Written by:

David Hosea

Last updated: November 1, 2023

We started traveling by renting RVs and one of the first questions we had as new RVers is one that you may have as well.  Is the water in an RV safe to drink?

Water from an RV’s fresh water tank is safe to drink as long as the tank and water system are regularly maintained and sanitized.

In this article, we’ll dive into the question and explore factors that impact the quality of your RV water supply. We’ll also discuss signs indicating that your RV’s water system needs attention, the importance of regular maintenance, and the role water filters and hoses play in the system so you are assured of a clean and safe water supply while on the road.

The Safety of RV Water: It’s not complicated

Let’s address the original question first: Is the water in an RV safe to drink?   Yes.  Drinking water from an RV is safe, but we need to understand the dependency a safe water supply has on other factors and how to manage them.

Understanding Your RV’s Water System

An RV’s fresh water system is simple and consists of:

1. Fresh Water Tank: This is where you store the water for drinking, cooking, showering, and brushing your teeth.  It is a source of water for your pets, too, so keeping the tank clean and sanitized is essential.
2. Plumbing and Fixtures: Just like your house or apartment, water is pumped from the fresh water tank or from a direct connection to a city water supply and flows through a network of pipes into your faucets, showers, and toilets.
3. Water Source: You fill your fresh water tank from an external water source, which could be a campground

Now, let’s explore the key factors that determine whether the water in your RV is safe to drink.

Signs Your RV’s Water System Needs Attention

Whether renting an RV or maintaining the safety of your RV water supply, stay alert for signs that the water system may need cleaning or maintenance.

Common signs of trouble in your RV’s water system include:

1. Unusual Odors: Bacteria or contaminants in the water system will cause unusual odors.  A musty or rotten smell is a red flag.
2. Odd Tastes: Water should taste clean and neutral. If the water has a strange or unpleasant taste, that’s a hint.
3. Discoloration: Water should be clear.  If the water is brown, yellow, or cloudy, it is a sign of contamination or sediment buildup.
4. Reduced Flow: A drop in water pressure implies that the water is working through restrictions or blockages in your plumbing or filter. While other issues may contribute to reduced water flow, a significant departure from normal may signal that your system needs attention.

If you notice any of these signs,  drain the tank and refill it with fresh, clean water. It is also important to regularly clean and sanitize the RV fresh water tank and plumbing lines to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

Regular Maintenance and Sanitation

One of the most critical aspects of ensuring safe RV water is regular maintenance and sanitation of your fresh water system. Neglecting this can lead to contamination and water quality issues.

How Often Should You Sanitize Your RV’s Fresh Water Tank?

Manufacturers recommend sanitizing before storage or after storing for a period of time, but no one defines what “period of time” means.

The frequency of tank sanitation is determined by:

1. Frequency of Use: If you are a frequent RVer and travel often, consider sanitizing your fresh water tank at least once every six months. Keep in mind that frequent use increases the chances of introducing contaminants and as a result, more frequent maintenance.
2. Storage Duration: For RVs that spend extended periods in storage, sanitize the tank before each new trip. Fresh water tanks are dark and can get very warm while in storage.  The absence of light plus heat and stagnant water inside fresh water tanks can promote bacterial growth.
3. Water Source Quality: Water sources are not equal, and the quality of the water source used to fill your tank matters.  If you are unsure about the source’s quality, sanitize the fresh water tank and filter the water before use.

How to Sanitize Your RV’s Fresh Water Tank:

I wrote a more comprehensive article on how to sanitize your fresh water tank that you can find here. A summarized list for sanitizing your tank includes:

1. Determine how much bleach is needed for the tank size.  Multiply the freshwater tank capacity by 0.13 to get the number of ounces of bleach required to sanitize the system. The formula works out to 1/4 cup of non-scented, liquid (non-gel) household bleach for every 15 gallons of stored water.  Mix the bleach with one gallon of water.
2. Pour this solution into the fresh water tank.
3. Fill the tank with fresh water, allowing the bleach solution to circulate through the system.
4. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
5. Drain and flush the tank thoroughly until the bleach odor dissipates.

