United States Air Force: Water Objective: Know how to locate, procure, purify, and store water.

The Elements of Surviving Water – Why so important? Dehydration How to find water Collecting water Purifying water

The two fundamental goals of a survivor: Maintain Life Return And in survival medicine, the goals have not changed The Goals of Surviving

Water Requirements Roughly 2/3 of your body is composed of water. Your body loses it as a result of temperature, stress, and exercise. Even in cold areas, you need a minimum of 2 liters of water each day to maintain efficiency.

Water Requirements The need for water increases from: Heat Exposure: Increases requirement to: Exercise Cold Exposure Metabolism Body’s natural reaction to maintain heat High Altitudes Increased evaporation from lungs Burns Illness 3.5 Liters 5 Liters

Dehydration Dehydration (body fluid depletion) can occur when required body fluids are not replaced. Dehydration is usually accompanied by the following symptoms: Thirst Weakness Fatigue Dizziness Headache Fever. Infrequent urination and reduced volume. Proper Treatment – Drink Water

Finding Water: Water Sources Natural occurrences of water Indicators of possible water source

Collecting Water: Snow and Ice Water obtained from glacier-fed rivers and streams may contain high concentrations of dirt or sand. By letting the water stand for a period of time, most of the sand will settle to the bottom; the remaining water can be strained using filtration. Ice will yield more water per given volume than snow and requires less heat to do so. If snow must be used, survivors should use snow closest to the ground. The consuming of un-melted snow or ice is not recommended.

Collecting Water: Open Seas Seawater should never be ingested in its natural state. It will cause an individual to become violently ill in a very short period of time Conservation of water is the key If it rains, survivors can collect rainwater in available containers and store it for later use

Collecting Water: Beach Well

Collecting Water: Tropical Areas Surface water is normally available in the form of streams, ponds, and rivers. Many plants have hollow portions which can collect rainfall, dew, etc. Since there is no absolute way to tell whether this water is pure, it should be purified

3-5’ Deep Collecting Water: Tropical Areas

Collecting Water: Dry Areas Some of the ways to find water in this environment have been explored, such as Locating a concave bend in a dry riverbed and digging for water.

Collecting Water: Dry Areas Evening and morning dew Cactus-like or plants full of juice may be sources of water for survivors, but no plants should be used for obtaining water which have a milky sap. Solar Still Vegetation Bag

Water Purification The following are ways you can determine the presence of possible harmful agents in the water: Strong odors, foam, or bubbles in the water. Discoloration or turbid (muddy with sediment). Salty, this may produce a laxative effect; if not too strong it is drinkable. The lack of healthy green plants growing around any water source.

United States Air Force: Water Objective: Know how to locate, procure, purify, and store water.