11 Ingenious Water Collection Secrets for the Apocalypse (And 2 Costly Mistakes to Avoid)

In a world where every drop counts, mastering water collection can mean the difference between life and death. This guide reveals smart methods to secure your water supply when society collapses, plus 2 risky techniques to avoid.

Understanding these methods is crucial for maintaining hydration in dire circumstances. We’ll explore practical, efficient strategies and highlight why some common ideas aren’t worth the risk.

We’ve focused on techniques that offer reliability and safety in a post-apocalyptic scenario. This selection excludes methods that might pose significant risks or are impractical under extreme conditions.

1. Rainwater Collection

collecting rain in barrel
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Rainwater is one of the most accessible water sources in a post-apocalyptic scenario. Set up a simple catchment system using tarps, buckets, or barrels to collect rainwater as it falls. Be sure to filter or purify the water before drinking to remove contaminants, including atmospheric pollutants.

2. Dew Collection

grass dew
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In the early morning, you can collect dew accumulated on plants and grass overnight. Use a clean cloth or sponge to absorb the dew, then wring it out into a container. While this method may be time-consuming and yield a small amount of water, it can be a useful supplementary source.

3. Solar Still

Solar Still
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A solar still is a device that uses the sun’s power to distill water. Dig a hole in the ground, place a container in the center, and cover the hole with a clear plastic sheet. As the sun heats the air inside the still, water evaporates and condenses on the plastic’s underside, dripping into the container.

4. Plant Transpiration

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Some plants can provide a source of water through a process called transpiration. Tie a plastic bag around a leafy branch, ensuring the bag is sealed tightly. Over time, water will evaporate from the leaves and condense inside the bag, providing a small amount of clean water. Ensure the plant used is non-toxic and safe for this purpose.

5. River and Stream Collection

young hiker drinking stream water in mountain
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If you have access to a river or stream, this can be an excellent water source. However, purifying the water before drinking is crucial, as it may contain harmful bacteria or contaminants. Use a water filter or boil the water for more than one minute, especially at higher altitudes where water boils at lower temperatures, to ensure its safety.

6. Melting Snow and Ice

Melting Ice
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In colder climates, melting snow and ice can provide a water source. Collect clean snow or ice in a container and allow it to melt naturally or over a fire. Remember to purify the water before drinking, as snow and ice can still contain contaminants. Avoid using snow from areas that might be polluted.

7. Groundwater Collection

Man digging a hole with a shovel
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Digging a well or accessing natural springs can provide a reliable groundwater source. However, this method requires significant effort and knowledge of the local geology, and groundwater can sometimes contain high levels of minerals or contaminants. If available, it’s often more practical to rely on existing wells or springs.

8. Water from Condensation

Drops of Water on the Window
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Water can be collected from condensation on metal surfaces or tarps in humid environments. Set up a large metal surface or tarp at an angle, allowing water to condense and drip into a container below. This method is most effective in areas with high humidity levels, though it may not produce substantial quantities of water.

9. Collect Water from Leaves

Man Drinking From Leaf

Some broad-leaved plants can collect water in their leaves after rainfall. Carefully tip the leaves over a container to collect the water. While this method may not provide large quantities of water, it can be a useful supplementary source.

10. Seawater Distillation

sea water
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If you’re near the ocean, seawater can be distilled to produce fresh water. Boil seawater in a container, capturing the steam in a separate vessel. The steam will condense back into fresh water, leaving the salt and other impurities behind. This process requires significant energy but can be a lifesaving technique in coastal areas.

11. Storing and Rationing Water

Blue plastic bottles or blue gallons of drinking water, water storage containers
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In addition to collecting water, it’s essential to store and ration your water supply carefully. Use clean, sealed containers to store water and prevent contamination. Ration your water intake based on your physical needs and the availability of water sources to ensure long-term survival.

Never Try: Drinking Untreated Water

Man drinking dirty water
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While it may be tempting to drink water from any available source, consuming untreated water can lead to severe illness or even death. Always purify water before drinking, using methods such as boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment. Avoid water that appears stagnant, discolored, or has an unusual odor.

Never Try: Drinking Urine or Blood

cup of urine
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In desperate situations, some people may consider drinking urine or blood as a last resort. However, this is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. Urine and blood are bodily fluids that may contain harmful toxins and can lead to severe dehydration and illness. Instead, focus on finding and purifying safe water sources.

20 Crucial Supplies for Surviving a Societal Collapse

glass of water
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In the face of uncertainty, being well-prepared gives you at least some degree of control and security. The thought of a societal collapse, while extreme, prompts us to consider how we might endure without the conveniences of our current lifestyle. Here’s a list of 20 essential items that could prove indispensable in such a scenario. This guide isn’t about succumbing to fear but embracing preparedness and resilience.

14 Essential Canned Goods for Your Emergency Pantry

selection of canned goods
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I firmly believe in keeping a well-stocked emergency pantry. While fresh food is ideal, in a survival situation, we may not be that lucky. So, for my family, even though we grow a lot of our own food, canned goods play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. They offer a reliable source of nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. The goods you stockpile should be affordable, easy to store, and full of nutrition.

38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons

Get home bag
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This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.

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