Filtering water is not the same as purifying water but nevertheless it is an important skill that could save your life.

If all you can find is muddy water you will need to create a filter which will clean it of all the sediment and debris. Filtering water removes all visible particles making it safer for drinking. Take note that this does not kill harmful bacteria and microbes but it will often make the water taste better.

To filter water, you must begin with a container. A bottle will work well. Cut the bottom of the bottle off will enable you to use the top as a funnel. By stuffing some cloth material into the funnel you will be able to trap particles in the water. If you don't have a bottle a can will also suffice. With your knife punch a few holes into the bottom of the can which the water can run through. Then let the water fall through the holes and into a separate clean container.

There are several methods to filter water in the wilderness. If you don't have a bottle or a can here is another option for you to consider during an emergency. You can place an item of clothing or cloth material directly over the container as a filter. This may remove some particles.

Look and around and use what nature has supplied you. If you have rocks and sand, alternate these in layers to make a filter. Using more layers will create a better filter.

Make a cone from bark if you can't find some other type of container. Rocks and sand can be layered inside the bark cone. Put small rocks as the last layer in the bottom of the cone. This will help hold it all together when you tie the bottom of the cone with a piece of string.

Fine and coarse layers need to be alternated inside the filter. At the bottom of the cone, you will need to stop the sand from pouring through. This isn't difficult. You can stop it with non-poisionous grass, small pebbles, or if available, use some material such as a piece of cloth or part of an item of clothing.

When you have finished building your filter you now need to pour your collected water into it. Catch the water in a container after it has gone through the filter. If the water is not clear, pass it through the filter again. You might need to do it several times to get the water clear.

Don't forget that even though you might now have clear water it is still not completely safe to drink. The water still needs to be purified. The water may contain tiny bacteria that can pass through the filter. Water can be purified by adding water purification tablets or boiling it over a fire for five minutes.

Learning how to filter water in the wilderness is an essential outdoor survival skill. You can keep yourself alive by knowing how to make your water fit for drinking. This will keep you hydrated while you wait for the rescue party. Make sure you can filter water by practicing when you don't need it. It could really save your life.