot can yield up to a cup of water, depending on its size and the humidity.

Remember to always cut bamboo at an angle to prevent injury and make water collection easier.

13. Beach Wells

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If you’re stranded near a coast, fresh water may be closer than you think. Dig a hole in the sand about 100 feet from the waterline, just behind the first sand dune.

As you dig deeper, you’ll eventually hit fresh water that’s been filtered through the sand.

Line the hole with rocks or wood to prevent collapse, and wait for the water to clear. This method can yield up to five gallons of water, though it may taste slightly salty.

If it’s too briny, try digging further inland. Beach wells have been used by coastal populations for centuries as reliable freshwater sources.

14. Umbrella Water Collector

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In rainy conditions, an umbrella can become more than just shelter – it can be a water collection device. Invert an open umbrella and secure it between trees or rocks. Even a light drizzle can quickly fill the umbrella with clean, drinkable rainwater.

This method is particularly effective in tropical climates with frequent rainfall. A standard umbrella can collect several quarts of water in a short time.

If you don’t have an umbrella, any waterproof material can be fashioned into a similar collection device.

15. Primitive Fog Catcher

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In coastal or mountainous areas prone to fog, you can harvest water directly from the air. Create a simple fog catcher by stretching a piece of cloth or fine mesh between two poles. As fog passes through the material, water droplets will collect and run down into a container.

While yields vary depending on fog density and wind conditions, a one-square-yard fog catcher can collect up to 5 quarts of water per day in ideal conditions. This method has been used for centuries in arid coastal regions and is now being implemented in large-scale water collection projects around the world.

The quest for water in survival situations demands creativity and resourcefulness. These 16 unconventional water sources demonstrate that life-saving hydration can be found in the most unexpected places.

While these methods may not replace traditional water sources, they offer vital alternatives when conventional options are scarce.

Source:

  1. Medical News Today
davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.