Clear, Clean Water

Filters can reduce sediments, improve taste and reduce the possibility of waterborne bacteria and viruses.

When you live in a stationary home, water quality can usually be assured — or, at least, monitored and corrected if necessary. When you travel, water can be a wild card. Most RV parks have safe water, but in many cases, the taste can be less than desirable. We’ve spent time in several parks with exceptionally hard water, which can be less than tasty and leave uncontrolled water spotting. We’ve even had to endure water with too much iron (typically well water), which can wreak havoc on pipes and fixtures, not to mention the terrible smell and awful taste. While many travelers tote their own drinking water in plastic jugs, that’s not always easy for full-timers. The remedy is to filter any water that’s hooked up or used to fill the storage tank.

Our filter of choice is made by Clearsource (clearsourcerv.com) and we’ve been using the two-canister system for many years, which the company has now upgraded to a Premier system ($399.99). This newer version features a first-stage 5.0-micron coconut shell carbon block that removes sediment while reducing or even removing volatile organic compounds like insecticides and pesticides as well as solvents, chlorine and chloramines. The second, 0.2-micron filter traps bacteria, cysts, Giardia and e-coli — the stuff than can make you sick.

We’ve also been using a separate Clearsource rust removal filter in front of the Premier filter system when in areas where rust is a problem. It does a great job of removing the iron from the water, but setting up the system is somewhat unwieldly. To facilitate convenience and easier storage, we upgraded to the three-canister Clearsource Ultra system ($499.99), which is even more effective.

Clearsource’s Ultra system is most effective and only 3 ¾ inches longer than the Premier two-canister model. The solid, powder-coated metal housing and stainless-steel fittings exude quality. This system offers the utmost in protection utilizing rust/sediment, coconut shell carbon block and VirusGuard filters. The combination removes just about anything bad found in water and does not restrict water flow.

This three-canister system, like the Premier two-canister model, has a solid, powder-coated metal housing and stainless-steel fittings. It’s only 3 ¾ inches longer and a little heavier, but the filter combination offers the utmost in protection. The first stage has a 5-micron filter than reduces rust and sediment; we can attest to the fact that this filter does a very good job of reducing rust, preserving the integrity of the hoses and fittings and preventing deep staining on the toilet bowl and sinks. A 0.5-micron coconut shell carbon block filter occupies the second stage canister and it improves water taste and smell, while also controlling sediment and removing bacteria, cysts, petrochemicals, mercury, lead, pesticides, chlorine and cryptosporidium.

The technology for the third-stage filter, under the VirusGuard nameplate, was developed by NASA and offers advanced protection tantamount to that found in survival and exploration water-purification systems. This filter is certified to remove/reduce bacteria like e-coli, cysts like Giardia and, most importantly and uniquely, viruses.

There’s also a WeatherGuard Pro insulated and heated bag ($299.99) that will prevent water freezing down to 10 degrees F. It automatically turns on (120-volt AC power) when the internal temperature drops to 40 degrees F, turning off at 60 degrees. Specific-size bags work with the two- or three-canister systems and double as a convenient carry bag. WeatherGuard totes without the heat function are available for both systems ($150).

Since water quality is a big topic these days, there are a number of suitable filtering/purifying systems for RVs on the market. Always look for solid carbon filters to remove chlorine and bacteria and improve taste. Keep in mind that many systems will not purify the water; filters like the Clearsource three-stage system or those with ceramic candles are viable options to endure safe drinking water.

Replacement filters are available from Clearsource for both of its systems. While these canister use standard size filters, the Clearsource replacement cartridges last longer and offer protection all the way up to expedition grade.

Acuva Filter uses ultraviolet and LED technology to sanitize drinking water through a system comprised of a control unit and specialized pre-filter. Water is dispensed through an independent spigot that has a telltale ring light to inform users that the system is sanitizing the water.

Most of the systems are “whole house” products, which means all the water entering the RV is filtered. Independent purification systems routed through a separate faucet, usually in the galley, will also provide safe drinking water. Systems that utilize ultraviolet (UV) and LED technology are relatively new to the RV scene and promise astounding purification properties. The Acuva ArrowMax 2.0 (acuvatech.com) is engineered to remove 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses via the 120-volt AC control box that’s tied into an advanced prefilter. It dispenses water through a “smart” faucet that’s usually mounted at the kitchen sink. This faucet has a ring light at the base that shows when the purification process is active. It’s not cheap, selling for $600, but the peace of mind knowing that the water is safe to drink is worth the money.