Do we need water filtration? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Do we need water filtration?

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Trace,

3 years ago we didn't think a lot about filtering when we went FT, we had lived in the Pacific NW where good water was common. We had read enough about different purity levels to make sure we used at least a basic filter, especially after observing the habits of some RVERS who used the same hose for rinsing their septic hoses as their water inlet hoses. Ick, yuck gross😕

Our first winter in AZ changed our habits, too many hard water stains in our sinks, fridge water dispenser, etc., had us wondering what all those hard water deposits were doing to the inside pipes, so we invested in a water softener.

So now we double filter, use a water softener, etc. We have the Brita pitcher but found it easier and less expensive to have a double filtration system in place, especially on art show weekends when it's warm and we're filling multiple water bottles before we leave for the day.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've used a two stage filter since the 80's... too many stories about bad water in some areas. We mostly use bottled water for drinking but I still use filtered tap water to cook with.

dream reachers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have been filtering our water since '07 when we went fulltime. A sediment filter, a charcoal filter for everything but for drinking and cooking water we also have reverse osmosis. Not everywhere we have been had trustworthy water . Because we care about our health we filter.

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

We use filters for sediment and bacteria, water softener to help eliminate scale buildup in plumbing, fixtures, etc. as well as a RO system for increased drinking water quality.

I have experimented with different filter combinations over the past couple of years. Currently, we use a water softener, 25 micron/1 micron spun polypropylene filter, and a 0.5 micron filter for the whole RV. The 0.5 micron filter not only removes sediment but also protozoan cysts (e.g., giardia, entamoeba, cryptosporidium, toxoplasma). The RO system is installed under our kitchen sink and it further filters water going to a related water faucet at the kitchen sink and to the refrigerator. The RO water is used to wash fruit and vegetables, cooking and drinking.

As was shared above, you never know the quality of the water at different campgrounds.

Trace - PM me, if you would like further specifics.

---

On edit: I think the RO system is more of a "preference" thing -- but I would not consider being without it. I previously traveled extensively for business and know that water quality differences (and varying additives different county/city water facilities use) can have a slight, but annoying impact on the digestive system even when the water is considered "safe". The RO system not only increases the quality/safety of the water, but also increases the consistency of the water from place to place, by removing "safe" but potentially digestion system annoying additives from the water.

-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Saturday 16th of July 2016 11:55:25 AM

Howard · Host

We highly recommend water filtration, especially for full-timers. How much filtration and purification is up to you and how much you trust public water sources. Of course, some campgrounds aren't served by public water sources, but by private wells. Testing is required for public water sources, and testing is supposed to happen when well water is provided to customers, but testing schedules depend on how many people are served by the water source. We've seen a great deal or rust coming out of the spigot at many campgrounds and that's why we run the spigot for a few seconds to make sure we get clear water before hooking up.

We use an inline filter - the blue Camco filters you can get at Walmart for under $20 - right after our water pressure regulator at the spigot. It is a combination sediment/charcoal filter that will take out most of the sediment and taste/odor issues. It removes aluminum, bad taste, cadmium, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, iron, lead, mercury, odor, turbidity (cloudiness) and sediment before it gets to the rig. Trace levels of the metals can certainly make you sick, and the sediment can gunk up your plumbing and cause premature failure in equipment such as your water pump.

Then we have a Flow Pur sediment/charcoal filter in our "basement" that more finely filters everything coming into the rig a second time. And finally we use a Brita pitcher for drinking water to filter the water a third time.

That triple filtering has certainly worked for us for eleven years, and I would recommend at least filtering once before the water comes into the rig, and a second time for water that you drink.

Now, with that said, most RV filters don't filter small enough microns to catch the really bad stuff in bad water like bacteria, viruses, cysts, spores, etc. You need a filter that can filter 1 micron or smaller particles to get rid of those, and none of our filters do that. However, you can get filters that do as Lynn & Ed have indicated.

We haven't yet seen the need to go with Reverse Osmosis (RO), but that certainly is another step in the direction of purifying your water.

Here's a great write-up on RV water filtration by Rick at RVWaterFilterStore.com: Information About Water Filtration.

