When you camp in an RV, you have convenient access to water inside your rig through water hookups, but the quality of the water you connect to may vary depending on the campground.
Gain the ultimate safety when camping by using a water filter to remove minerals, bacteria and other potential contaminants from your drinking water. An RV water filter can protect your family wherever you camp. Explore the various water filters available to find the right options for your needs and discover other ways to maintain clean drinking water on the road.
Common Problems With RV Drinking Water
RVers can travel across the country to various campgrounds, which may lead to different levels of water quality. Water from public systems is regulated but could still become contaminated due to cracks or issues in the distribution system. If the campground uses a private well, it is responsible for testing its water for safety, so the quality may change.
The water may contain germs or chemicals such as:
- E. coli
- Cryptosporidium
- Legionella
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Giardia
- Campylobacter
- Norovirus
- Enterovirus
- Rotavirus
- Hepatitis A virus
- Lead
- Copper
- Arsenic
- Radon
- Nitrate
Beyond potentially harmful contaminants, water may contain compounds that affect the taste, including chlorine or minerals. Though safe for your health, you may prefer to avoid them in your drinking water.
Types of RV Water Filters
Water filters are an essential part of a camper’s toolkit. They can remove contaminants that may impact your health and protect your RV plumbing system from potentially corrosive materials. When choosing an RV water filter, you have many options. Each has unique capabilities, so the choice depends on your preference. You can also combine various filters on this list to improve your water quality. For example, you can use a carbon filter to remove sediment and then an ultraviolet (UV) filter to disinfect your water.
Inline Water Filters
Inline filters are the most common RV water filtration technique. The filter connects to the drinking water hose outside the RV and is close to the water source.
This water filter for RV hookups uses carbon or sediment filters. Carbon filters remove impurities by absorption, allowing them to clear sediment, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors and unpleasant tastes. Sediment filters trap dirt, debris and other small particles using mechanical filtration.
Inline water filters screw onto your water hookup hoses, making them easy to install. When you need to replace them, you can buy a new filter and dispose of the old one. While they come with many advantages, these filters also have disadvantages, such as their need for frequent replacement. As they age, these filters can clog and slow down your flow rate. You also need to hook them up at each new campsite, which adds time to the setup process for campers who frequently move to new campgrounds.
Canister RV Water Filters
These water filters, also called a whole water filtration system, are installed inside an RV under the sink or within a storage compartment. They can also work as an inline filter. A canister uses carbon or sediment filters like an inline system. These filters may use UV water purification, which kills bacteria using UV rays. Depending on the filter you choose, you may get a higher degree of filtration with a canister filter than an inline filter.
Some campers include built-in canister filters, adding to the convenience of this option. If your rig includes a canister filter, you can replace it with the recommended components as it wears out. RVs without a canister filter will require installation from someone with plumbing knowledge. However, once you install the system, it is always ready to use, as long as you replace the filter regularly.
Carbon Block Filters
A carbon block filter uses carbon ground into a powder and then pressed into a solid block. Water passes through the block, and anything too big to fit through the carbon stays in the filter rather than continuing into the water system.
Pros include:
- Eliminating odor from the water
- Removal of sediment, pesticides, herbicides and chlorine
- Relatively easy replacement process, though generally they are under-sink systems
- Generally cost-effective price
Cons include:
- Failure to remove bacteria, viruses and some heavy metals
- Requirement for periodic replacement
- Slower water flow
Campers use carbon block systems less frequently than other filter options in their RV water filter setup. Look for an under-sink system that fits your RV and works with your plumbing system.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
A reverse osmosis filter is one of the most effective methods for removing contaminants from your drinking water. It uses a high-pressure pump to apply pressure to the salt side of the system and force water across the membrane. This filter clears the water of chemical contaminants, most dissolved salts, biological contaminants and particulates. This highly effective filtration means cleaner water than you can get with other RV water filtration methods.
While they offer highly effective filtration, reverse osmosis filters require high water capacities to work. These high capacities result in extensive water waste. Reverse osmosis filters are also more expensive than most other filtration options.
For an RV reverse osmosis filter, look for an under-sink system that fits in an RV. Other options include a countertop system.
Water Softeners
A water softener offers additional filtering as a secondary system to another filter, like an inline or canister component. These systems, also called ion exchange water filters, use salt to correct the level of minerals in water. The filter captures positively charged calcium and magnesium and releases negatively charged sodium ions into the water in their place.
These filters prevent the buildup of minerals in your plumbing system and provide water that is better for hair and skin. Some downsides of water softeners include the removal of beneficial minerals and the introduction of salt into your plumbing system, which could cause corrosion.
UV Water Purification
UV water purification involves passing water through a stainless steel chamber around a UV lamp. As water passes around the lamp, the light penetrates microorganisms in the water and scrambles their DNA so that they can’t replicate.
Pros include:
- Effective elimination of bacteria, viruses and cysts
- Cost-effective water filtration
- Energy-efficient system
Cons include:
- Inability to remove all contaminants like particles and heavy metals
- Requires electricity to function
- Failure to improve the taste of water
As you search for a UV water purification system, seek an under-sink option designed for an RV. Some canister systems include UV purification.
Another option is a portable UV water purifier. You can find these filters in various forms, like water bottles, straws or countertop systems.
Best Practices for Maintaining Clean and Tasty RV Drinking Water
Safe and tasty drinking water means more than choosing the best RV water purifier for your needs. In many cases, you can implement various systems to add levels of purification. Other practices can help you enhance your water quality further as you travel.
Multiple Filtration Methods
As you set up your RV water filtration system, combine multiple filters for better water quality. For example, if you operate a large RV, you might use all of the filtration methods, from an inline filter to a canister system under your sink.
