TREATING FRESH WATER FOR STORAGE

You will find throughout this web site that we suggest water to be stored in the fresh water tank must be chlorinated. We fully understand the objections to doing this, but without chlorination, we have a problem. The water we deliver through the RVF-1 filter system is very clean. When we direct water into the storage tank, this water is like a huge petri dish. We know that there are several ways contaminants can get into this stored water. If we do not protect this water, the contaminants have a wonderful home and believe it, they will call their cousins to move in and you may have a problem. So, prevent this from happening by using a bleach additive when placing water in the tank. If the water you intend to place in the tank is from a municipal source, it is probably chlorinated already. Remember that chlorine loses its strength over time. So it is a good idea to add bleach to water going in the tank no matter what the source. Of course, if you use well water, this becomes even more important.

The easiest way to bleach the water is to use the siphon supplied with the filter kit. We want approximately 3 parts per million of bleach, according to EPA guidelines. Using a clean, one-gallon container, measure one teaspoon of 5.25% bleach into it for each 10 gallons of water you intend to put in the tank. The bleach used should be fresh (no more than 3 months old) and not contain any fragrance or detergent. Just plain Clorox laundry bleach works great. Now add enough water to the container to make about 1/2 gallon, total. Set up the RVF-1 filter system and hook up the hoses. The siphon should be attached between the outlet of the final filter and the RV water inlet. Drop the black siphon hose into the container of bleach mixture. Turn on the water and start filling the tank. The siphon should remove all of the bleach mixture after 10 to 15 gallons have flowed into the tank. After the desired amount of water has been placed in the tank, turn off the supply water. Check the bleach concentration by opening a faucet in the RV and smelling the water (run the water for a few seconds). There should be a very slight odor of bleach. You can also check the concentration using an inexpensive test kit found in almost any home improvement store. If the concentration is low, you need to add another measure of bleach, so repeat the above process. Now the stored water will be safe from invasion.

Bleach in the water is unpleasant, at best. It certainly does not make a good cup of coffee. However, it may be less objectionable for washing dishes and even for cooking as opposed to drinking. If you want great drinking water, don’t go to the store and buy bottled water. Use the procedure for bottling your own water, found on the page, “Bottling And Storing Drinking Water”. Now this water makes great iced tea!! Use it for all drinking water requirements. It only takes a few minutes and is a whole lot less expensive than questionable store bought water.