So, yes, in my opinion, you need water filtration for health reasons as well as taste, odor, and sediment.

fun2travel · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've been wondering about this unit.

NEO-PURE TL3 ULTRAFILTRATION SYSTEM

It fits under the sink, filters 0.025, costs $170.00, and doesn't require a holding tank.

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

fun2travel,

I cannot speak to the system you mentioned, but at first glance it looks like the upfront cost as well as replacement filter costs would be much higher on that system than other comparable systems.

The below assumes you have a whole house water filter system and you are looking for an undercounter system to further purify drinking water.

You may want to look at using a Doulton ceramic filter (which is cleanable) and/or Omnipure QCR filters for the drinking water, which likely would provide you with a lower upfront cost as well as lower filter replacement costs in the future. They appear to provide similar or better benefits to the system you mentioned. You can find these filters at the RVWaterFilterStore.com and otherwise.

Additionally, Rick at the RVWater FilterStore is knowledgeable and can answer questions you might have about these filters and/or might have alternative suggestions based upon your goals.

A key consideration, if you do not use a holding tank for the drinking water, is the flow rate of the filter(s) you select. For example, one of the Doulton ceramic filters produces a maximum of 1 gallon of water a minute, but only if the water pressure coming into the filter is at 60 psi—not a great option. Another Doulton ceramic filters provide a maximum of 2 gallons a minute and a larger “candle” version provides a maximum of 5 gallons a minute – which I assume would meet most people’s needs.

For what it is worth, I use a Doulton ceramic filter as one of my pre-RO filters and have been happy with it. I find it easy to clean and like the fact that I do not need to purchase replacement filters.

-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Sunday 17th of July 2016 12:29:02 AM

fly2low · RV-Dreams Community Member

I use a combination of i sediment filter into the holding tank, 1 carbon block out of the tank, and a UV filter after the carbon block. Nothing biologic is getting through.
Looking to add a water softener. Would love to have a RO system, but don't have the room for it

Second Chance · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't have anything to materially add to the discussion but, as a (retired) nurse, I certainly wouldn't drink some of the stuff I've seen coming out of campground water supplies - nor would I want it in my fresh water tank, water pump, faucet valves, etc. For now, we have been using the blue Camco filters Howard mentions for everything coming into the rig. I change them often. We buy and keep distilled water on hand for coffee, Laura's CPAP, etc. I've been reading up on the multi-stage filtration systems such as those at the RVwaterFilterStore.com and will probably move in that direction when I figure out where to store and carry them and how to protect them from freezing in the winter.

Rob

-- Edited by Second Chance on Tuesday 11th of October 2016 08:12:32 AM

Cummins12V98 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I buy these at discountfilterstore.com for $9.99 each.

By leveraging patented Fibredyne technology, the CFB-Plus 10 Pentek water filter cartridge helps to reduce the chlorine and sediment, improving both the taste and quality of your drinking water. A genuine OE part, this affordably priced cartridge will fit easily into any system that uses 10x2.5 sized filters. Keep virtually all dirt, chlorine taste and odor out of your drinking water by ordering the CFB-Plus 10 Pentek water filter cartridge online from us today!

Ships fast!
Captures more sediment than virtually any other carbon filter
Reduces chlorine taste and odor to improve the taste and quality of your water!
Genuine OEM Product

LiveSmallWander · RV-Dreams Community Member

Camper Chronicles wrote:
I searched on this topic but didn't find this exact one and I know to some extent it is personal preference, but I would love to hear from some folks who have researched the issue. We have never filtered our water since we went on the road until Alaska where I finally broke down and bought a Brita after a month because I think the water was upsetting my stomach. We have been on public municipal water source way more often than I though I would be and I carry some bottled water to drink when we are traveling. We shower, cook, brush our teeth etc in the water we are provided though and as I stated until recently never had (to my knowledge) a health issue. It has got me thinking though I may be missing something and would as I said like to hear from folks who have health/safety reasons (as opposed to taste or preference)f for filtering.

Thanks Trace

100% yes! A million times over yes!

Water filtration is a vital necessity on the road. You never know what you're getting and our water supply in the states is horrible. Not only will you run into water you might be able to actually see or taste the dirt or chemicals, but you'll also find there a things hidden in the water you don't know about.

