[Home page][4x4 Accessories][4x4 Clubs][4x4 merchandise][4x4 Insurance][Expedition section][Int'l 4WD events]
[Off Road 4x4 Public'ns][Quiz][self catering holidays][Tech][Tools][UK 4x4 events] UK offroad centres][Your own vehicle][Sitemap]




Expedition Guide: Emergency Water

Expedition Menu

Expedition home page

camping

offroad driving tips

puncture repair

spares/tools kit

tyres & repair

Vehicle prep

veh. troubleshooting

emergency water

 This would normally be needed for drinking, but a leaking or repaired radiator is another possible use.

Water from plants
  

A 1m square clear plastic bag tied tightly over the foliage of a plant or tree can produce upto 1 litre of water in a few hours once the sun shines on it. The water collects in the side of the bag. Black rubbish bags will work but are not as effective.

It's important that the bag has an airtight fit around the branch to prevent water vapour loss.

  
The hole can be 60cm sq and 45cm deep. About 10cm of green leaves on the bottom. The seal around the plastic should be as near airtight as possible and you could expect about 3 litres of water per day. Without leaves you can get some water from the soil if it is moist but perhaps only 0.5 litre per day. Deepen the hole each day and change the leaves, or dig fresh ones.
This method produces drinking water from muddy or salt water. If you use a jerrycan you MUST completely fill with water and then empty it to remove all traces of fuel vapour before it even gets near the fire.
A large plastic bag is sealed around a plastic hose leading from the water boiler. Cloth can be used to seal around the hole (shown in red). A small hole is made near the top of the bag to let air out. The water in the boiler is kept GENTLY boiling and steam condenses inside the plastic bag


top
Back to top