Open Water:
Basic Survival in Black Rock City

By Hydro

What are the main things that mammals need in to survive? Water, food, shelter, and some amount of space (purportedly to seek the prior three needs as well as a mate). I’ve heard it said that the “Playa gives.”

However, when it comes to these four critical elements, the Playa gives but one: Space.

So, each Burner, new and old, must practice the art of radical self reliance if they wish to have enough water, food and shelter to comfortably and safely enjoy Black Rock City. I’m writing to discuss water.

You are about to move to a city that, on average receives approximately 0.055 inch of rain annually. Just go with me on this one, the average August precipitation is 0.22 inch, according to the Desert Research Institute and the City is only around for a week or so. This means you really need to bring your own water. But, how much? I found a clever calculator on nutrition.about.com http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htmThis little black box, with unverified hydration calculation technology, uses things like your weight, exercise, alcohol consumption, etc. to determine a healthy amount of water to consume each day.

People like me who are 195 lbs, expect to dance for 60 minutes each day, are not pregnant, will not be breast feeding (I assume they mean providing the breast milk), are planning on drinking five alcoholic drinks each day, and do not have a fever or diarrhea should expect to consume 1.3 gallons of water per day.

Really, 1.3 gallons? That doesn’t leave much of the 1.5 gallons per day that the Survival Guide recommends to use for washing up. Make sure you do your own water research and math to figure out how much you really need to bring (remember that fruits have lots of water in them and the ice you use will eventually melt). Do that, then bring extra.

If you bring enough water; food; and shelter, the Playa will provide you with enough space to enjoy them and probably even find that mate. If you’re into that sort of thing.