Water
Getting Water
So, we've probably established pretty well by now that water is important. But one aspect of it is particularly so. Getting it, so that you can proceed to drink it. Obviously, you can gather water from sources like rivers, lakes and streams, but pollutants and bacteria are a great deal less appetizing than the water they reside in. Filtration and boiling is a good option for getting rid of the less appealing parts of your needed beverage. Catching rainwater is a pretty good option too, as bacteria have a harder time evaporating than water does. There are plenty of ways to do the latter, and it's pretty straightforward, but we're going to show you anyways. If you find yourself lost in the woods with nothing in the way of tools, for gathering water, it is recommended that you avoid stagnant water sources, opting instead for flowing water, as close to the source of the water flow as possible.
By taking water from three different sources, we can tell the different kind of pH that is found in the water by doing a pH test. (pH is the acidity alkalinity of a liquid on a scale from 1 to 14, 7 being neutral. Water in neutral. ) The pH levels shown below are from our own nearby water sources, that demonstrate the varying quality of drinking water in your area. There is a clear difference between the three, and go to show that the closer you get to the source, the cleaner it will be.
Cold Spring: pH level of 7.01
River: pH level of 7.64
Stream: pH level of 7.67
Depending on where you are, the pH level can differ. If you happen to have a pH test with you, keep in mind that any liquid with a pH lower than 7 is considered an acid an anything higher than 7 is considered a base. Also, acids will taste sour and bases will taste bitter.
Fecal Coliform is the amount of bacteria in the water. Using the same water samples, each have a different colony count of bacteria.
Cold Spring: 2280 colonies/100ml
River: 190 colonies/100ml
Stream Water: 110 colonies/100ml
From these readings, the safest water to drink would be the stream water, which has the lowest count of bacteria.
If you are unsure about the water in general, look around. Animal tracks can be a very good sign that the water is safe to drink. In the event that dehydration sets in, and rain catching is not an option, look for the tracks of deer, raccoon, squirrels, rabbits, and in some areas, foxes and coyotes. Also, reptiles and amphibians can help in this decision making. Some amphibians are sensitive to chemicals and pollution in the water, like frogs because they breath threw their skin.
Cold Spring: pH level of 7.01
River: pH level of 7.64
Stream: pH level of 7.67
Depending on where you are, the pH level can differ. If you happen to have a pH test with you, keep in mind that any liquid with a pH lower than 7 is considered an acid an anything higher than 7 is considered a base. Also, acids will taste sour and bases will taste bitter.
Fecal Coliform is the amount of bacteria in the water. Using the same water samples, each have a different colony count of bacteria.
Cold Spring: 2280 colonies/100ml
River: 190 colonies/100ml
Stream Water: 110 colonies/100ml
From these readings, the safest water to drink would be the stream water, which has the lowest count of bacteria.
If you are unsure about the water in general, look around. Animal tracks can be a very good sign that the water is safe to drink. In the event that dehydration sets in, and rain catching is not an option, look for the tracks of deer, raccoon, squirrels, rabbits, and in some areas, foxes and coyotes. Also, reptiles and amphibians can help in this decision making. Some amphibians are sensitive to chemicals and pollution in the water, like frogs because they breath threw their skin.