How to Find Water

Co-authored by Britt Edelen

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Locating water is an important skill to have if you enjoy wilderness activities such as hiking, camping, or cross-country events. Water is vital to the performance of your body. Even a single day without water can become a challenge. Dehydration can result in clouded judgement, physical weakness, vomiting, and fainting.^{[1]
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Research source} In as few as three days the body can begin to shut down, leading to death. Knowing how to find water if you become lost or separated from regular water supplies can save your life.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Identifying Signs of Water Nearby

1
Look for areas that have green foliage. Green areas in a desert or plains area can indicate the presence of water.^{[2]
X
Research source} A line of trees or some foliage low on the ground may also hint at a creek bed or some other body of water.
- If you’re doing any hiking, go to higher ground to do this. You’ll have a much easier time spotting water if you’re up high, and you may even spot a nearby town or road if you’re lost in the wild.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Britt Edelen
  Outdoor Educator
  Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.}
2
Scout the terrain for low-lying areas.^{[4]
X
Research source} Some examples of these include valleys, depressions, or crevices. Water moves toward the lowest point possible, so these places are prime locations for finding a lake or stream.
- Rainwater may collect in these areas.
- If you are in a mountainous area, check for water at the foot of cliffs.
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3
Detect signs of wildlife. Circling birds can sometimes indicate a water source nearby, but you might also follow animal tracks. Water is a basic need for all animals, and the tracks you follow will likely lead you, eventually, to a watering hole.^{[5]
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4
Notice the presence of insects. Mosquitoes in particular are an indication that water is nearby, as is the presence of flies, which tend to remain about 325 feet (100 meters) from water. Generally, most insects do not stray too far from water sources.
- Keep your eyes peeled for bees as well. Bees build hives three to five miles away from a water source.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Accessing Trapped Water

1
Collect suitable snow or ice to make water. If you are in an arctic area, or an area that receives snowfall, you should collect snow that has a bluish look to it. This will prevent you from consuming frozen water that is high in salt content, which could contribute to your dehydration.
- Frozen water that has a higher concentration of salt will appear gray or opaque.
2
Melt the ice with a heat source and purify. There are many ways you might melt your ice into water that will quench your thirst. In extreme situations, you may have to find a container and then cuddle it, using your body heat to melt the snow. In other cases you may be able to use a match, lighter, or other heat source. Once the snow has melted, you may purify the water using several different methods, such as:^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}^{[7]
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Research source}
- A water purifying tablet to cleanse the snow, now turned to water, for consumption.
- A filtration device, like a water purifying straw, to drink your melted snow.
- Using your heat source to bring the melted snow to a boil. Allow it to boil for a least a minute to guarantee the water has been purified.
3
Search out water in damp sand or dirt.^{[8]
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Research source} In an arid setting, if you spot a depression or moist patch of sand behind a sand dune, in a dried out lake, a gully, or some similar feature, you should dig down in that area to search for water. If you notice water beginning to puddle at the bottom of your hole, you're in luck.
4
Locate any water-containing plants, such as barrel or saguaro cacti.^{[9]
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Research source} It can be helpful to brush up on your knowledge of edible and poisonous plants, but this may be an unrealistic option for your situation. Instead, simply seek water in vines, cacti, and roots.^{[10]
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Research source} Cut a notch in the plant and wait for liquid to seep out. In the case of cacti, break it open and suck moisture from its pulp, being careful not to eat any of the cactus, as it could make you sick.^{[11]
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Research source}^{[12]
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Research source} Generally, you should avoid drinking plant sap that is:^{[13]
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Research source}
- Thick
- Colored
- Sour or bitter
- Sharp or unpleasant in odor

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Determining the Drinkability of Water

1
Know the hazards of drinking unpurified water. Drinking water that is poisonous, contaminated with parasites or bacteria, or is tainted by human waste can cause serious health complications.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} This can be a threat to your survival in an emergency a wilderness experience. Illnesses associated with contaminated water include:^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Dysentery
- Cholera
- Typhoid
2
Increase your chance of survival while looking for water. Sweat will make you dehydrate faster, so you should avoid activities that may make you sweat while looking for water. You should also:
- Stay in the shade, if possible.
- Avoid eating anything while thirsty.
- Damp your clothes in hot conditions to cool yourself in hot climates.
- Carry materials, like a plastic sheet, to make water collection devices.^{[16]
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  Research source}
3
Be prepared to purify the water you find. You can do this simply by bringing water to a boil over a fire, though this might not always be an option. To ensure you don't end up drinking water potentially tainted with parasites or bacteria, you should consider:
- Carrying water purifying tablets.
- Purchasing a simple water filtration device, like a water purifying straw.
4
Avoid stagnant water. Instead, choose water that is clear and flowing. Remember that Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for many disease-carrying insects and parasites. When deciding on whether or not a source of flowing water is safe to drink, keep in mind:
- The location of the nearest human settlement. The areas downstream from a city can easily be tainted by human activities.
- The source or origin of a water source will likely be safest for drinking.^{[17]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Britt Edelen
  Outdoor Educator
  Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.}

Expert Q&A
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Question

Where is it safest to drink water when you find it?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If you find flowing water, try to follow it to the source. Water is always going to be safest to drink from the point of origin. Flowing water is going to pick up all kinds of junk and bacteria as it travels.
Question

What's the easiest way to find water in the mountains?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

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Find a peak that's high up and head there. If you can get to high ground you'll have a much easier time spotting any sources of water in the distance. If you're in a survival situation, you may even be able to spot other people or a town in the distance.
Question

When should I go looking for water if I'm lost?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If you have water on you and you have enough to last you a little bit, you're better off staying put. If you're out of water, you need to go find water. A lot of people have a tendency to think, “Oh, I need to try to figure out where to go to get back to where I was”, but that's just really dangerous if you don't know the area and you have enough food or water to last you for a while.

Warnings

Do not eat cacti pulp. Chew the pulp thoroughly, then spit it out.

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Do not drink salt water.

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Do not eat snow or ice unless absolutely necessary. This will lower body temperature and may complicate survival.

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