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How to Make a Condensation Trap

Survivalists use condensation traps as a simple, but effective way to gather potable water. Condensation traps represent an ancient technological discovery, as they have been used by ancient civilizations as old as the Incans in Peru. Modern-day technology, specifically waterproof plastic sheeting, enables survivalists to create a condensation trap that is more effective and more efficient than the ancient ones.

Things You'll Need

Shovel
Receptacle
Plastic sheeting
Rocks

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole approximately 2 to 3 feet deeper than the receptacle that will act as the container of your condensation trap.
- 2
  Place your receptacle at the bottom of the hole. There should be several inches of space around each of the sides of the receptacle.
- 3
  Cover the top of the hole with a piece of plastic sheeting. For example, you could use a tarp.
- 4
  Secure the edges of the plastic sheeting with rocks, stones or some other heavy object that will hold it in place. Cover these rocks with earth. This will create a seal between the bottom of the plastic sheet and the earth itself, which will allow the trap to work more effectively.
- 5
  Place a smooth-edged stone in the center of the plastic sheet directly over the center of the receptacle below it. Press gently until the center of the sheeting slouches down, creating a funnel-like dip that points directly into the receptacle at the bottom of the hole. The depth of this dip should be about two to three feet, or the difference between the top of the hole and the top of the receptacle.
- 6
  Allow the trap to wait overnight or longer before digging it up and collecting the trapped condensation in the receptacle below.

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