Chapter 3 · Water
Water you must NEVER drink
| Liquid | Why not |
|---|---|
| Seawater or brackish water (undistilled) | The body uses more water than it gains to get rid of the salt. It speeds up dehydration and damages the kidneys. |
| Urine | It contains body waste and salt (about 2%). Drinking it makes dehydration worse. It can be distilled in a solar still, but never drunk directly. |
| Floodwater | It carries sewage, fuel, chemicals, and dead animals. It cannot be made safe with home methods if it has fuel or chemicals. |
| Water that smells like fuel or chemicals | Boiling does not clean it and can concentrate the contaminants. |
| Alcohol | It dehydrates and impairs judgment. |
| Blood | It is salty, the body processes it as food (using up water), and it can transmit disease. |
| Car radiator or heating water | It contains antifreeze (ethylene glycol), poisonous even in small amounts. Also dangerous for pets because of its sweet taste. |
| Battery water | It contains acid and lead. |
| Pool or hot tub water | Concentrated chemicals. Use it only for cleaning and the toilet. |
