We’ve previously discussed rainfall as one of the effective off-the-grid methods to collect water, and today, we’ll be looking at other effective techniques. Put in mind that access to good water is a basic human need; an inability to access clean water is most likely death within three days.
Below are 2 tested & trusted off-the-grid methods to collect water.
Two (2) Proven Off-the-grid Methods To Collect Water
Drilling A Well
In the absence of rainfall & a functioning water system, well drilling is most likely the next source of healthy water — at least, after filtering. Of course, this is because most of us are used to this very traditional way of collecting sizable amounts of freshwater.
To drill a well, you need a significant sum of money, except if you own or operate a driller. Whichever the case is, put in mind beforehand that it can be costly to set up this system of water harvest. Let’s see the pros & cons of drilling a well.
Pros:
- A well can be powered by manual & electrical pumps. Note that if your sole method of water generation is an electric pump, you will be unable to get water without electricity. So, have a backup manual pump or a power-generating plant for when SHTF.
- A well can contain large amounts of water, making it a beneficial option for larger farms & homesteads.
Cons:
- Wells can cease functioning in rare cases, so always remember to check the rainfall levels & underground water table before drilling one.
- Underground water is not immune to chemicals & contaminants. Some wells are healthy when they are drilled but will get contaminated with time due to surrounding activities. I suggest that a professional comes by to check your well for lead & bacteria regularly.
Humidity Collection System
With the advent of certain technological inventions, humidity can now be locked in and converted to water with time, although this is only usable in warm, humid regions. The system uses a turbine to gather humidity from the air before cooling off gathered moisture to a temp below dew point. At this point, the moisture turns to water droplets, which are collected in a storage compartment designed for the purpose.
Pros:
- This system purifies collected water instantly and it is collected, thereby saving you a lot of time & effort.
- This is one of the most efficient & advanced methods of water collection available to off-the-grid preppers. When properly installed, there’s hardly the unavailability of water.
Cons:
- The system is relatively new and, therefore, still costly. You have to be rich enough to install one. With time though, there are hopes that things will be cheaper & newer techniques will become available.
- The system always requires power to work, be it traditional or solar energy.
Concluding The Effective Off-the-grid Methods To Collect Water
Aside from these, water delivery is also one of the effective off-the-grid methods to collect water, but I do not subscribe to the method. It’s never been the prepper’s trait to leave his care in the hands of someone else. What if the person disappoints? However, if the other methods discussed above are unavailable, a water delivery system isn’t wrong.