How to Filter Water for Survival

In any survival situation there are four basic human needs crucial to staying alive: fire, water, shelter and food. Water is essential to survival and without it your life expectancy is less than 3 to 10 days, depending on the environment you are in. If you find yourself in a survival situation without the benefit of a water filter or purification tablets, take as many precautions as possible to use available resources. Even minimal filtration is better than none when faced with dire circumstances.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandy area
  • Stick
  • Plastic bag, hat or anything that transports or holds water
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for moving water sources versus stagnant pools or puddles that are fetid. Moving water has less chance of containing contaminants, making it a better option over stagnant pools. Stagnant water does not flush out potential bacteria or parasites like moving water.

    • 2

      Dig a pit in loose sand using a large stick. Keep the sand piled up next to the hole. If the ground is uneven, place the sand on the uphill side of the pit. If you have the benefit of digging the pit next to the water source, dig as far down as possible until water begins to seep into it. Dig down at least 12 inches, when creating the pit away from the water source.

    • 3

      Scoop the water up from the nearby water source. Use any vessel that holds water. Socks, hats, even gloves hold water long enough to get it to the hole. Carry the water to the pile of sand and the hole.

    • 4

      Pour the water, letting it run through the pile of sand into the hole. Repeat this many times until the water is clear as possible. The sand acts as a base filter for the water, removing larger contaminants and parasites.