I recommend at the very least an in-line filter for your hose. However, I would recommend using a filtration pitcher, too. My wife and I have used both the inline filter and a more sophisticated system. We also use a glass pitcher for the fridge with a filter made from plant materials.

Our plan is to buy a filter for the countertop that takes out everything and makes the water pure again. This won't help with showering, but with a inline or other filter for the outside, you get the best drinking water and better water for everything else.

I would never RV without at least a $15 inline filter.

Benjamin Ehinger

Bobc · RV-Dreams Family Member

We use a sediment filter to .05 and a carbon filter to .05.for the RV
We still only drink bottled water. If you are a full timer and travel all over like we do,even good safe water can give you some stomach issues because everybody treats there water different and your not in one place long enough for your system to adjust to it. Anything you cook with or use for coffee is fine with the duel stage filter system even brushing you teeth. For us the $4.00 a week expense is worth the piece of mind knowing we drink the same thing all the time.

Johnywalter · RV-Dreams Community Member

My filter is only connected in line to a specific faucet on the sink. The rest of the system is just what's in the tank or city water connection.

I've changed it once in 14 years...

Guess I'm about due now, since it's been about 7 years just to say I did it..
Really, the only time we use that faucet is for the morning coffee, so we probably put a gallon or two thru it on a long weekend trip about 5-6 times a year..

Anyway, haven't gotten sick, or died yet! We always use our own water tank for water from home anyway, so no real worries... It's only a 30 gallon heater tank, so no big deal hauling it.

Good luck!

-- Edited by Johnywalter on Tuesday 17th of July 2018 02:53:57 AM

-- Edited by Johnywalter on Tuesday 17th of July 2018 02:54:30 AM

Danny and Cheryl · RV-Dreams Family Member

I use the WalMart Blue in water filter which is installed after the pressure regulator, saying that we don't drink that water it is for showers and toilet use only. we drink bottled water.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just as an FYI, this thread is over 2 years old. When reading the earlier comments, keep in mind that some information may no longer be valid and some products may not even be available any longer.

As for filtration, we've not used anything. However, we don't move around much (RV's been primarily in 4 places in 7, not counting RV parks when moving), so we've been fortunate to be in areas where the water is pretty good.

Also, be sure to use a good water pressure regulator at the hydrant, not at the RV. When we were in Utah, we had very high local water pressure (over 110 psi), and I've seen hoses burst because the owner put the regulator at the inlet on the RV instead of the hydrant. Anything prior to the RV in such a case is not protected from high pressure if the regulator is anywhere other than the hydrant. I also carry an extra 90-degree and 45-degree hose adapter so as to help get hooked up to some hydrants.

Terry

dovenson · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the Hydro Life filter system and it works well.

Rob_Fla · RV-Dreams Family Member

We filter our water, after seeing what the filter is catching at some stops, sure glad we are filtering our water !!

Dave MW · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm new to the RV world and expect to buy our first RV in December. I read a lot of discussions on water filters and softeners and three questions come to mind.

Are the typical pressure regulators used by most RVers adjustable? I really can't remember where I heard this, but someone told me once they like to have about 25 ponds or more of pressure after all the filters, softener, or anything that might restrict water flow.

Do you have to run water lines temporarily outside during your set up to get from your filters to the softener and back? Or have you routed through existing holes in your floor or walls?

We're going to be buying a large toy hauler fifth wheel and I'm thinking a special, purpose-built cart of sorts might be nice to house a large particle filter, a small particle charcoal filter, and a water softener. Perhaps the small particle and charcoal filters should be separated into a second and third filter. This cart could be rolled out of the garage around to side of the trailer. The regulated water could be connected to the cart and the output straight to the house.

This could be quick and easy enough to set up or break down and not require any hassle of installation or modifications. I'm thinking the cart could be set up such that you could even bypass the filters and softeners for service with just the turns on the input and output valves if you wanted to for some reason.

My concern is this may drop the dynamic water pressure considerably from, say 25 pounds. Especially if you go to a 1 micron filter. You might not have much pressure at the shower unless you can adjust the regulator to perhaps 30 pounds or more. I really don't know.

It would be nice if there were a reader with a plumbing background that might shed some light on this.