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water:drinking [2021/06/24 22:45] frater_secessus [commercial sources] |
water:drinking [2022/08/27 19:27] frater_secessus [spigots without handles] |
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====== water for drinking ====== | ====== water for drinking ====== | ||
- | Sourcing and storing drinking water is a major limitation for vandwellers in general and [[camping: | + | Sourcing and storing drinking water is a major limitation for vandwellers in general and [[camping: |
+ | ===== be ready to take on water ===== | ||
- | ===== water spigots ===== | ||
+ | Be ready to take advantage of water availability, | ||
+ | |||
+ | * always be aware of potential water sources | ||
+ | * while filling your containers move from open container to open container with no wasted time opening/ | ||
+ | * having even a short [[https:// | ||
+ | * carrying a longer hose (50ft or 100ft) can get you access to some sources without having to carry the water. | ||
+ | * if you find or have a damaged hose, cut off a ~6ft length with the female end on it and carry it with you. It won't take up much space and can make filling from low or high spigots much easier. | ||
+ | * filling a large container is typically faster than filling several small ones of the same volume; | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== sources ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== water spigots ==== | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
You may find it easy to ask for permission to collect some water from: | You may find it easy to ask for permission to collect some water from: | ||
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* cemeteries | * cemeteries | ||
- | Be on the lookout for spigots, and watch for signs that the water may not be for human use. | + | Be on the lookout for spigots, and watch for signs that the water [[water: |
- | **Sourcing water from RV dump stations is possible but requires care**; | + | |
+ | **Sourcing water [[https:// | ||
- Carry gloves to disconnect any connected hoses. | - Carry gloves to disconnect any connected hoses. | ||
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[[https:// | [[https:// | ||
- | Round shank handles | + | Shanks with round/ |
Note: carrying these tools may be an important survival tool. | Note: carrying these tools may be an important survival tool. | ||
- | ===== non-spigot outlets | + | |
+ | === spigots with threaded and unthreaded outlets === | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ http:// | ||
+ | Some spigots, such as the one pictured from an Arizona highway rest stop, have both threaded and unthreaded outlets. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The unthreaded outlet is wider because it is surrounded by a spring-loaded ring. Pull the ring down while the water is flowing and water is diverted to the threaded bib. When the water handle is released the ring pops back up into place. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== non-spigot outlets ==== | ||
[[https:// | [[https:// | ||
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- | ===== commercial sources | + | ==== commercial sources ==== |
{{ https:// | {{ https:// | ||
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* water fill near me | * water fill near me | ||
+ | ==== bulk water ==== | ||
- | Some RV service stations will sell water. | + | Sometimes bulk water is available for a flat fee. |
- | Some small town water companies will have a public spigot priced (very cheaply) by the gallon.((https:// | + | * Some RV service stations will sell water, $5 is a common fee |
+ | * The famous RV Pit Stop in Quartzsite has long fill hoses and sells R/O water for 25c/gal, but you can fill your tank with filtered well water for a flat $2-$4 depending on the season. | ||
+ | * some small town water companies will have a public spigot priced (very cheaply) by the gallon | ||
+ | * towns with no plumbed water tend to have very cheap bulk water (like 20 gallons for 25 cents) but the hoses are very large and may not be useful for vandwellers. | ||
- | ===== RV parks ===== | ||
- | RV parks will usually sell you a water fill for a few dollars. | ||
- | ===== campground day use areas ===== | + | ==== campground day use areas ==== |
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Some private and public campgrounds have a "day use" fee which is much lower than the overnight rate. It might be $5-$10 for day use and $40 for overnight. | Some private and public campgrounds have a "day use" fee which is much lower than the overnight rate. It might be $5-$10 for day use and $40 for overnight. | ||
- | ===== rainfall | + | ==== natural sources |
+ | |||
+ | === rainfall | ||
Rainwater can be collected in clean containers unless near pollutants of some kind. Wind-driven debris is common in receptacles. | Rainwater can be collected in clean containers unless near pollutants of some kind. Wind-driven debris is common in receptacles. | ||
Indirect rainwater (suitable for non-potable uses) can be collected in large quantities off awnings and similar structures. | Indirect rainwater (suitable for non-potable uses) can be collected in large quantities off awnings and similar structures. | ||
- | ===== rivers and creeks ===== | ||
- | Water collected from open running sources should be assumed to be biogically suspect; | + | === rivers and creeks === |
+ | |||
+ | Water collected from open running sources should be assumed to be biogically suspect; | ||
Since water seeks lowest spots you might be able to see a source but not access it directly. | Since water seeks lowest spots you might be able to see a source but not access it directly. | ||
- | ===== surface collection | + | === surface collection === |
Water collected in puddles or ponds is the most likely to be contaminated with pathogens or to have concentrated pollutants. | Water collected in puddles or ponds is the most likely to be contaminated with pathogens or to have concentrated pollutants. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== conservation ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Managing the drinking water supply is paramount. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * be ever-vigilant looking for potable water, and top off the supply whenever practical | ||
+ | * to stretch your potable supply, use non-potable (or suspect) water for non-drinking purposes when possible | ||
+ | * do not waste drinking water. |