When you’re out on the trail, nothing is more important than having safe drinking water.
Whether it’s a short hiking trip or multiple days backpacking in a National Park, knowing where to find water and how to make it safe is a good skill to have.
It will help you stay healthy and hydrated, and in extreme circumstances—alive.
This post will help break down what to look for, what to bring, and all things safe drinking water!
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Where to Find Safe Drinking Water
In most cases, no matter where you’re hiking, there is some source of water somewhere, it just might not be ideal. This is why it’s always important to carry enough clean water with you for your journey.
If you do run out though, and you need to find drinkable water, here are a few places to look.
*Remember to always treat water before consumption no matter what the source to avoid bacteria and other contaminants. We’ll go over how to treat it in the next section.*
Streams and Rivers
-Look for moving water (it’s normally cleaner) and remember to collect upstream and away from campsites.
Lakes and Ponds
-Lakes and ponds can work as a water source (albeit not the best), but always be cautious of non-moving water.
-Avoid grabbing debris and dirt from the surface by collecting under the water line.
Springs
-Spring water is often clean and natural as it comes from underground.
Snow (Winter Camping)
-Fresh, clean snow can be melted down for safe drinking water and can be a great emergency source in the winter.
Ways to Treat and Purify Water
Always purify your water through one of these methods:
Water Filter
They make many different portable water filters, from squeeze filters, to gravity systems, to the famous LifeStraw. Pick the one that best fits your set up and your needs.
Some are great for day hikes while others are better for long trips.
Chemical Tablets
Chemical tablets dissolve in your water, killing harmful organisms and making it safe to drink.
There is normally a waiting period (30-45 minutes) before it is safe to drink, but these are a good compact and lightweight way to purify water on the trail.
Aqua Tabs are a great choice (and an Amazon best-seller), but there are many different types of tablets for you to choose from.
Boiling (Most Effective)
Boiling your water at a rolling boil—for a minimum of one minute—can kill bacteria and make it safe to drink.
It is one of the most ideal ways to purify and is often used in disaster zones where the water is not safe.
I CANT STRESS THIS ENOUGH—LET THE WATER COOL DOWN BEFORE CONSUMPTION! Don’t drink boiling hot water, you will hurt yourself.
How Much Water Should I Carry?
The general rule of thumb when hiking is to keep half a liter or a full liter for every hour you plan on being on the trail.
If you are doing a shorter hike, you might be able to get away with a smaller amount of water.
If you are doing a longer trek, keep in mind that you may be using your water for other purposes such as cleaning your hands or cooking. Longer hikes may require a higher capacity.
At the end of the day, you should carry as much water as you think you’ll need, plus a little extra. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your hydration.
You’ll succumb to dehydration long before you succumb to hunger.
The average person can only go about 3 days without water before life-threatening issues arise.
Ways to Spot Water Sources
Your closest safe drinking water source might not be obvious and easy to find.
Look for low areas or valleys (water runs down thanks to a little thing called gravity) or listen for running water nearby.
When it’s quiet you can hear water from a surprisingly far distance.
Using a map or a GPS can also be a reliable way to find water if you have service.
Useful Gear
- Water filter or tablets
- Water bottle or Bladder for your pack
- Small camping pot for boiling
- Larger water storage container for when you’re at camp
Common Mistakes
- Drinking untreated water
- Running out before you figure out your next refill location
- Ignoring safety signs regarding unsafe water
- Improperly using filtration devices
- Misjudging how much water to carry for the length of your trip
Final Thoughts
Finding safe, drinkable water in the woods is possible, but only if you know what to look for, have the proper gear, and know how to treat it correctly.
It is still always better to plan ahead so that you don’t have to resort to drinking from streams in the first place.
Just because it’s possible to drink water from nature, that doesn’t mean it should be your first method of choice.
If you do however find yourself in an emergency water situation, we hope this post helps you out!
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