Back seat water container and water purification

The bombas as pictured come in two sizes, to fit different sized garrafon necks, we have lately noted. They are very inexpensive, and perfect for getting that purified water from your garrafons (5 gallon containers). Filters? we have gone through several years without using any, always relied on water trucks to provide full garrafons we used for everything, a small cost to keep things healthy.

Now that we're desert camping north of the border, we carry a 15 gallon container and a spare 12 volt water pump to transfer into the fresh water tank, but also have one bomba and garrafon for drinking water. While we were in the south of Mexico we always had another garrafon outside, where we cooked. One never sees a water truck carrying the 5 gallon containers of water here in the SW desert. That did make life easy in Mexico. For us, water quality is always in question here, making the garrafon, filled from a water vending machine, a necessity.

Thanks Tallyhoe. I will do the research. I did read where the WHO now states that a .5 micron carbon block is acceptable

Moisheh

We did a lot of homework, and then went to our little water district in the states for confirmation. A .5 micron filter will make water safe, but will not remove heavy metals. If the water is brackish, it won't taste great. Based on the information on line, and from our water district, we don't worry about testing the water. We have been using the system for 10+ years now, with no problems. Like you, we use the tap water for brushing teeth, doing dishes, but NOT drinking!
We only filter the water to the little spigot next to the kitchen sink. We haven't ever had to change either filter during a 4 month trip, but again, we only use it for drinking for ourselves and the pets, and cooking. As the filters become less efficient, the water pressure reduces, but we have not experienced that. We change the filters before we head south in the fall.
Sources? General on line searches will find the best deals. Sometimes it's eBay, sometimes not.
We use the standard canisters that are common in the US, but not here in Mexico. Camping World, Walmart, Lowes, everyone has them. The first one is the cheapest 5 micron filter we can get, because, as you said, it gets the chunks out. We used to run a standard .5 micron filter as the second one, but a couple of years ago changed to a .5 micron with coconut carbon. They are pricier, but the water comes out tasting great.
A couple of other tips we have come up with: use velcro to strap the canisters in place, and keep the plastic wrench that is used for taking the tops off sitting on the base of the canister so it doesn't get misplaced, and use soft tubing instead of copper.

Tallyhoe: Do you have a method for testing the water to make sure it is drinkable? How often do you have to change filters. I think I understand what you are doing. The first filter removes the " chunks" so the second can do the purifying. What make and model of filters are you using? I would love to be able to use the ice maker and just draw water from our faucets. I have one filter housing in my utility bay and could easily install a second. I would like to filer all the water.

Moisheh

We are really lazy. Installed two basic filter containers under the kitchen sink with it's own little spigot. First filter is a cheap 5 micron one, the second, a .5 micron with coco charcoal. Makes water safe (check with your water district), and taste good. No more messing with jugs, having them fly when the brakes get slammed on, and if like us, you thought the jugs were easy, you'll soon learn what a hassle they were! It also makes beautiful ice.
We carry a spare set of filters with us, but have yet to change them out on our 4 months on the road in Mexico each year-water is great and so is the pressure.

qtla9111 wrote:
We use one of these with the five gallon jug. You can buy them at any supermarket; Soriana, Mega, HEB. They cost around 99 pesos. Fits any five gallon jub and you just pull the handle up and down to fill water bottles, coffee carafe, etc.


(bomba para garrafon)

What we use also. AND can be purchased at the Walmart in Nogales, AZ before you cross the border.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

I love my tipper. low tech, no effort or pumping.

We use the Aqua-tainer on every camping trip. It sits on the picnic table. Beats running in the RV every time you need water espically if you cook outside.

Various large size purified water bottles can be found almost anywhere in Mexico - filled with good water. We buy new ones and stock up if we know we will be somewhere we might not be able to find good water. But it is rare that we cannot find bottled water. Many places we go now have good tap water so we ask around and if other folks are drinking then we drink too. Haven't gotten sick in a very long time. We do know people we RV over in the Yucatan who pay the water hauler trucks to come to fill up their fresh tanks with drinkable water but that is mostly because water over there tastes and smells bad.

We use one of these with the five gallon jug. You can buy them at any supermarket; Soriana, Mega, HEB. They cost around 99 pesos. Fits any five gallon jub and you just pull the handle up and down to fill water bottles, coffee carafe, etc.


(bomba para garrafon)