Water along the Beach

**Buddha443556** · 03-31-2008, 11:20 AM

I have a my first question! In an old FM there is a suggestion that one can find water along the seashore in the sand dunes or at low tide 100 yards above the high tide mark by digging a hole. Salt water is a definite no-no and I notice this technique did not make it into the newer FM's but was wondering what the experts here thought of it? Anyone have any experience with this technique?

**Rick** · 03-31-2008, 11:43 AM

Buddha - I really don't have an explanation as to why it was not included in later revisions. My guess is the amount of expended energy required and the amount of return. You are not guaranteed water even if the terrain is relatively flat and digging for any length of time increases your need for water, particularly if it's hot.

Boiling salt water and capturing the steam in a cloth doesn't require much effort and will yield a good amount of water in a short amount of time.

I've personally never tried to obtain water by digging near the ocean so my thoughts are more theoretical than practical.

By the way, how about digging over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...splay.php?f=14

**Buddha443556** · 03-31-2008, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

By the way, how about digging over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...splay.php?f=14

I got a thread there already and posted even more just because you asked.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...8268#post38268

Originally Posted by Rick

Buddha - I really don't have an explanation as to why it was not included in later revisions. My guess is the amount of expended energy required and the amount of return. You are not guaranteed water even if the terrain is relatively flat and digging for any length of time increases your need for water, particularly if it's hot.

Boiling salt water and capturing the steam in a cloth doesn't require much effort and will yield a good amount of water in a short amount of time.

I've personally never tried to obtain water by digging near the ocean so my thoughts are more theoretical than practical.

I was thinking it was the salt that kept it out of the newer FM. The steam method seems a lot safer to me.

Down here in Florida I've dug no more than 2 feet and hit water in my own backyard and that was during a drought. Maybe I'll try a little testing at the beach with some litmus paper. Maybe a little extra sand and charcoal filtering will make it safer?

**Rick** · 03-31-2008, 12:31 PM

I think Florida floats on water. Actually, they do have the world's largest water aquifer if I'm not mistaken.

100 yards is quite a distance and if there is a layer of clay or bed rock between you and the ocean then you might come up dry. If you do then you've wasted a lot of energy for naught.

**bulrush** · 03-31-2008, 03:32 PM

Yes, Florida rests on limestone, permeated with caves and lots of fresh water.

Just dip your finger in the water. Does it taste salty? If so, it's not safe to drink. Even while snorkeling I swallowed a 1/4 cup of seawater and I thought I was going to vomit. Very bad for your body.

**Buddha443556** · 04-02-2008, 02:15 PM

Always helps to search on the right term, in this case "beach well."

http://travel.howstuffworks.com/how-to-find-water3.htm

"In a few hours, you could have up to five gallons of filtered water."