31 replies to this topic

[ramblinboy]

We travel with gallon jugs of potable water.

We use the fresh tank for washing up and flushing only.

Any necessity to treat potable water in jugs to keep it fresh?

[Shields]

Unless you are storing the drinking water in the gallon jugs for extended periods, no treatment is needed. Just wash and rinse the jugs from time to time before refilling.

I agree with Bill's point about the quality from your fresh tank. Unless you are putting filtered or bottled water into the travel jugs, you can get the same result from the MH fresh water system.

If the quality from your MH fresh water system isn't adequate, maybe it can be improved. We had similar troubles and my wife was bringing bottled water for drinking. Since then, I bleached and flushed the system, upgraded the filters, and don't let the water sit in the tank for more than a month or so. The result for us has been (thankfully) no more bottled water expenses.

Happy travels,

Tim

[ramblinboy]

Exactly what we needed to know. Thanks to all!
We drink filtered water at home to eliminate the chlorine taste. We don't want to drink small portion bottled water on the road as mentioned.
We see plenty o' folk who filter at the campground source before it gets into your MH tank. I have an under-sink filter for the kitchen tap.

[wolfe10]

OK, let's discuss the "ideal" system for potable water.

Start with a "purified water system". Hyper-chlorinate the tank as described in most RV owners manuals, then drain and fill with fresh water. Do this anytime the tank water is over 10 days old in the summer or 2 weeks old in the winter. The best way to keep tank water fresh is to fill the tank and then USE IT. Worse way is to fill it, then always connect to city water and only use tank water occasionally. It is not reasonable to expect water that has been stored a month in a hot tank in the summer to be sanitary.

Use a sediment ONLY filter on all incoming water-- 5 micron filters are best and available at Home Depot, etc. Get the canister type with replaceable element. Many CG's are on well water. Removing sediment/sand will prolong the life of your pump, etc. It will also make the job of keeping the tank easier. I like the canister with replaceable element for several reasons: inexpensive, radially available, and most importantly, CAN BE STORED SAFELY. One of the worse things you can do is have a filter and store it wet in your basement for a week or more. What a way to grow bacteria and mold. There are two safe ways to store the filter element-- allow it to dry out or put it in a ziplock and throw it in the freezer.

Do not use a charcoal filter in any "before potable water tank" application. Do not remove the chlorine and then store the water. Removing the chlorine after the tank is fine. In fact, that is the final step recommended by most for tank water that will be consumed. Use a quality charcoal filter between the pump and where you will access potable water-- be it sink, special faucet, ice machine, etc. Bacteria-static filters are more expensive but an excellent idea.

BTW, many coach are already set up with just this arrangement.

Brett

[ramblinboy]

Excellent advice Brett. We are most grateful.
Our coach has been winterized and will need to be flushed to run clear.
We'll then run chlorine throughout the fresh water system including the water heater tank I'm assuming.

[wolfe10]

We'll then run chlorine throughout the fresh water system including the water heater tank I'm assuming.

Yes, when hyper-chlorinating to sanitize the potable water system, let the potable water tank sit for an hour or so with the heavy chlorine concentration in it and then open each faucet (hot and cold) until you smell chlorine. Let the system sit like that for at least another hour. Then drain, fill and run faucets until heavy chlorine smell is gone.

Brett

[rsedgley]

OK, let's discuss the "ideal" system for potable water.

Start with a "purified water system". Hyper-chlorinate the tank as described in most RV owners manuals...

How do you get the chlorine into the tank? I only have the fill hose connection.

Ron

[singsew]

Most are should I say all city, county etc water systems are required by Federal law to contain chlorine and at a specific level. It has more than the standard bottle water and if you replace your tank once or twice a year, you should have safe drinking water. We used to purchase bottled water and switched to using our tank. We live in Florida and the warm summers do not bother the water tank.

Phil Hansen
Merritt Island Florida

[wolfe10]

Most are should I say all city, county etc water systems are required by Federal law to contain chlorine and at a specific level. It has more than the standard bottle water and if you replace your tank once or twice a year, you should have safe drinking water. We used to purchase bottled water and switched to using our tank. We live in Florida and the warm summers do not bother the water tank.

Phil Hansen
Merritt Island Florida

Phil,

Actually, the chlorine evaporates reasonably quickly in a tank where it is exposed to air, leaving your water a potential microbe breeding ground.

Brett

[jjmez]

What is the ratio for bleach to water?

[Shields]

To sanitize the system, use 1/4 cup household bleach for every 15 gallons of water tank holding capacity. For example: one cup bleach for a 60 gallon tank.

Tim

[OleB1]

I am a new member to FMCA and this forum. I have been catching up on various topics and this topic is what I need to be involved with as we have had water in our fresh water tank for over 8 weeks as we were in Az. I understand what everyone is stating but have one question. Should the hot water tank also be sanitized? I have not had it on in the last 2 weeks. Thanks for the info. Great forum.

[wolfe10]

Should the hot water tank also be sanitized? Thanks for the info. Great forum.

Yes, when sanitizing the potable water system, after letting the chlorine solution sit in the tank (see my write-up above), open EACH faucet (including hot water) until you smell chlorine coming out.

Brett

[wolfe10]

Should the hot water tank also be sanitized? Thanks for the info. Great forum.

Yes, when sanitizing the potable water system, after letting the chlorine solution sit in the tank (see my write-up above), open EACH faucet (including hot water) until you smell chlorine coming out.

Brett

[wolfe10]

The best way to keep your water system fresh is to use it. Fill the tank with water and then turn off your city water connection. Use your water pumps until the water level gets low and then fill your tanks again. Repeat week after week and your water system will remain clean and sanitary.

Bill,

That is EXACTLY what we do-- on both the sailboat and motorhome. Works well as long as you are full-timing.

But, if the water sits in the tank for too long, it is a good idea to re-sanitize.

Brett