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Description

Using traditional Army Milbank Style Bags scouts are to filter, and boil a billy can of water.


** NOTE **
Advise doing some good research about this before attempting to drink any water purified. Attached is a PDF containing much info.

Resources

Surplus Milbank Bags.
Billy Cans
A source of heat for boiling or firelighter etc.

Instructions

First explain some methods of locating water by viewing the landscape, understanding the trees and plants from a distance.

I.E plants such as water mint, Alder Trees and Willow trees typically only grow near water. Where vegetation is scarce look for the areas where there is some green.

Then demonstrate the use of Milbank Bags, explaining that they are only for filtration. Explain the 5 types of water pollutants
. Chemical
. Bacteria
. Virus
. Turbidity
. Parasites

Once filtered they are to bring the water to a rolling Boil over heat (a fire works best for ''setting the scene'')

I like to finish off by dropping a couple of tea bags in the water and have a laugh about the fact that the scouts have just spent 1hr and half or so making me a cup of tea :)

Scouts can be rewarded by making them some hot chocolate with fresh water.

Tags

• Bushcraft
• survival
• Traditional skills

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