Drought conditions can encourage bacterial growth in lakes and rivers used to supply towns, cities, campgrounds and RV parks with water. Sometimes these reservoirs aren’t monitored well or at all. Private water wells such as those in rural properties don’t have the benefit of a monitoring station. When someone becomes ill, it can take time to find out why.
Having an RV in storage with water sitting in the tanks is another way to ruin an RV’s water supply. Stagnant water is a playground for bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew.
Here’s how to keep your RV’s water supply safe:
Store Your Rig Properly
If you’re going to store your rig in a driveway or storage facility, don’t let water stagnate in the tanks. Depending on the size of your tanks, add one cup of bleach for every ten gallons of storage capacity and fill your system. Flush completely before you drink from the tap.
When purchasing a used RV, don’t take it for granted the water system was properly stored. Flush it yourself before using it.
You might want bottled water for a couple of days until the “bleachy” taste dissipates.
Attach a Water Filter to Your RV’s Supply
There are different types of water filters available for RV’s. Some attach at the water spigot, some to the intake port of your rig, and some install inside the rig itself. You can install inline filters to your faucet for drinking water.
If your water filter system requires replaceable filters, keep a supply in your RV. You’ll always be assured you have what you need.
Water faucet filters are also available, and are relatively inexpensive. Most of these have removable filters, so keep a supply handy.
It isn’t necessary to have a filter for the shower or washing machine. If you have hard water at your long term site, an inline filter at your intake port or at the spigot may be the answer.
Countertop Water Filters
Many countertop water filters are marketed today, such as those from Brita. Pitchers have removable filters- just pour the water in and the filter provides clean drinking/cooking water.
Sport bottles on the market today also have filters for drinking water.
Health Warnings
At a campground or RV park, if you are advised to boil water coming from your hookup source, by all means do so. Keeping a stock of bottled water for that purpose is a good idea, especially if you’re going to an area that’s been in a prolonged drought.
No matter where you are, you can always have a safe water supply.
Source: Bob Difley, “Simple Water Supply Safety,” RV Boondocking website, 22 June 2011
