Best water filters for motorhomes

[Markawill]

I'm looking to fit a water filter to my motorhome, does anyone have any recommendations? Tia

 

[Diabalo]

How often do you change them? They aren’t cheap are they, I have the same system and now I’m looking to change the filter for next season as I don’t know how old the present filter is

Yes they are very expensive and have doubled in price since I installed my first one around 2008. I usually change mine every other year.

 

[The Wino]

I still don't get the worry about "abroad"! I suspect most countries have water as good if not better than ours. I don't think I've ever had an upset stomach from water abroad although I would be a bit worried somewhere like Egypt. Maybe your thinking proper abroad!

 

[varaizian]

I have a couple of 5ltr water bottles that I keep in the van and use that for tea/coffee and any cooking. Just fill them up when on site as you are never that far from a tap.
Have small bottles of water in the fridge that I drink during the day, they are very cheap in Europe.

We do exactly the same. Fizzy at lunchtime and still in the evening with pastis; and you can't taste the water with Ricard in it anyway!

 

[JockandRita]

That was the Nature Pure system where they were scamming customers with cheap dodgy filter inserts passing them off as the correct ones.

Nearly, but not quite Paul. Their UK agent (Harold) was selling the kits with the lower grade "hard water" filters, and not the high grade "bacterial" ones, which folks thought they were getting.

It is as a result of the detailed discovery by Techno Andy (RIP), and the action taken by myself and Jim when we met up with a Nature Pure Rep who flew in from the USA, that the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all caught up with the scam.
I am pleased to say, that I won't need to purchase any NP filters for a very long time.

How often do you change them? They aren’t cheap are they, I have the same system and now I’m looking to change the filter for next season as I don’t know how old the present filter is

The hard water ones last a long time Adie, but as Techno Andy discovered, the bacterial ones don't last very long at all, and tend to slow right down when ready for changing.
I use the hard water filter here in the UK, then switch over to the bacterial one when going abroad, and vice versa when coming home.

gpat. From experience, the Hymer was fitted with the Nature Pure system, and we had no problem drinking the local water when in Spain. When we first got the Flair, and went back to Spain, (minus a filter), the local water really affected Rita, but not me. She went on to bottled water, which soon proved the point that the local water was the problem.
Also, fellow Funster friends dogs were having digestive problems, and when advised by other dog owners, to only give the dogs bottled water for drinking, the problem disappeared.
As the old saying goes, "There's no smoke without fire."

Cheers,

Jock.

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[gpat]

Nearly, but not quite Paul. Their UK agent (Harold) was selling the kits with the lower grade "hard water" filters, and not the high grade "bacterial" ones, which folks thought they were getting.

It is as a result of the detailed discovery by Techno Andy (RIP), and the action taken by myself and Jim when we met up with a Nature Pure Rep who flew in from the USA, that the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all caught up with the scam.
I am pleased to say, that I won't need to purchase any NP filters for a very long time.


The hard water ones last a long time Adie, but as Techno Andy discovered, the bacterial ones don't last very long at all, and tend to slow right down when ready for changing.
I use the hard water filter here in the UK, then switch over to the bacterial one when going abroad, and vice versa when coming home.

gpat. From experience, the Hymer was fitted with the Nature Pure system, and we had no problem drinking the local water when in Spain. When we first got the Flair, and went back to Spain, (minus a filter), the local water really affected Rita, but not me. She went on to bottled water, which soon proved the point that the local water was the problem.
Also, fellow Funster friends dogs were having digestive problems, and when advised by other dog owners, to only give the dogs bottled water for drinking, the problem disappeared.
As the old saying goes, "There's no smoke without fire."

Cheers,

Jock.

Sometimes we can get mild stomach upsets because of the different salts in different water. Shouldn't be any harmful bacteria in the water anywhere on Spain. Perhaps picked something up from the hose. We have used water from camp taps for 20 odd years with no problem. But like I said it's nearly always boiled for tea. We sometimes fill bottles from camp taps though a d never had an issue.

 

[gpat]

Nearly, but not quite Paul. Their UK agent (Harold) was selling the kits with the lower grade "hard water" filters, and not the high grade "bacterial" ones, which folks thought they were getting.

It is as a result of the detailed discovery by Techno Andy (RIP), and the action taken by myself and Jim when we met up with a Nature Pure Rep who flew in from the USA, that the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all caught up with the scam.
I am pleased to say, that I won't need to purchase any NP filters for a very long time.