The Role of Water Filters and Hoses

Water filters are required for maintaining a safe and clean RV water system. They serve as your first line of defense against particulates that are almost always present in the water source.

The type of water hose you use to fill your RV’s fresh water tank can also impact the safety of the water. Some hoses may contain harmful chemicals or bacteria that can contaminate the water, so use hoses specifically designed for drinking water.   They are rigorously tested and certified to meet safety and regulatory standards. 

What Kind of Water Filter Is Best for an RV?

The filter providing the best quality of water for an RV is a reverse osmosis filter. They are an expensive option, but they provide the best water for our consumption.

In-line water filters are small, entry level filters that attach directly to a potable water hose or a potable water supply.  It is best suited for intermittent users. 

Canister filters can have as many as three filters in series.  A series of canister filters creates a multi-stage water treatment system.

Selecting the right water filter for your RV is an important decision. Here are a few other considerations for making a decision on the system that is best for you:

1. Filtration Capacity: Choose a filter with enough capacity to meet your needs. Frequent travelers should consider a higher capacity filter to mitigate frequent replacements and to provide more filtered water, of course.
2. Filtration Technology: Opt for a filter that can effectively remove common contaminants such as sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, and microorganisms. Look for filter systems with multiple stages of filtration for better performance. 
   • Filtration is measured in microns.  An example of an in-line, multi-stage filtration system would be the Clear2o Dirt Guard which filters to 20 microns followed by a Clear2o RV and Marine inline filter with a solid block of carbon that filters down to 1 micron.
3. Ease of Installation: Keep it simple.  Use a filtering system that is convenient so select a filtering system that is easy to install and use.
4. Portability: Even with RVs that have an installed water filter, some RVers prefer portable water filters that can be connected directly to the water source before filling the tank.  NOTE: plastic filter housings may have a threshold for pressure.  Place a water pressure regulator before the filter system to reduce the chances of failure.
5. Certifications: Look for filters that are certified by organizations like NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) to ensure they meet certain quality standards.

I wrote another article showing examples of each type of filter, showed the costs, and listed pros and cons for each. You can find that article here.

Segregate Hoses and Connections

It may be easy for some RVers to overlook the importance of segregating hoses and connections used for potable and non-potable water. Hoses and connections used for non-potable water will introduce harmful substances if used to fill the fresh water tank.

User color coded hoses for potable and non-potable water. I use a green hose that matches my green water filter for potable water and an orange hose to match my orange sewer connections for non-potable.

Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness

1. Regular Cleaning and Sanitizing: clean and sanitize your RV’s fresh water tank and plumbing lines regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sanitizing the tank and plumbing lines.
2. Use a Water Filter: A water filter can help remove impurities and contaminants from the water before it enters the fresh water tank. Look for a water filter that is specifically designed for RVs and is NSF certified.
3. Use Potable Water: Only use potable water from a trusted source to fill the fresh water tank. Avoid using water from untreated sources, such as wells or rivers.
4. Keep the Tank Full: Keeping the fresh water tank full can help prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. If you are not using the RV for an extended period, drain the fresh water tank to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
5. Use a Drinking Water Safe Hose: Use a drinking water safe hose to fill your RV’s fresh water tank. Look for a hose that is specifically designed for RVs and is NSF certified.

Conclusion: Ensuring Safe RV Water

As we discussed, maintaining a fresh and safe water supply in an RV depends on several factors with regular maintenance and sanitation being key.

Maintain and sanitize your RV’s fresh water tank regularly.  Consider factors like frequency of use, storage duration, and the quality of your water source.

Invest in a water filter with the right capacity appropriate to your specific requirements, adequate filtration technology, and ease of use.

Use only hoses designed for drinking water to fill your fresh water tank or to connect to a potable water supply. Segregate potable water hoses and connections from hoses and connections used with non-potable water to prevent cross-contamination.

Stay alert for signs that something is out of place with your water system.  Signs include unusual odors, unusual tastes, discoloration, or restricted water flow.

So, now you know.  With proper maintenance and an adequate sanitation routine, you can enjoy your travels and be confident that the water in your system is clean, refreshing, and safe to drink.

Hope this article helps, see you down the road!

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