Van life necessities: Finding the ideal water filter in your Van

When you are travelling around you shouldn’t be worried about your drinking water quality. Neither should you be trying to find stores to buy bottled water. What if we tell you that a water filter can save you money, reduce unnecessary plastics and you can practically filter any water you find on the road. Read below which water filter might suit your van life best!

Why Water Filtration is a Must-Have in your Van

If you’re planning to live or travel in a van, having a reliable source of clean drinking water is essential. Water filtration systems can remove harmful contaminants and bacteria from water sources, making it safe to drink and use for cooking and cleaning. Without a proper water filtration system, you risk getting sick from contaminated water, which can be especially dangerous when you’re on the road and far from medical facilities. Additionally, finding clean water sources can be difficult and time-consuming, and carrying large amounts of bottled water can take up valuable space in your van. By investing in a water filtration system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can access clean water whenever you need it, without having to worry about the quality or availability of your water supply.

Did you know that the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that everyone stores at least 3,8 liters of drinking water per person (per day) for emergency use?

Types of Water Filters for Vans

What types of water filter suit a van best?

• Gravity Filters: These filters use gravity to pull water through a filtration system, removing contaminants and impurities as it flows through. They are easy to use, stand-alone and require no electricity, making them a popular choice for van life. We have two types of Gravity Water Filters;
  • Phoenix Gravity based on Activated Carbon filtration media
  • British Berkefeld based on Ceramic filtration media

• Pressure & faucet filters: These filtration systems connect directly to your faucet in your van (if you have one😊). They are cheaper to purchase and don’t take up quite as much space as the Gravity filters. Remember that these type of water filters require some water pressure to force the water through the filter. We sell various brands that fit your faucet.

• Reverse Osmosis Filters: Reverse osmosis filters use a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities from water. They are highly effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, but can be expensive and require electricity to operate.

• UV Filters: UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in water. They are effective at disinfecting water, but do not remove other impurities or contaminants.

• Portable Filters: Portable filters are small, lightweight filters that are designed for use on the go. They are typically used for outdoor activities like camping or backpacking, but can also be used for van life. They are compact and easy to use, but may not be as effective as larger, more permanent filtration systems.

Considerations When Choosing a Water Filter for your van

When choosing a water filtration system for your van, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to think about the type of filtration system that will best meet your needs. For example, if you plan to spend a lot of time off-grid or in remote locations, you may want to consider a system that is designed to be portable or that does not require electricity. Additionally, you should consider the size of the filtration system, as well as its capacity, to ensure that it will fit in your van and provide enough clean water for your needs.

Tips for Conserving Water While Living in a Van

Conserving water is crucial when living in a van, as it ensures that you have enough water for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. One of the most effective ways to conserve water is to reduce your water usage in the first place. For example, you can take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, and use a dishpan to wash dishes rather than running water continuously.

Here are some additional tips;

• Collect and reuse greywater for flushing the toilet or watering plants, as long as it is free from harmful chemicals or contaminants.
• Invest in low-flow faucets and showerheads, which can reduce water usage by up to 50%.
• Finally, you can also consider using water-saving appliances like a composting toilet, which uses no water at all.

By implementing these tips and techniques, you can significantly reduce your water usage while living in a van, ensuring that you have enough water to meet your basic needs without having to sacrifice your quality of life on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a reliable water filtration system is a vital necessity for any van life enthusiast who wants to have access to clean, safe drinking water while on the road. With a variety of filtration systems to choose from, it’s important to consider your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle to find the ideal system for your van. By selecting a system that is easy to use, maintain, and store, you can enjoy fresh and clean drinking water at all times, without having to worry about the quality or availability of your water supply. So, invest in a quality water filtration system for your van, and hit the road with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your loved ones are well-hydrated and healthy.