The hard water ones last a long time Adie, but as Techno Andy discovered, the bacterial ones don't last very long at all, and tend to slow right down when ready for changing.
I use the hard water filter here in the UK, then switch over to the bacterial one when going abroad, and vice versa when coming home.

gpat. From experience, the Hymer was fitted with the Nature Pure system, and we had no problem drinking the local water when in Spain. When we first got the Flair, and went back to Spain, (minus a filter), the local water really affected Rita, but not me. She went on to bottled water, which soon proved the point that the local water was the problem.
Also, fellow Funster friends dogs were having digestive problems, and when advised by other dog owners, to only give the dogs bottled water for drinking, the problem disappeared.
As the old saying goes, "There's no smoke without fire."

Cheers,

Jock.

You have me intrigued with this and I have been giving it more thought.

1. Are the locals ill all the time or do they drink bottled water or have filters.

2. Have you considered disinfecting the water that you fill your tank with? It would be massively cheaper than using filters. You can get disinfecting tablets at any camping shop or even better use 1ml of Milton per 100litres of tank water. Its failsafe. No bacteria could survive and it'll cost you about 5p

 

[JockandRita]

You have me intrigued with this and I have been giving it more thought.

1. Are the locals ill all the time or do they drink bottled water or have filters.

2. Have you considered disinfecting the water that you fill your tank with? It would be massively cheaper than using filters. You can get disinfecting tablets at any camping shop or even better use 1ml of Milton per 100litres of tank water. Its failsafe. No bacteria could survive and it'll cost you about 5p

1. The locals drink bottled water. In fact, the barman in a hotel refused me a glass of tap water, when I needed to take tablets. Instead, he gave me a small bottle without charging me,informing me that the tap water wasn't suitable for drinking.

2. Thanks for the advice Pat, however, I sterilise the tank and lines twice yearly, flush through, and refit (not replace) the filter giving us lovely tasting water from the tap. I tried the tablets years ago, which for me tainted the flavour of the water.
Re "expensive filters", may I refer you to my earlier post, quoted below.

Nearly, but not quite Paul. Their UK agent (Harold) was selling the kits with the lower grade "hard water" filters, and not the high grade "bacterial" ones, which folks thought they were getting.

It is as a result of the detailed discovery by Techno Andy (RIP), and the action taken by myself and Jim when we met up with a Nature Pure Rep who flew in from the USA, that the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all caught up with the scam.
I am pleased to say, that I won't need to purchase any NP filters for a very long time.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[gpat]

1. The locals drink bottled water. In fact, the barman in a hotel refused me a glass of tap water, when I needed to take tablets. Instead, he gave me a small bottle without charging me,informing me that the tap water wasn't suitable for drinking.

2. Thanks for the advice Pat, however, I sterilise the tank and lines twice yearly, flush through, and refit (not replace) the filter giving us lovely tasting water from the tap. I tried the tablets years ago, which for me tainted the flavour of the water.
Re "expensive filters", may I refer you to my earlier post, quoted below.



Cheers,

Jock.

Were you in a small community that didn't have mains water? I'm not doubting you but in my experience Spanish water hygiene is excellent and it would be an offence in Spain to supply water that did not meet the EU water quality standards.

I'm from Yorkshire. Any unnecessary cost is not acceptable.

1ml of hypochlorite in 100 litres will not give any taste to the water.

Did you know that 0.3mg/l of chlorine for 15mins will kill all harmful bacteria and viruses.

The only advantage of a filter would be in the removal of things like cryptospridium and giardia. These are parasites that are resistant to chlorine. They are probably the biggest cause of illness after coliforms. Temperature over 60C will kill them.

Horses for courses. I couldn't be arsed with filters but each to their own.

 

[varaizian]

Were you in a small community that didn't have mains water? I'm not doubting you but in my experience Spanish water hygiene is excellent and it would be an offence in Spain to supply water that did not meet the EU water quality standards.

I'm from Yorkshire. Any unnecessary cost is not acceptable.

1ml of hypochlorite in 100 litres will not give any taste to the water.

Did you know that 0.3mg/l of chlorine for 15mins will kill all harmful bacteria and viruses.

The only advantage of a filter would be in the removal of things like cryptospridium and giardia. These are parasites that are resistant to chlorine. They are probably the biggest cause of illness after coliforms. Temperature over 60C will kill them.

Horses for courses. I couldn't be arsed with filters but each to their own.

I have 2 quibbles.
1. 1ml / 100lt is a disappearingly small amount to measure. I aim at 3ppm for my swimming pool but that is easy. Does it have a dripper?
2. When did it become "arsed" instead of "asked"? Had this debate several times and nobody knows. Perhaps it is a SE London thingy.

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[gpat]

I have 2 quibbles.
1. 1ml / 100lt is a disappearingly small amount to measure. I aim at 3ppm for my swimming pool but that is easy. Does it have a dripper?
2. When did it become "arsed" instead of "asked"? Had this debate several times and nobody knows. Perhaps it is a SE London thingy.

