Water Rationing in Limited Supply Situations

Start with 1-2 liters (roughly 4-8 cups) per person per day as the baseline survival minimum. This assumes minimal activity in cool conditions. In reality, actual needs are higher—healthy adults typically need 2-3 liters daily just for basic functions (breathing, sweating, urination).

For a group: multiply the minimum by number of people. If you have 5 people and only 7 liters total, you have less than 2 days at baseline needs. Plan accordingly.

Increase water intake above baseline if:

• Heavy work: Add 0.5–1 liter per person per day
• High heat (above 30°C/86°F): Add 0.5–1 liter per person per day
• Both heat and work: Add 1.5–2 liters per person per day

Reduce intake only in cold conditions with minimal activity—subtract 0.25–0.5 liters. Never fall below 0.5 liters per person per day; the kidneys need minimum fluid to function.

Overexertion in heat drains water faster. Reduce physical labor immediately if water supply is critically low.

Mild (5% body weight loss): Thirst, dry mouth, slightly reduced urination (pale yellow urine is still acceptable).

Moderate (10% loss): Headache, dizziness, dark urine or no urination, difficulty concentrating, rapid heartbeat.

Severe (15%+ loss): Confusion, fainting, weak pulse, barely sweating, internal organs shutting down. This is life-threatening.

Monitor urine color: clear or pale yellow = adequate hydration; dark amber/brown = dehydration starting. If someone stops urinating for over 12 hours, critical dehydration is present.

Severe dehydration causes organ failure and death within hours. Once someone reaches confusion or fainting, immediate rehydration is essential or they will die.

Minimize physical activity: Rest in shade during heat. Stop all non-essential work.

Control sweating: Wear light, loose clothes. Avoid sun exposure 10 AM–4 PM.

Reduce salt and protein intake: High-salt diets increase thirst and water loss. Eat bland foods if possible.

Sip, don't gulp: Drinking small amounts regularly aids absorption better than large amounts at once.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine: All increase water loss through urination and sweating.

Fair distribution prevents conflict and keeps everyone functional longer than favoring some over others:

1. Children and elderly first: Lower body mass and physiological reserves. Dehydration kills them faster.
2. Healthy adults: Reduce intake if necessary, but not below 0.5 liters per day.
3. Injured or ill persons: Match their reduced activity level; they need less water but require oral rehydration salts immediately if vomiting/diarrhea occurs.
4. Pregnant women: Needs increase by 0.3–0.5 liters daily; prioritize.

Ration by weight: each person gets equal milliliters per kilogram of body weight if extremely scarce.

If someone is dehydrated or at risk of dehydration from diarrhea/vomiting, ORS replaces salts lost in sweat or feces. It works even with minimal clean water.

Recipe per liter of water:

• 6 teaspoons (30 grams) sugar or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
• Juice from 1 orange or lemon (if available, adds potassium)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon baking soda or salt substitute

Mix thoroughly. Drink slowly: 50–100 mL every 15 minutes for a mildly dehydrated adult. For severe dehydration, drink faster but stop if vomiting worsens. Store in a clean container and use within 24 hours.

ORS is for mild-to-moderate dehydration. Severe dehydration with confusion or fainting requires immediate professional medical help; ORS alone will not save that person.