Quick Answer
A plastic bottle or a collapsible water container with a wide mouth is ideal for collecting water. It should be clean and free of contaminants to ensure safe drinking water.
Choosing the Right Container
When selecting a container for collecting water, consider its material, size, and shape. A BPA-free plastic bottle or a collapsible container made of silicone or nylon is a good choice. The container should have a wide mouth to make it easy to scoop out water or add purification tablets. A 2-liter or 1-gallon container is a good size for most survival situations.
Collecting and Purifying Water
Once you have a suitable container, you can collect water from various sources, such as a stream, lake, or even dew. To purify the water, use a method like boiling, filtering, or disinfecting. For example, you can boil the water for 1-3 minutes to kill bacteria and viruses, or use a water filter like a LifeStraw or a Sawyer Mini to remove contaminants. If you don’t have a filter, you can use purification tablets like chlorine or iodine to disinfect the water.
Building a Solar Still
If you don’t have access to a reliable water source, you can build a solar still to collect water from the ground. Dig a shallow hole in the ground and place a container in the center. Weigh down a plastic sheet or a tarp over the hole, ensuring that the edges are securely tied to rocks or sticks. Place a small rock or a piece of charcoal in the center of the plastic sheet, and place a small bowl or cup under the center of the sheet. As the sun heats the plastic, water will evaporate and condense on the underside of the sheet, dripping into the bowl. This method can provide up to 1 liter of clean water per day.
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