15 Emergency Water Sources

Knowing alternative sources and ways to purify water can make a life-saving difference. Here’s a guide to 15 emergency water sources you might consider if you ever find yourself in need.

WATER PREPPING

11/5/20247 min read

a woman near her shed with water and weapons

15 Emergency Water Sources to Keep You Hydrated When It Matters Most

Access to safe, drinkable water is essential, especially in emergencies where water supplies are compromised or unavailable. Knowing alternative sources and ways to purify water can make a life-saving difference. Here’s a guide to 15 emergency water sources you might consider if you ever find yourself in need.

Here is how to find clean water if you plan to bug-in or live off-grid:

Clean water sources after a disaster ebook

Here is a planner with 189 examples of where to find water

189 places that you can find water, planner included

When America Runs Out of Water: Knowing Where to Find it

I helped quite a few people over the years become self-sustainable, and i can tell you that i spent the most amount of time on food and water before even diving into security. Prepping is a layered process depending on your personal experience, budget, and urgency. The poorer we become as a country the harder it is for people to prep faster. This isn't coincidence, its part of the playbook to reduce self-sufficiency through burdensome costs of living and lower relative wages. So a lot of folks on a tight budget tackle the core basics: sustainable food and water. So when the taps stop flowing and the well runs dry, survival hinges on one elemental truth: you need water. In the chaos of disaster scenarios, when infrastructure falters, knowing where to find water is no longer just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of life and death. Navigating this uncertain terrain requires resourcefulness and a sharp eye for opportunity.

Streams, rivers, and lakes are the obvious candidates, but their availability depends on your region. In forested or mountainous areas, streams often snake through valleys or hug ridges. Rivers—their broad, inexorable currents—serve as lifelines, though contamination can be a lethal risk. Even serene lakes, their waters seemingly placid and inviting, may harbor threats invisible to the naked eye. A filtration system isn’t optional; it’s your insurance policy against a microbial enemy you can’t fight with a rifle or a knife. Getting the water can be easy without power, for instance consider learning how to build a hydraulic ram pump using the currents of a river or stream. Using simple physics can replace electricity, particularity in private rural settings.

Urban settings present unique challenges. Rainwater harvesting becomes a critical skill. Rooftops, tarps, and improvised collection systems can channel rainfall into barrels or buckets, offering a fleeting reprieve. Abandoned buildings hold potential too. Hot water heaters and toilet tanks (not the bowls) contain reserves of drinkable water, often overlooked by less observant survivors. Even in the desolation of an urban wasteland, the savvy individual finds opportunity.

Rural landscapes are a different battlefield. Here, agricultural irrigation systems can serve as unexpected sources. Creeks and ponds used for livestock may offer water, but they demand the same caution as any wild source. Wells gone dry might still yield a trickle if you’re willing to dig deeper or employ unconventional extraction methods. And then there are cisterns, those forgotten reservoirs beneath homes and barns, waiting to be tapped. Do not assume that clear water equals drinkable water. A combination of boiling water with filtration using a t-shit and what God put around us is a simple way to make a homemade water filter.

But what of the subtler options, the less apparent sources hiding in plain sight? Trees can be allies, especially in deciduous forests. Maples and birches, tapped with a spile, yield sap rich in both hydration and calories. Desert dwellers know the value of cacti, their spiny defenses protecting life-sustaining moisture. Even morning dew, gathered with a cloth or plastic sheet, offers a measure of hydration when desperation sets in.

Nature isn’t your only ally; ingenuity plays a role too. Solar stills, crafted from plastic sheeting and a shallow pit, transform the sun’s heat into purified water. Condensation from metal surfaces, particularly at night, can be captured and collected. The key is to think like a predator, relentless and adaptive, viewing every environment as a potential source of sustenance.

In any search, reconnaissance is your first move. Survey the landscape with the precision of a military operation. Note the terrain, the vegetation, the telltale signs of water—a line of willows, a flock of birds, or the shimmer of reflected light. These are the breadcrumbs left by nature, guiding you to the resource that matters most. In the theater of survival, water is not just a necessity; it’s the currency of life. Treat it as such, and you’ll have a chance to endure the worst the world can throw at you. Once you learn to collect, sanitize, and store water, don't get too relaxed. Hygiene and sanitation are important. Consider off-grid hygiene tricks for after a disaster, which can get you comfortable if/when the moment comes. Also be sure you have a way to stay clean so that you are not placing bacteria on or into your fresh water or food. That is where a method of learning how to make homemade soap bars pays off big time. This is evidence that habits after acquiring clean water can still contaminate. In today's times, we have forgotten how to live like we did for thousands of years without electricity.

