Plastic Bag Water Collection System

This Instructable will show you how to make an easy water collection system using only a plastic bag, zip tie, a tree, and a container. The way it works is a plastic bag with a hole in it is put over a branch. The tree produces water through a prosses called transpiration, which is the prosses through which the tree's leaves release oxygen and water. It drips down the bag, through the hole, and into a container, thus forming drinkable and usable water. I would really appreciate it if you would vote for my Instructable if you liked it, and please leave any questions, comments, or concerns in the comment box below. Please feel free to check out my other Instructables, "10 Tips for Organizing", "Basics of Archery", and "Outdoor Survival Kit".

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a zip tie, a big plastic ziplock or grocery bag, scissors, and a bucket.

Step 2: Prepare the Plastic Bag

First, cut a small, dime-sized hole in the plastic bag. Make the hole in the bottom corner of the bag. This is where water will drip out.

Step 3: Find a Branch

You will need one with leaves, and make sure it's easily accessible.

Step 4: Tie on the Plastic Bag

Using the zip tie, secure the bag over the branch, making sure the bag is completely covering the branch and that the hole is at the bottom.

Step 5: Place the Bucket

Put the bucket directly under the hole in the bag. Wait a full 24 hours, and the container will have water in it! Good job!

Comments

[BradysoBOT]

if you didn't poke a hole in the bag couldn't the tree fill it up with water and take the bag off and use it from there?

[ranwithjesus]

yes you could definitely do that if you want. :)

[Twitchy1]

How much water per 24 hr period does this process yield?

[ranwithjesus]

About 2-4 cups per bag.

[Roentgenium111]

Any news on how much water you can get?

[ranwithjesus]

It depends on how many bags you set up, but you can get from one bag about 2-4 cups a day.

[floatch]

The water that gathers there isn't due to dew or condensation at all, it's there as a result of transpiration, the process by which a tree releases oxygen and water through its leaves. Different trees release different amounts of water depending on leaf shape, size of the tree, rain production, season, and temperature.

It's perfectly drinkable, assuming you start with a clean bag, and tastes slightly like the tree itself. It's actually quite pleasant, much better than boiled water in flavor.

[ranwithjesus]

Thank you for the awesome comment! I'll change the description. :D

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Great survival trick.

[ranwithjesus]

Thanks!