Wild water source acquisition, there are so many ways.

I. Natural Water Bodies

1. Rivers and Streams
   Rivers and streams are among the most common and accessible natural water sources in the wild. To find them, one should head towards lower - lying areas, as water naturally flows downhill. When approaching a river or stream, assess the water quality. Clear, fast - flowing water with no strange odors or excessive sediment is a good sign. However, if the water is murky, it may contain a large amount of silt and microorganisms, and requires further treatment. Also, be aware of the upstream area. If there are factories, agricultural fields, or concentrated animal areas upstream, the water may be contaminated. For instance, agricultural runoff may carry pesticides and fertilizers, while factory waste could introduce harmful chemicals.
2. Lakes and Ponds
   Lakes and ponds can also serve as water sources. But compared to rivers and streams, they have less water flow, making them more prone to pollution and the growth of algae and bacteria. Before using the water, observe the surrounding environment. If there is a lot of garbage, animal feces on the shore, or if the water emits a foul smell, the water quality is likely poor. When choosing a water - taking point, select an area on the up - wind side away from pollution sources and avoid areas with dense water plants, as these areas may harbor more microorganisms and parasites.
3. Rainwater Collection
   Rainwater is a relatively pure water source in the wild. During the rainy season or when it's raining, use any available containers, such as plastic sheets, metal basins, or empty water bottles, to collect rainwater. Place the containers in open, unobstructed, and clean areas, like on flat rocks. Make sure to avoid areas where leaves, dust, or other impurities can easily fall into the containers. In mountainous areas, look for caves with high terrain or the undersides of overhanging cliffs. Place the containers here, as they can collect rainwater while preventing the containers from being washed away by the rain. If there are no proper containers, use absorbent materials like clothes or tree bark to collect rainwater and then wring the water into a clean container.

II. Extracting Water from Plants

1. Succulent Plants
   In arid regions like deserts, some succulent plants, such as cacti and agaves, are important sources of water. For cacti, first, carefully remove the spines on the surface using a knife or a sharp tool. Then, cut the cactus open. The inner fleshy part contains a large amount of water. You can either suck the fleshy part directly to obtain water or mash it and squeeze the juice into a container. However, not all cacti are edible, and some varieties may be toxic. So, if you are not sure, do not attempt to eat them rashly. In tropical rainforest areas, some vine plants are also rich in water. Find a vine, cut it off about 1 - 2 meters above the ground. If clear liquid flows out from the cut, it can be directly drunk. This is the water being transported by the vine and is relatively safe.
2. Using Plant Transpiration
   Water can also be obtained in small amounts by using the transpiration of plants. Select a large tree with lush foliage. Wrap the ends of the branches with a transparent plastic bag and tie the bag tightly. Over time, the water vapor produced by the plant's transpiration will condense into water droplets inside the plastic bag. When a sufficient amount of water has accumulated, it can be collected. This method yields relatively pure water but is inefficient and is suitable for situations where there is plenty of time and a high requirement for water quality.

III. Digging for Groundwater

1. Digging in Riverbeds and Floodplains
   In dry riverbeds or floodplains, choose a low - lying area with signs of moisture. Usually, digging down several tens of centimeters to one meter may yield groundwater seepage. When digging, make the pit as large and deep as possible to allow the water to gather. The seeped water may be turbid. Wait for a while until the sediment settles, and then take the relatively clear water from the upper layer. If there are reeds or other water - loving plants growing nearby, the probability of finding groundwater by digging in this area is higher. These plants have developed root systems and need to obtain water from underground, indicating that the water table is relatively shallow in these areas.
2. Digging in Valleys and at the Foot of Mountains
   In valleys or at the foot of mountains, also look for areas with moisture and moss growth. These are areas where rainwater and surface water seep. There is a high possibility of digging out groundwater. During the digging process, if the soil color darkens and the texture softens, it is likely close to the groundwater layer. After digging out the water, use a clean cloth or filter to remove impurities in the water.

IV. Water Purification

1. Filtration
   Regardless of the water source obtained, it is recommended to purify the water before drinking. Filtration is a simple and effective preliminary purification method. You can make a simple filter using an empty plastic bottle. Cut off the bottom of the bottle, and then fill it from the bottle mouth with clean fine sand, activated carbon (which can be obtained from burned wood), small stones, etc. in sequence. Pour the water to be filtered into the bottle from the bottom. Through multi - layer filtration, most of the sediment, impurities, and some microorganisms in the water can be removed. However, the filtered water is still not suitable for direct drinking and requires further treatment.
2. Boiling
   Boiling is the most common and effective method of sterilization and disinfection. Put the filtered water into a container and heat it with an open flame or other heating equipment until it boils. Keep the water boiling for 3 - 5 minutes, which can kill most bacteria, viruses, and parasite eggs. In high - altitude areas, due to low air pressure, the boiling point of water decreases. At this time, it is necessary to appropriately extend the boiling time to ensure the sterilization effect. If there is no heating equipment, the solar distillation method can be used. Dig a pit in the ground, place a water - containing container in the pit, cover the pit with a plastic sheet, press the edges with stones, and place a small stone in the middle of the plastic sheet to make the plastic sheet form a cone. Sunlight causes the water in the pit to evaporate, and the water vapor condenses into water droplets on the plastic sheet and flows into the container below, achieving purification.
3. Chemical Disinfection
   Carrying an appropriate amount of disinfectant tablets (such as chlorine dioxide disinfectant tablets) is very useful in the wild. According to the instructions, put the disinfectant tablets into the water, stir well, and wait for a certain period, usually 15 - 30 minutes, to effectively kill harmful microorganisms in the water. If there are no disinfectant tablets, iodine tincture can also be used. Add 3 - 5 drops of iodine tincture to each liter of water, shake well, and let it stand for 10 - 15 minutes. This can also play a certain role in disinfection, although it may give the water an iodine - like taste.