Skills To Purify Water
Outdoor survival skills are extremely important if you should become lost or stranded out in the wilderness. Finding water is a valuable skill but so too is knowing how to make that water safe for you to drink. Filtering water is an important skill to master.
Filtering water is not the same as purifying water but nevertheless it is an important skill that could save your life.
If all you can find is muddy water you will need to create a filter which will clean it of all the sediment and debris. Filtering water removes all visible particles making it safer for drinking. Take note that this does not kill harmful bacteria and microbes but it will often make the water taste better.
To filter water, you must begin with a container. A bottle will work well. Cut the bottom of the bottle off will enable you to use the top as a funnel. To trap small debris and particles put some cloth material into the funnel. If you don’t have a bottle a can will also suffice. For the water to be able to run through you will need to punch a few holes into the bottom of the can with your pocket knife. Catch the water in a seperate container by running it through the holes in the can.
Filtering water in the wilderness can be achieved several different ways. If you don’t have a bottle or a can here is another option for you to consider during an emergency. Strain the water through a cloth or piece of clothing over a container. This may remove some particles.
You can also use what nature provides. Rocks and sand in alternating layers will make an excellent filter. The more layers you have, the better.
Bark made into the shape of a cone can be used in place of bottles and cans. Layer the rocks and sand inside the cone. To hold it all together use a piece of string at the bottom of the cone. By thinking ahead and putting small rocks at the bottom you will be able to stop it from all falling apart.
Use both fine and coarse layers in the filter, alternating between the two. Sand pouring out of the bottom of the cone needs to be avoided. This isn’t difficult. Use grass that is not poisonous, several pebbles, or a piece of cotton material.
When you have finished building your filter you now need to pour your collected water into it. As the water starts coming out of the filter collect it in your container. Check the filtered water. If it’s not clear you will need to filter it again. Repeat until the water runs clear.
Again, it is important to know that just because the water is clear, does not make the water completely safe to drink. The water still needs to be purified. The water may contain tiny bacteria that can pass through the filter. Purifying water is simple. Boil it over a fire for five minutes or use a water purification tablet.
The ability to filter water with at hand materials is an important life saving skill. You can keep yourself alive by knowing how to make your water fit for drinking. This will keep you hydrated while you wait for the rescue party. Make sure you can filter water by practicing when you don’t need it. Dehydration is a killer when lost in the wilderness so this skill could easily be the difference between life and death.
This article has been written by the author, Jimmy. Should you require any moreEntry Level Accountantplease visit his Entry Level Finance careers resources!
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