Your swimming pool is 3ppm. That's 3mg/l in modern units. Same thing.

You want about 0.3mg/l for disinfecting and drinking.

Milton is 2% chlorine. That's 2g in 100 cm3s

We want 30mg for out tank.

That's 0.03g

So we need 100/2*.03 = 1.5cm3

That's assuming there was no chlorine in the tank and the tank is clean.

I could be 'asked' to do the calc but was rushed and watching footie at the same time so happy for it to be checked.

 

[varaizian]

Your swimming pool is 3ppm. That's 3mg/l in modern units. Same thing.

You want about 0.3mg/l for disinfecting and drinking.

Milton is 2% chlorine. That's 2g in 100 cm3s

We want 30mg for out tank.

That's 0.03g

So we need 100/2*.03 = 1.5cm3

That's assuming there was no chlorine in the tank and the tank is clean.

I could be 'asked' to do the calc but was rushed and watching footie at the same time so happy for it to be checked.

I'm cooking. Will look at it later.

 

[ceejayt]

It is said that you should treat water like food. Don't leave it standing around in the warm for long periods. We have had NaturePure in all our vans and wouldn't be without it - just adds a layer of protection. Who knows what the last person at the tap was up to washing his cassette or otherwise

 

[JockandRita]

Were you in a small community that didn't have mains water? I'm not doubting you but in my experience Spanish water hygiene is excellent and it would be an offence in Spain to supply water that did not meet the EU water quality standards.

Benidorm Pat.

It is said that you should treat water like food. Don't leave it standing around in the warm for long periods. We have had NaturePure in all our vans and wouldn't be without it - just adds a layer of protection. Who knows what the last person at the tap was up to washing his cassette or otherwise

At Camping Memling, a German woman was washing dog poo off the sole of her shoe, up close to the spout of the drinking water tap, and splashing on to the tap................the manky bitch.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[ceejayt]

Benidorm Pat.


At Camping Memling, a German woman was washing dog poo off the sole of her shoe, up close to the spout of the drinking water tap, and splashing on to the tap................the manky bitch.

Cheers,

Jock.

I rest my case!!!

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[ceejayt]

From the nature pure website...

Physically removes disease bacteria, pathogenic cysts like Giardia, Cryptosporidia, and other specific parasites and debris down to 0.1 microns (0.4 absolute). Removing the pathogens also removes the disease toxins they contain and is far more superior to “poisoning” organisms with pesticides and allowing the pathogen residue, toxins and pesticides to remain in the water to be consumed.

2. Broad Spectrum Molecular Capture​

Traps and captures specific organic and other chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and solvents, as well as chlorine and other trace contaminates that can be toxic and/or carcinogenic, along with foul taste, odour and colour.

3. Electrostatic Removal​

Uses specially charge space-aged surfaces, essentially as magnets to remove minute particles, molecules and colloids suspended in the water.
All of these purification mechanisms work together to REMOVE viruses, disease bacteria and other contaminants far smaller than submicron microfiltration alone can remove.

 

[gpat]

From the nature pure website...

Physically removes disease bacteria, pathogenic cysts like Giardia, Cryptosporidia, and other specific parasites and debris down to 0.1 microns (0.4 absolute). Removing the pathogens also removes the disease toxins they contain and is far more superior to “poisoning” organisms with pesticides and allowing the pathogen residue, toxins and pesticides to remain in the water to be consumed.

2. Broad Spectrum Molecular Capture​

Traps and captures specific organic and other chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and solvents, as well as chlorine and other trace contaminates that can be toxic and/or carcinogenic, along with foul taste, odour and colour.

3. Electrostatic Removal​

Uses specially charge space-aged surfaces, essentially as magnets to remove minute particles, molecules and colloids suspended in the water.
All of these purification mechanisms work together to REMOVE viruses, disease bacteria and other contaminants far smaller than submicron microfiltration alone can remove.

How much are they again?

I don't often get the opportunity to use my working knowledge and experience on here but I have spent over half of my working career designing water filtration and disinfection systems.

I am always sceptical about claims that these manufacturers make. If it cost less than £1000 it will be no good.

I will have a good look at the specification tomorrow.

 

[Jays2]

Given the cost of the filters we just buy bottled water for drinking. A 6 pack will cost about £1.

We again drink bottled water, to drink, water for the cooking/kettle is from the tank.

We all have different sensitivities, so do what is best for us.

 

[ceejayt]

How much are they again?

I don't often get the opportunity to use my working knowledge and experience on here but I have spent over half of my working career designing water filtration and disinfection systems.

