How to Find Water in the Desert

The car has broken down, the sun is high overhead and there is no water in sight. Surviving in the desert could come down to knowing how to find water, and, surprisingly, there's more than one way. Before the next camping or road trip, take a moment to review the possible ways to locate underground water in a desert environment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Review any maps for indications of water. Many desert maps mark the location of groundwater in the region.
2. Look for other signs of life in the area. Desert animals and plants also need water to survive and if they are around, it's a sure sign that water, in some form, is close by.
3. Check dried up riverbeds. If the ground is still damp in the riverbed, it means water is just underneath the surface and digging a small hole to find out for sure, would be worth your time.
4. Stay vigilant for morning dew and rainstorms. Even desert plants have dew on their leaves in the morning, though this method will not provide much water, it is better than none.
5. Fill makeshift rain collectors with rain during storms. Whatever you have that can hold water, place on the ground during a storm. Be quick as the storm could be brief.
6. Cut open cactus and suck water from pulp inside. Some desert plants store water and a few well-placed cuts into stems may uncover extra drinking water.
7. Search pockets of rocks for ground water. Shaded rocks hold the chance that past rainwater has not evaporated. Be sure to check that there are no small animal carcasses nearby and this could indicate that the water is bad to drink.

Tips & Warnings

• Let silt, debris, and dirt sink to the bottom of water before drinking. Desert water has a high mineral content.
• Carry water purifying tablets in your car.