Written by Bernie Carr
If you venture out in nature, it is important to always be prepared, especially when it comes to bringing enough water. Unfortunately, there are many common water survival myths that could mislead people. We’ve covered some of those water survival myths in a previous article, but here are a few more. Let’s take a look.
Myth: If the water looks clear, then it must be safe to drink without purification.
Fact: Just because you don’t see any dirt, it doesn’t mean the water is free from viruses and bacteria. While clear water may appear clean, it can still contain harmful pathogens or contaminants that are not visible to the naked eye. It is essential to purify water from any source before consuming it, regardless of its clarity.
Myth: You can drink water from any natural source.
Fact: Just because it comes from a natural source, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drink. While some natural sources like streams or springs may appear clean, they can still contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or even chemical pollutants. Always purify water before consuming.
Myth: Snow is safe to eat without melting it first.
Fact: Eating snow directly can lower your body temperature and increase dehydration. It’s best to melt the snow and purify the resulting water before consuming.
Myth: If you find water from from flowing rivers and streams, it is safe to drink.
Fact: Even flowing water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It’s important to filter, purify, or boil water from natural sources to make it safe for consumption.
Myth: You can survive solely by drinking alcoholic beverages.
Fact: Alcohol is a diuretic and causes increased urination, leading to dehydration. Relying on alcoholic beverages for hydration can be dangerous and worsen your condition.
Myth: Drinking your own sweat or blood can replace the need for water.
Fact: Drinking your sweat or blood is not an effective way to stay hydrated. Both contain high levels of salt and doesn’t provide sufficient water to compensate for the fluid loss, leading to dehydration.
Myth: You can obtain sufficient water by sucking on wet clothes or plants.
Fact: While sucking on moist clothing or plants might yield a minimal amount of water, it won’t be enough to meet your hydration needs in a survival situation. It’s essential to seek out reliable water sources. Of course, if that is all you can find when you’re stranded, then it’s better than nothing.
Water is your first priority
A person can survive roughly just three days without water, according to the survival rule of three. Remember, when facing survival scenarios, it’s crucial to prioritize finding and purifying safe drinking water to avoid dehydration and related health risks. Bring water with you anytime you venture out, as well as small personal water filter you can use to purify water that you find, in case you run out.
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About the author
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Bernie’s latest e-book, FRUGAL DIY has just been released on Amazon. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
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