Tips for Filtering Water in the Jungle
Travel lovers will likely never forget to bring all the essentials. Water is especially important, and every trekker should carry enough for the days ahead. However, unexpected situations can still happen. If you unfortunately run out of water, finding a clean source can be very difficult. What you may find are puddles of rainwater on the ground or a pond mixed with moss and algae. So what should you do in that situation? Here are a few tips for filtering water in the jungle.
The first water-filtering tip is to use tree bark to make a funnel
Photo by: giaiphapthoathiem
For this method to work as well as possible, look for birch bark or a similar type of bark. Because of its elasticity, it can filter water while still holding its shape. However, using bark to make a water-filtering funnel will not completely purify the water; it only reduces the amount of bacteria in it. For that reason, you should only use this tip in an emergency.
Photo by: giaiphapthoathiem
First, create filtering layers inside the funnel. You can make layers of sand, charcoal, grass, and gravel or small stones. Charcoal is especially effective at reducing bacteria. If you have a fire, crush a few burned pieces of wood into charcoal. Finally, pour the water through the funnel several times before using it.
Another useful water-filtering tip is to use a tube
Photo by: ineet
If you are in a situation where you only have a tube, cotton, and a coffee filter, this is a water-filtering tip you can try. First, place cotton at both ends of the tube to filter out any sediment in the water. Then, fill the middle of the tube with charcoal or activated charcoal to reduce microorganisms in the water. Finally, pour water through the filter and use the collected water.
Using fruit peels is a very simple water-filtering tip
Photo by: Ineet
Fruit is often a must-have on every trip. At this point, peels from bananas, tomatoes, coconuts, or even coconut fiber may help. Simply put the water and fruit peels together in a bowl or cup, then wait for them to filter the water. According to Wakeup-World.com, the peels of some of the plants mentioned above can absorb certain harmful substances in water, including heavy metals.
Keep this solar water-filtering tip in mind
Photo by: Ineet
You are probably familiar with using sunlight to make fire. Now, you can also make use of it to treat water. It is very simple: fill a clear plastic bottle with water, then leave it under the sun all day. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can disinfect pathogens in the water. However, try to use a water source that is not too dirty to improve the effectiveness of solar treatment.
Suggested reading:
10 poisonous mushrooms to know when trekking through Vietnam’s national forests
A roundup of fire-starting methods for campers
Finding direction and 4 tips for getting lost in the forest