1. Rainwater Catchment System

Rainwater is one of the safest sources of emergency water when collected properly. Use a clean tarp, large leaves, or containers to capture rain. Avoid letting it touch surfaces that may contaminate it, such as roofs or unclean objects. To purify rainwater, boil or filter it to remove any contaminants.

2. Streams, Rivers, and Creeks

Flowing freshwater sources like streams, rivers, and creeks are often accessible in wilderness areas and can be a good emergency water source. The flow of water helps reduce the buildup of contaminants, though it’s still crucial to filter or purify before drinking, as harmful pathogens can still be present.

3. Lakes and Ponds

Lakes and ponds are common sources of standing water, which can make them more susceptible to contamination. Use a reliable water filter or boil water from these sources to ensure it’s safe. Always avoid water that appears murky or has visible algae blooms, as it may contain dangerous toxins.

4. Springs

Natural springs are underground water sources that emerge to the surface and can be among the safest sources of untreated water. If you find a spring, it’s often safer to drink directly, though it’s wise to treat it to be extra cautious. Look for springs with clear, steady flows for better quality.

5. Melted Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can provide emergency water, especially in winter or mountainous regions. Melt them before drinking to avoid lowering your body temperature. Avoid yellow or dirty-looking snow, as it may contain contaminants.

6. Dew Collection

Dew can be gathered from grass, leaves, or other surfaces early in the morning. Simply use a clean cloth to wipe the dew and then wring it out into a container. Although small in quantity, this source can help in extreme situations. Boil or purify it, as surfaces may introduce contaminants.

7. Tree Transpiration

Trees release moisture through their leaves, which you can collect by tying a plastic bag around a branch. Over time, condensation will form in the bag, providing you with water. Choose non-poisonous trees like maples or birches for the best results. Boil or filter as needed.

8. Solar Still

A solar still allows you to collect moisture from the ground. Dig a hole, place a container in the center, and surround it with moist vegetation or soil. Cover the hole with plastic, anchoring it with rocks and placing a smaller stone in the center to direct condensation into the container. This method takes time but provides purified water.

9. Condensation from Vehicles

If you have access to a car, you can collect condensation from the air conditioner. Though not abundant, it can be another emergency water source. Always filter or boil it, as vehicle systems may introduce contaminants.

10. Cacti and Succulents

In desert areas, some types of cacti store water that can be safe to drink, like the barrel cactus. However, not all cacti are drinkable, and some may contain toxins. Only use cactus water as a last resort and do thorough research on safe varieties.

11. Household Plumbing

In urban areas, shut off the main water valve to prevent contamination, and access residual water in your pipes. Water can be drained from lower faucets or pipes, providing a small emergency supply. This is often an overlooked but potentially safe option.

12. Hot Water Heater

If the water supply is disrupted in a home setting, the water heater can hold gallons of drinkable water. Turn off the power source before accessing it, then open the drain valve to collect the water. Always verify cleanliness and treat if necessary.

13. Toilet Tank (not the bowl)

In homes, the tank of a toilet (not the bowl) often holds clean water. If you avoid chemical toilet cleaners, this water may be safe to drink after boiling. Ensure that the tank is free of any additives before considering it.

14. Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Swimming pools and hot tubs contain large amounts of water, but because they’re often treated with chlorine and other chemicals, they should only be used as a last resort. This water can be purified with filters specifically designed for chemical removal or through distillation.

15. Water From Plants and Roots

Some plants, like bamboo, store water in their hollow stems. Cutting into these plants and allowing the water to flow out can provide an emergency supply. Only gather water from plants you’re certain are non-toxic.

Purification Techniques

Regardless of the source, it’s essential to purify any emergency water to remove potential contaminants. Some effective methods include:

Boiling: The most reliable method. Boil water for at least 1-3 minutes to kill most pathogens.
DIY Water Filtering: Portable water filters can remove bacteria, protozoa, and sediment. Choose one that also filters viruses if possible.
Chemical Treatment: Tablets or drops (e.g., iodine or chlorine dioxide) can kill bacteria and viruses. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid overdosing.
Distillation: Effective for removing both pathogens and chemicals, though it requires setup and energy to boil and condense the water.