I am always sceptical about claims that these manufacturers make. If it cost less than £1000 it will be no good.

I will have a good look at the specification tomorrow.

Complete kit £420 - link here

Nature Pure

 

[gpat]

Complete kit £420 - link here

Nature Pure

Oh yes. I have looked at these before. The have a drawback. If they actually have to filter anything they will block up quickly.

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[Spriddler]

2. When did it become "arsed" instead of "asked"? Had this debate several times and nobody knows. Perhaps it is a SE London thingy.

I've always known it as 'arsed'. I think 'Asked' may be local or regional vernacular, as when folk interchange the words 'bought' and 'brought' and write 'I could of....' rather than 'I could have.....' and '....much sort after....' instead of '.....much sought after...'. There are many more fascinating examples.

 

[varaizian]

I've always known it as 'arsed'. I think 'Asked' may be local or regional vernacular, as when folk interchange the words 'bought' and 'brought' and write 'I could of....' rather than 'I could have.....' and '....much sort after....' instead of '.....much sought after...'. There are many more fascinating examples.

And I think you are in the majority on this. Perhaps it was my tight-arsed family who could not bring themselves to use the "arse" word. But then again my wife and her sister fall on both sides of the debate; and their family were a good deal more earthy than mine!

 

[gpat]

And I think you are in the majority on this. Perhaps it was my tight-arsed family who could not bring themselves to use the "arse" word. But then again my wife and her sister fall on both sides of the debate; and their family were a good deal more earthy than mine!

I have never heard the 'asked' thing. Thought it was a spell check. Always been arsed or not arsed where I came from and also where we live now.

 

[varaizian]

I'm cooking. Will look at it later.

Ok got it now. Milton is only 2% chlorine. Thanks.

 

[ceejayt]

Oh yes. I have looked at these before. The have a drawback. If they actually have to filter anything they will block up quickly.

Been using these for five years, never blocked once. Change the filter once a year

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[nigel dewbery]

Hi JJ, I have seen these online. I like the idea but don't have a lot of workspace to accommodate it. Where do you keep/store yours? Thanks

My wife is actually allergic to the chemicals in uk tap water, we have therefore got the smaller berkey filter and have it in our garage we carry half a dozen glass bottles and simply siphon off these and put in van whilst retopping up the filter
Can take river or even sea water according to website but never tried, importantly my wife has never reacted to any of the water from it so feels safe
System cost about £400 but we we spending about £8 per day on bottled water so payback was in about six months for us
Get the proper berkey more expensive than the imitation but very very good

 

[nigel dewbery]

Been using these for five years, never blocked once. Change the filter once a year

We have had one two years use in van and then indoors, no blockages. Just do a reverse purge at six months and alls good

 

[PatapscoPaul]

If you're referring to Europe, their tap water standards are as good as ours.

Our strategy is to fill the tank with water for washing. But we don't drink from the onboard taps. Instead we fill a water dispenser with tap water and keep it in the fridge. Then we've got some bottled water for backup.

Our last "motorhome" was a 50T barge in EU. I filtered the water into the tanks using 2 Big Blue housings & reducing filter mesh sizes, and then a different type of filter for drinking the kitchen cold.

It was quite an eye-opener to see how much crud & rust the first filters picked up, particularly in Fr & Be. Mind you, we did carry 1,000L and used it like we do at home, so used a lot. Changed the filters 2x season (on the boat for 2x2months).The drinking filters always "looked" clean, but they were there to remove invisible stuff. I changed them once/year.

We're just about to collect our first van and was thinking about a single external filter in the hose pipe, keeping everything clean, incl the tank. [Couldn't easily flush the barge tank, so maybe different scenario in a van].

 

[Clive Mott]

If you want to have something additional to drain down each winter to protect from frost and replace before each summer then the Nature Pure system for drinking water.
or get one of those jugs. We just drink the water!!

 

[gpat]

Been using these for five years, never blocked once. Change the filter once a year

That must mean that the filter hasn't done anything. By their very definition a filter traps stuff by blocking, it's a barrier. If it ain't blocking it ain't taking anything out.

Thats not necessarily a bad thing. It could be that you have only ever run very clean water through it. I guess that means if you did challenge it by feeding water with bad stuff in it would start to block and that would be no bad thing.

Like I said, we all have different views. Cartridge membrane filters work but they soon block if you put anything challenging through them.

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[gpat]

I use a Berkey water purifier...

JJ

I had a look at these. I thought they sounded too good to be true. Turns out I was right.

Berkey Filter: Here's the Truth

This article takes an in-depth look at the Berkey Filter. What is the technology behind it? Does it work? What should you know about the Berkey?

4perfectwater.com