The Dangerous Myth of Drinking Salt Water
Despite the desperate appearance of infinite water, consuming highly saline water, such as seawater, does not quench your thirst; it worsens dehydration. The fundamental reason is related to osmotic pressure, the process by which water moves across a semipermeable membrane, like the walls of your body's cells, to balance salt concentrations. When you drink high-salinity water, your bloodstream's salt concentration rises dramatically. To restore balance, your kidneys must excrete the excess salt. However, human kidneys can only produce urine that is less salty than seawater. This means your body must use more water than you've consumed to flush out the salt, resulting in a net loss of hydration. This process strains your kidneys, and in dire situations, can lead to kidney failure, nervous system issues, and death. The myth that boiling salt water makes it safe is also false; boiling sterilizes the water but leaves the salt behind, increasing its concentration.
The Difference Between Electrolyte Water and Salt Water
It is crucial to differentiate between safe, low-sodium electrolyte solutions and dangerous, high-salinity water. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are medically formulated with a precise, low concentration of salts and sugars to help the body absorb water and replenish electrolytes lost due to illness like diarrhea. The concentration of salt in an ORS is far lower than the salt content of seawater, which is approximately 3.5%.
Comparison Table: Seawater vs. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
| Feature | Seawater | Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Concentration | High (approx. 3.5%) | Low (precisely balanced, e.g., 0.9%) |
| Purpose | Naturally occurring, not for consumption | Medical therapy for dehydration from illness |
| Hydration Effect | Causes severe dehydration | Replenishes electrolytes and aids hydration |
| Safety | Highly dangerous, potentially fatal | Safe when used as directed |
| Effect on Kidneys | Puts severe strain on kidneys | Helps maintain electrolyte balance |
Safe Methods to Make Water Drinkable
In a survival scenario, true desalination is the only way to safely consume saltwater. Two primary methods exist, one for emergencies and another for industrial use.
Method 1: Emergency Distillation
Distillation works by boiling water, capturing the steam, and then condensing it back into a pure, liquid state. This process effectively separates the pure water from the salt and other impurities. A basic solar still can be constructed with a few simple items:
- A large container (e.g., a bowl or pot)
- A smaller, empty container to collect the condensed water
- Clear plastic sheeting or a transparent lid
- A small weight (e.g., a rock)
- Place the large container on the ground with the smaller container in the center.
- Pour the salt water into the large container, ensuring none splashes into the smaller one.
- Cover the large container with the plastic sheeting or lid, sealing the edges.
- Place the small weight on the center of the plastic, directly over the smaller collection container, creating a slight dip.
- The sun will heat the saltwater, causing pure water to evaporate and condense on the underside of the plastic. The water will then drip down the inverted peak and into your collection container.
Method 2: Reverse Osmosis (High-Tech)
This method uses pressure to force saltwater through a semipermeable membrane that blocks salt molecules but allows water molecules to pass through. While widely used in large-scale desalination plants and some advanced survival filters, it is not a practical DIY solution for most people. Commercial desalination systems are also complex and require significant energy.
Emergency Hydration Alternatives
If you find yourself in a situation where obtaining fresh water is a challenge, prioritize these options over attempting to drink untreated saltwater:
- Rainwater Collection: Collect rainwater using tarps, large leaves, or any non-porous surfaces. It is naturally fresh and generally safe to drink, though boiling is always a good precaution.
- Finding Groundwater: Look for signs of groundwater like lush vegetation in arid areas or follow animal tracks. Any collected groundwater should still be purified by boiling or with a filter to remove bacteria and pathogens.
- Melting Ice or Snow: In cold climates, melting and consuming ice or snow is a viable freshwater source. Do not eat it directly, as this lowers your body temperature.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Over Desperate Measures
Seeking to make salt water to drink is a dangerous path based on a misunderstanding of how the human body processes salt. The high concentration of salt in seawater actively dehydrates the body, straining vital organs and leading to serious health complications. In any emergency, your focus must be on safe, proven methods of water procurement. Prioritize finding freshwater, using distillation for desalination, and always be prepared. Your body's delicate osmotic balance is not equipped to handle the high salinity of ocean water. It is essential to choose survival strategies that align with biological reality, rather than relying on a dangerous misconception.
What to Do If You've Accidentally Drunk Salt Water
If you have inadvertently ingested a large amount of saltwater, stop immediately. Attempt to find and drink as much freshwater as possible to help your body flush the excess salt. Monitor for symptoms of dehydration, such as increased thirst, dry mouth, and infrequent urination. For severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, or delirium, seek medical attention immediately. Pets should also be kept away from saltwater, as it is dangerous for them as well.