Water Testing
A water filter system can remove many contaminants, but most have effectiveness for particular compounds and may leave others behind. Water testing can help you identify anything harmful your water filter missed.
Start with a visual test. Look at the water to identify cloudiness or discoloration. After looking at the water, smell it to see if you detect any unpleasant odors. This test works well for obvious contamination. You can use water testing tools for further analysis. Your options include:
- Digital instruments: These tools can detect the level of various contaminants in water. Their main downfalls are the price and the limitation to one or two testing parameters.
- Testing strips: Test strips can be used to quickly and easily identify many contaminants. However, this option is less precise and may only test for some contaminants in water.
While each form of water testing has pros and cons, these methods allow you to gain additional peace of mind while traveling.
Monitoring Water Pressure and Temperature
You may often think of low water pressure as a nuisance, but it can be hazardous as well. If low water pressure turns into no water pressure and you have no access to water, you may face trouble. Low water pressure can also indicate a leak or a clogged water filter, which could allow contaminants into your water system.
High water pressure can also damage RV plumbing and cause issues. An inline pressure regulator system can maintain consistent pressure throughout your plumbing to prevent leaks.
Test water pressure at a campground using a pressure gauge. If the low water pressure comes from your RV, you can check the water filter to see whether it requires replacement. Always keep a backup filter in your RV for emergencies. Beyond examining the water filter, look at the RV water system for kinks in water lines or leaks.
Also, pay attention to water temperature in your water storage systems. When temperatures get too high, you may face bacteria growth in your water, causing harmful health effects.
Storing Drinking Water Properly
Water sitting for too long without movement can lead to bacteria and parasite growth. These effects are particularly harmful in your RV’s drinking water tank. Use the following tips for proper RV drinking water storage:
- Keep the water tank empty when not in use for extended periods.
- Use an RV water freshener to prevent algae and slime buildup.
- Disinfect the tank and plumbing before and after the camping season.
Maintaining the Gray and Black Water Tanks
Though you do not consume gray or black water, you should maintain these tanks, too, as issues in one area could spread to the rest of your plumbing system. Between camping trips, dump and clean both tanks.
The gray water tank can be cleaned with a bleach solution and drained for storage. For the black water tank, use a tank treatment to prevent odors and bacteria buildup. After the treatment process is completed, be sure the tank is empty before storing your RV.
Water that is left in any of the tanks can potentially freeze. In colder climates, winterizing the system if you are not planning to use your RV helps avoid plumbing damage from freezing temperatures.
Flushing the System
While the RV antifreeze used for winterizing is nontoxic in small amounts, you need to flush it from your system before you can drink the water.
To flush the system, run fresh water through the system using the city water inlet or freshwater holding tank. Open all the faucets and run the system until the water runs clear. The antifreeze will go into holding tanks, which you can empty at a dump station later. After removing the antifreeze, run water through the system, including every sink and faucet, then fill and flush the toilet to prepare the system for use.
In addition to flushing the system after winterizing, try to flush it regularly throughout the year, especially if your RV goes some time without use. Flushing removes stagnant water and prevents the growth of bacteria, algae, mold and mildew.
You do not need to flush the gray or black water tanks after storage or winterizing.
Checking for Leaks
Leaks can affect the water quality within an RV by creating contamination, stagnant water and exposure to mold spores. Identify leaks in your plumbing system with the following steps:
- Look under cabinets and sinks to identify water damage.
- Inspect all visible plumbing pipes and fittings for corrosion, dripping or wet spots.
- Run water through faucets and check for dripping at the connections.
- Examine wastewater and freshwater systems to find cracks or leaks in tanks, hoses and connections.
When you catch and repair these leaks, you create a closed plumbing system. That means all water must pass through a filter before it gets to your faucet, and contamination can not enter through holes and cracks.
Properly Draining the System
You need to drain your freshwater tank regularly for cleaning. Draining also allows you to reduce your weight for towing or traveling — most manufacturers recommend that you avoid traveling with water in your tanks. If you suspect contamination, sanitize the system after draining and before refilling it.
Follow this process to drain your freshwater tank:
- Prepare: Park your RV and use the parking brake and chocks to prevent movement. Ensure sufficient room under your RV for drainage.
- Turn off: Shut off the main water supply valve or disconnect the hose from the city water hookup to prevent water from entering the tank while draining.
- Open: Check the faucets and taps in the shower, kitchen and bathroom to ensure they are all open. Collect the water to reuse. Once the water stops flowing, close all the faucets.
- Drain: Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the tank to let residual water drain out. Use a bucket to collect the water. Afterward, twist open the low-point drain valves to empty the remaining liquid.
- Check: Confirm that the water tank is empty by looking inside or checking the scale on the side of the tank.
Why Trust Kampgrounds of America for Your Camping and RV Information?
KOA has been in operation since 1962, and those years of experience guide you during all your camping adventures with helpful tips and tricks to make your outdoor experience easier, fun and memorable. When you camp with KOA, you have access to a network of over 500 campgrounds across North America, so you can find a campground near the locations you want to visit.
Additionally, KOA’s passion for camping, the outdoors and making memories with family and friends lets you know that you are getting the most up-to-date information for all your adventures. From the people in yellow shirts at KOA Campgrounds to those behind the scenes, everyone at KOA cares about providing an exceptional camping experience for campers of all ages.
Camp Comfortably at KOA
When you are equipped with the best RV water filtration for your needs, you will have a healthier and happier camping experience. Make your RV journeys even better by staying at a KOA. These campgrounds include fully equipped RV Sites, some of which have a KOA Patio® for outdoor relaxation. Explore the details of KOA RV Sites and find a destination for your next trip.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.