What are you using for external water filtration?

I run off my tanks exclusivly. A 10 Micron sediment filter, then a 5 micron sediment filter, then a 5 micron carbon filter, then a 100 gallon/day RO membrane.

In New Orleans I have 300 + PPM TDS in, 12 PPM out.

CA Traveler wrote:

Returning the unfiltered RO waste drinking water to the tank adds to the tanks contaminates which increases as the tank empties. So increased filter replacement.

Depends where you put your RO pre-filters. Mine filtered water before, not after, the water hits the holding tank. So no strain on the filters.

philh wrote:

TechWriter wrote:
Plus, you can plumb an RO system so that the waste water goes back into your water tank so there's no waste.

no issues with the "dirty" water going back into the tank?

Not really. RO systems have multiple stages: typically 2 or 3 filters (sediment, carbon block, etc), then the RO membrane itself, and finally post filters like "water polishing" or adding minerals.

The waste water or brine comes from the RO membrane so the water has already passed through filtration that most RVers use anyway.

If anything, the RO brine is hard water, not "dirty". TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels in ppm are usually used to measure RO system water quality. For example, one of my measurements was . . .

- "Fresh" (incoming) water: 242 ppm
- RO treated water: 34 ppm
- RO Brine: 202 ppm

The advantage of RO is cleaner better tasting water. The disadvantage is 3-4 gallons of waste water for every gallon of clean water. When boondocking the pump also has to run more.

Returning the unfiltered RO waste drinking water to the tank adds to the tanks contaminates which increases as the tank empties. So increased filter replacement. Most of the tank water however is used for other purposes like washing hands etc and doesn't go through the drinking water RO system.

So pros and cons to cleaner water. But maybe there are no cons - I have a RO system at home because I don't like the water taste... But there is the initial cost and filter replacement and my tank (bladder) failed once and the second tank is starting to fail.

Just my 2 cents...

TechWriter wrote:
Plus, you can plumb an RO system so that the waste water goes back into your water tank so there's no waste.

no issues with the "dirty" water going back into the tank?

Ok, thank you again for all the help and info!
Nancy

nancyjerry wrote:
Due to a recent freeze while we were away, the filtration system in our bay got destroyed...
Looking to use an external one now and probably under sink.
As full timers moving to unknown water systems all the time, what are your recommendations?

Since you're full timers, I suggest more than one of those external Camco filters.

At the least invest in a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for your drinking water. A system can be had for under $200. Plus, you can plumb an RO system so that the waste water goes back into your water tank so there's no waste.

Because I went through the 1993 Milwaukee cryptosporidium outbreak, my full timer water filtration system is pretty extensive.

I have a 4" diameter filter and clear housing with quick disconnects.

Almost always run off off onboard water, and carry six 3.5 gallon cubes that are filled with RO water for drinking. Generally haven't had an issue finding a place to fill them.

You need to figure out what you want to filter and what your budget is. The best are reveres osmosis filtration systems and are expensive.

The blue Camco in-line filters are 20 micron and won't filter out any nasties. They're for removing some odd taste at best.

Our Walmart recently stocked a filter that works like the Camco but is a 5 micron filter. That's good, but if you're worried about nasties then you really need something like a 0.5 micron filter.

So it depends on the quality of your water source and what you're trying to remove/

Good point Jim. Our charcoal filter is not used to fill the tank but is used for hookups. This setup works for us since we often use tank water which keeps the rig sanitized.

I don't fill the tank if the water is questionable and carry water bottles as backup.