Do You Need an RV Water Filter?

Water is something we can often take for granted, but camping in your RV on a limited supply can quickly change your mindset, especially when boondocking. What’s more, the water quality will vary from location to location as you travel. That truck stop or campground may have very different water qualities from each other and from what you may be used to. Ultimately, you’ll want access to clean, fresh water, regardless of your camping situation or the quality of the local water supply. So what’s the solution? A water filter for your rig. 

Benefits of Water Filters for RVs

Similar to a water filter in your home’s refrigerator or whole house filtration system, an RV water filter will work to remove sediment, heavy metals, and in some cases, bacteria and viruses, from your water supply. 

Overall, RV water filters will help:

• Reduce or remove water treatment chemicals such as chlorine or contaminants and make for better tasting water 
• Protect you from potentially harmful microorganisms
• Keep your RV pipes and plumbing free from clogging sediment 
• Offer a money-saving, eco-friendly alternative to buying bottled water 

Types of RV Water Filters 

There are many types water filters manufactured for RVs, and all will have various levels of filtration. In general, there are two main types:

Interior Water Filters

These filters are installed between your RV’s fresh water tank and the faucet used for drinking water. These filters and systems typically are installed under the sink and are engineered to remove small particulates, contaminants, and microorganisms. Filtration system options include ultraviolet (UV) purification (to remove bacteria and viruses) and reverse osmosis (to finely filter nearly every solid out of water).

Exterior Water Filters 

These filters are installed between the hookup spigot and your RV’s fresh water tank. These are also known as inline filters and are designed to remove sediment and odors from an incoming water supply.

Other Types of Water Filters 

There are some other options for RV water filters that fall outside the interior and exterior systems that require installation. For example, water jugs and containers with built-in filters (think Brita containers) are easy-to-use and implement into your RVing lifestyle. Filtered reusable water bottles are great options when you need fresh, clean water on the go. And countertop filtration systems are excellent, too, offering robust water purification in a small package.
Do you use a water filter in your RV? What have you liked or disliked about it? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!