Quick Answer
While dew can be a reliable source of drinking water in certain situations, it's essential to collect and purify it properly to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Collecting Dew
Collecting dew requires a clean, dry cloth or plastic sheet. Ideally, place the cloth or sheet in an area with a consistent temperature difference between night and day, such as a valley or a spot with a clear view of the surrounding landscape. This setup allows dew to collect overnight and evaporate during the day, making it easier to collect the next night.
Purifying Collected Dew
Purify collected dew before consumption by boiling it for 1-3 minutes, depending on the altitude and water temperature. If boiling is not feasible, use a water filter, such as a LifeStraw or a Sawyer Mini, to remove bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Alternatively, add a small amount of unscented chlorine bleach to the collected dew and let it sit for 30 minutes before consumption.
Practical Considerations
When relying solely on dew for drinking water, it’s crucial to consider the amount of dew that can be collected. Typically, 1-2 liters of dew can be collected per night, depending on the temperature and humidity. This may not be sufficient for a group of people, making it essential to supplement with other water sources or use other methods for water collection, such as rainwater harvesting or solar stills.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.