Introduction

Water is essential for life, and in a survival situation, having access to clean water can mean the difference between life and death. While you can survive weeks without food, you can only go days without water. Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, or chemicals that make you seriously ill. A DIY water filter is lightweight, easy to build, and can help reduce dirt, debris, and some contaminants, making water safer to drink after boiling or chemical treatment. This step-by-step guide empowers you with a simple, hands-on skill that could save your life.

Ingredients / Materials

Medium-sized plastic bottle (recycled water or soda bottle works)

Sharp knife or scissors

Soldering iron or heated metal rod (for making holes)

Clean cotton (unbleached preferred)

Charcoal (boiled and dried)

Fine, clean sand

Clean gravel or small pebbles

Water container to collect filtered water

How to Make

Step 1 – Prepare the Bottle: