RV Water Filters

RV water filters are something that you should definitely consider before heading off to explore the great outdoors in your RV. A lot of people like to use their own RV water filtration systems even if the campsites they stay at have faucets and water supplies available.

Faucets at campsites usually run to an underground reservoir but the water might not be completely safe. Drinking untreated water means that you risk viruses like Hepatitis A, bacteria like E coli and more.

Portable RV Water Filters

A camping water filter usually works well but you will need something portable. A water purifier mounted on to a pitcher is not the best RV water filtration solution if you are going to hike for miles and your backpack space is important. If you are going to spend most of the time in and around the RV however, this type of system would be fine.

Filter Sizes and Cartridges

RV water filters differ and they have different filter sizes. Some can handle 1.0 microns and others only 4.0 microns. You will also need to look out for RV water filters with water cartridges that are easily available and easy to replace. It is a good idea to carry at least one replacement cartridge at all times and you might want to carry a few in different places in case one gets ruined.

Bacteriostatic Filters

These RV water filters use activated carbon infused with silver. They release metal ions into the water to stop bacteria growing inside.

RV Water Purifiers

Some water purifiers use chemicals like chlorine or iodine but most work mechanically. A purifier uses different filtration technologies to make drinking water safe. A purifier is usually better than a filter because it can reduce chemical contaminants, tastes and odors, particulates, sediment, bacteria, viruses and more.

RV Reverse Osmosis

Osmosis is when plants absorb water from the ground via their cell walls. With reverse osmosis, water is forced against a semi-permeable cellulose acetate membrane by the water pressure. This separates the water from any contaminants because the water goes through the membrane. Bacteria can build up on the membrane causing a blocked flow so RV reverse osmosis is not recommended for severely contaminated water.

A reverse osmosis unit, small enough to fit in an RV, will only produce a couple of gallons in twelve hours and you cannot use the unit while driving. You will need an additional storage medium. If you are thinking about an RV reverse osmosis unit, check that it is registered as a purifier as well as a filter.

UV Water Purifier Systems

These water filtration systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. A UV lamp is effective on microbes but does not remove sediment or dirt. Also, any dirt or sediment can pass into the UV chamber and hide the bacteria from the light, so you will need to use a good filter for taste and odor reduction as well as reducing chlorine, dirt and sediment before using a UV filter. UV filters do need electrical power but they are cheap enough to run.

RV water filtration is cheaper in the long run than buying bottled water. Drinking from a clear looking mountain brook might look inviting but the water might contain something nasty. Drinking from any untreated source poses a health risk. With RV water filtration, you can look after your health by only drinking the safest and purest water.

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