One of the worries when travelling by motorhome is water: you don't always find reliable drinking water points, and sometimes the water available doesn't inspire confidence. Knowing how to treat water to make it safe gives you security and independence, and reduces the need to buy bottled water (more expense and more plastic). Here are your options. (This is not medical advice.)
The challenge of water in the camper
The water in your tank can become contaminated over time (bacteria, biofilm) or come from sources of doubtful quality. And even if a tap is labelled "water", it isn't always drinking water or in good condition. Hence the value of treating it and, above all, keeping the tank clean (see water in the camper).
Methods for treating water
- Filters: there are several types (activated carbon for taste and chlorine, finer filters for sediment and microorganisms). They can be installed in the system or used as jug/portable filters. Choose based on what you want to remove.
- Chemical disinfection: water-treatment products (chlorine or silver-based) added to the tank to keep the water safe; useful for storage and for treating doubtful water.
- Boiling: the age-old method for killing microorganisms if you're unsure about water for drinking or cooking (uses gas and time).
- UV light: systems that disinfect with ultraviolet light; effective but require power and installation.
Keep the tank clean
Filtering does little good if the tank is dirty. Disinfect it periodically with specific products, empty and rinse it, and don't leave water sitting for long periods. A clean tank is the foundation of safe water (see the water system).
Practical tips
- Fill up at reliable points whenever you can (service areas, marked drinking-water fountains).
- When in doubt, treat the water for drinking and cooking, or use bottled water for that.
- Combine methods: a filter for everyday use plus periodic tank disinfection.
In summary
Purifying water gives you security and independence: filters, chemical treatment products, boiling or UV are all options, always built on the foundation of a clean tank. The step you can take today: consider installing a filter suited to your needs and get into the habit of disinfecting the tank now and then; you'll have safer water, rely less on bottled water, and generate less plastic. Combine it with reducing plastics.