Potable water can be an easy and convenient way fill your RV’s water tank and have water readily available on your trip. However, you need to keep in mind that potable water does not stay potable forever!
Most sanitation departments use a small amount of chlorine to keep water clean as it travels through the city water system. By the time it reaches the spout you are getting water from, the chlorine level will already have dropped significantly. Air, heat, and the movement caused by travel can easily dissipate any remaining chlorine, leaving your water susceptible to bacteria and algae growth.
Here are some simple ways to clean out your water tank and hoses, to ensure that any residual bacteria and algae growth is not passed on to your drinking water:
Cleaning the Tank (to remove any oily or slimy build-up)
- Completely empty any existing water in the tank.
- Refill the tank with water, adding about 4 tsp. of liquid soap for every 10 gallons that the tank holds. When possible, using an antibacterial soap is best!
- Turn on all faucets and run the soap solution through all of the lines for several minutes.
- When possible, turn off the faucets before the tank is empty and drive or tow the RV a short distance. This will move the water around in the tank and help remove anything clinging to the sides.
- Drain the rest of the soap solution
- Refill the water tank with clean water and turn on all of the faucets again. Run the water until there is no sign of the soap or residue from the soap.
Sanitizing the Tank
- Using the water that is already in the tank, continue to fill the tank until there is space for a little more than one gallon to still be added.
- Combine one gallon of water with liquid chlorine bleach. Use ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water that the water tank holds. Add the solution to the tank. NEVER ADD STRAIGHT LIQUID BLEACH DIRECTLY TO THE WATER TANK – ALWAYS MIX WITH WATER FIRST.
- Turn on each faucet, one at a time, and run the chlorinated water through the hose until you can smell chlorine. It should take about two minutes per faucet. Be sure to do all interior and exterior connections from the tank.
- When possible, turn off all faucets before the tank is empty, and drive or tow the RV a short distance. This will move the water around in the tank and help ensure that all surfaces have been treated.
- Drain the remaining chlorine solution from the tank and refill it with fresh water. Turn on each faucet and let the tank completely run out. If you still smell chlorine, repeat this until you no longer smell chlorine coming from any of the faucets.
Sanitizing Drinking Water
- If your water comes from a chlorinated source, such as city tap water, you will not need to do anything other than fill your water tank.
- If you water is not from a chlorinated source, fill the tank, leaving room for slightly more than one gallon to still be added.
- In one gallon of water, add one tsp. of liquid chlorine bleach for every 10 gallons of water that the tank holds. Add this solution to the tank.
- Repeat step three each time you refill your water tank while traveling.
