The quality and safety of water stored in your motorhome’s onboard tanks are crucial. This is one of the most important concerns for any motorhome user. Whether you’re filling up at a campsite or from your home tap, ensuring the water remains safe to drink during your travels is essential. So, how safe is the water stored in your motorhome’s onboard tanks, and what can you do to keep it clean? Let’s dive into the details.
Potential Risks of Onboard Water
The water in your motorhome’s onboard tank is safe to drink as long as proper care is taken. Yet, without regular maintenance and good hygiene, there are risks of contamination. Over time, bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms can grow within your tanks and plumbing system, especially if water sits unused for extended periods or if the tank is exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
Contamination can happen due to a variety of reasons:
- Stagnant Water: If water sits in your tank for too long, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Poor Quality Fill Source: Sometimes, the water source itself might not be clean, especially at older campgrounds with aging infrastructure.
- Lack of Tank Maintenance: If you don’t regularly clean and sanitize your tank, it’s easier for harmful organisms to build up.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Water Safe
Here are some key practices to ensure the water in your onboard tanks is as safe as possible:
- Regular Sanitisation: The most crucial step to keep your water safe is to sanitise the onboard water tank periodically. It’s recommended to do this at least twice a year or whenever you notice any unusual taste or odor. Household bleach is commonly used for sanitisation. Mix a quarter cup of bleach per 15 gallons of water, fill the tank, and let it sit for several hours before draining and rinsing thoroughly.
- Use a Water Filter: Installing a quality water filter on your motorhome is an effective way to keep contaminants out. Filters can be installed at the fill point or in the plumbing system to remove sediments, bacteria, and other impurities.
- Flush Regularly: Regularly drain and refill your tanks, especially if your motorhome has been sitting unused for a while. Fresh water means fewer chances for bacteria to develop.
- Use Clean Fill Hoses: Always use a potable water hose, preferably one dedicated solely to filling your fresh water tank. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.
- Check Water Quality at the Source: Whenever possible, check the quality of your fill source. Some campsites might not have the best water quality, so having a portable water tester can help you ensure that you’re filling your tank with clean water. Remember, you cannot trust what condition the pipework is in underground, or how drinking water is stored and checked in any on site tanks.
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Should You Drink Directly from the Tank?
Even if you follow all these steps, some motorhomers prefer not to drink directly from the onboard tank. Instead, they use the water for washing dishes, showering, or cooking, but rely on bottled water for drinking. This extra precaution helps to minimise any health risks.
If you’re diligent about maintaining your tank, filtering your water, and regularly sanitising the system, you can safely drink from your onboard water supply.
Signs That Your Water Might Not Be Safe
If you notice any of the next, it’s a good sign that your water might need attention:
- Odor: A foul or chlorine-like smell could show contamination.
- Cloudiness: Water that appears cloudy might contain suspended particles or bacteria.
- Bad Taste: If the water tastes off, it’s better to err on the side of caution and clean the tank.
Conclusion
Water stored in your motorhome’s onboard tank can be safe to drink as long as you maintain good hygiene practices and regularly sanitize the system. By using quality water sources, sanitizing the tank, and filtering the water, you can enjoy safe, clean water throughout your RV adventures. While some people choose bottled water for drinking, a well-maintained system offers convenience and safety for most motorhome needs.
Remember, when it comes to water safety on the road, diligence is key. A little extra care goes a long way in ensuring you have a comfortable and worry-free journey.
Vintage RV Adventures 