Sourcing and managing fresh water will on your mind regularly if you live the nomadic life. Fresh water has virtually no visible dirt and contaminates. It is sufficient for cleaning and bathing, but it may or may not be safe to drink, since there may be microscopic contaminates.
Potable water
Potable water (or "drinking water") is a subset of fresh water. It is clean and safe enough for human consumption. Municipal water supplies and water kiosks generally fall into this category, and commercially bottled water will always fall into this category.
Non-potable water
Non-potable water is a subset of fresh water. It is not (or is not known) to be clean and safe enough for human consumption. Depending on the type and level of contaminates, it may be used for cooking, cleaning, or hygiene. Water for cooking has lower requirements for biological purity because the water is usually boiled during preparation. Water used for cleaning or external hygiene may be of even lower quality assuming one is careful not to ingest the water, or get it in open sores or mucous membranes.
Sourcing water
Sourcing water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene is a regular task. Fresh water can be obtained from spigots available in various places, from commercial water vendors, and by collection of water from natural sources.
Water conservation
Water conservation is an important part of water management for every nomad. You can use various techniques to use less water and to make the most of the water you do have.
Being prepared to take on water
Be ready to take advantage of water availability, as it may be available only at a particular time or there may be others waiting their turn. For several reasons it is advantageous to get in and get out quickly:
- Always be aware of potential water sources.
- While filling water containers, move from open container to open container with no wasted time opening/closing fill holes. While one container is filling, do the opening/closing of other containers.
- Having even a short potable water hose will let you fill your containers in place rather than lifting them. Potable water hoses are often colored white or blue.
- Carrying a longer hose (preferably 50ft or 15m or more) can get you access to some sources without having to carry the water.
- For water that can't be obtained through a hose, use a folding dolly (hand truck) to transport hard-sided water containers.
- If you have a damaged hose, cut off a ~6ft (2m) length with the female end. 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; less time slowing at the top, moving from container to container, and working lids.
Resources
| Resource | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking water hoses | Refill your tanks with drinking water hoses from Nomadic Supply. | |
| Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "fresh water" | |
| Search related sites | Search van life sites for "fresh water" | |
| Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "fresh water" |