Post by myredracer on Sept 17, 2015 15:14:42 GMT -5
The first photo shows bacterial growth on our city water inlet filter screen from an early-season camping weekend at a Wa. state private campground. After seeing this, I decided it would be a good idea to design a drinking water filtration system that would provide good quality water wherever we decided to travel to. Some research quickly showed that poor drinking water quality is not uncommon around the US (where we do our RV-ing). Contamination can include inorganic and organic chemicals, heavy metals, minerals, pathogens (bacteria, viruses & parasites) and pharmaceuticals. Some pollutants while not considered toxic but are aesthetically unpleasing (sediment/turbidity). Some elements like iron may not pose a health risk but stain plumbing fixtures. Many contaminants can be filtered but not all. Chlorine is commonly used used to kill pathogens, but it does not kill all (Giardia and Cryptosporidium). Chlorine dissipates over time and distance. For seasonal campgrounds that see little or no use over the winter, bacterial growth can occur to lack of chlorine. Then in the spring when sites quickly become used again, the "dog sn*t" as a public water quality manager called it, gets flushed through the piping and into your RV. It is possible for pathogens that pathogens could multiply also. Seasonal campgrounds should be flushing their water systems at the beginning of each season, but likely does not happen much. There is a lot of science that goes into design water filtration including choosing the right filter and using one in the correct location. I could go on...
High water pressure does occur in campgrounds and RV parks. I have read reports of it reaching as high as 200 psi. I installed a Watts 273A regulator under our kitchen sink along with all brass fittings and pipe to the city water inlet which I replaced with an brass to brass one. I mounted a telltale gauge on the incoming side of the regulator. This past season, it has reached 120 psi (not sure where). I bought a Valterra high pressure hose good for up to 200 psi so that high campground pressure will not blow out the hose. I punched out the check-valve built into the city water inlet and enlarged the hole for better flow. I mounted a commercial grad check-valve just ahead of the tell-tale gauge. A pressure gauge to read the pressure downstream of the regulator was mounted at the water heater. Just have to open the access door to read it.
I installed 4 different types of filters. The first is a "course" sediment filter of 63 microns and is called a spin-down filter and is easily taken apart for cleaning. The 2nd filter is a 5 micron polyester string-wound cartridge in a 10" whole house filter housing. This type of cartridge does not promote bacterial growth, unlike a pleated paper type for example. The third filter is a Doulton Imperial Ultracarb ceramic cartridge rated a 0.9 microns absolute (not "nominal") and is NSF certified. Many filter cartridges are not NSF certified and have exaggerated performance claims. This type of filter can be renewed by cleaning off the exterior surface. The 3rd filter is an "ultrafiltration" cartridge made by Crystal Quest and is rated at 0.2 microns. I mounted an RO type drinking water only faucet at the kitchen sink which is supplied by the last filter.
The filter housings are mounted under the kitchen sink at the rear and do not interfere with use of the shelving. I did relocate the factory PEX and ABS piping to provide more space while in there.
Bottled water is an option but often it is simply tap water. Bottled water and water supplied by vending machines (refillable bottles) is regulated by different government agencies and from what I understand, water quality provided to consumers is not monitored much , if it all. The water quality from the ultrafiltration cartridge is very high, and better than bottled or vending machine water. We're on the 2nd season of the filters and they have worked well.
Doulton filter info.
Crystal Quest ultrafiltration and here
Gil, Deb and Dougal the Springer Spaniel
2014 KZ Spree 262RKS
2009 F250
High water pressure does occur in campgrounds and RV parks. I have read reports of it reaching as high as 200 psi. I installed a Watts 273A regulator under our kitchen sink along with all brass fittings and pipe to the city water inlet which I replaced with an brass to brass one. I mounted a telltale gauge on the incoming side of the regulator. This past season, it has reached 120 psi (not sure where). I bought a Valterra high pressure hose good for up to 200 psi so that high campground pressure will not blow out the hose. I punched out the check-valve built into the city water inlet and enlarged the hole for better flow. I mounted a commercial grad check-valve just ahead of the tell-tale gauge. A pressure gauge to read the pressure downstream of the regulator was mounted at the water heater. Just have to open the access door to read it.
I installed 4 different types of filters. The first is a "course" sediment filter of 63 microns and is called a spin-down filter and is easily taken apart for cleaning. The 2nd filter is a 5 micron polyester string-wound cartridge in a 10" whole house filter housing. This type of cartridge does not promote bacterial growth, unlike a pleated paper type for example. The third filter is a Doulton Imperial Ultracarb ceramic cartridge rated a 0.9 microns absolute (not "nominal") and is NSF certified. Many filter cartridges are not NSF certified and have exaggerated performance claims. This type of filter can be renewed by cleaning off the exterior surface. The 3rd filter is an "ultrafiltration" cartridge made by Crystal Quest and is rated at 0.2 microns. I mounted an RO type drinking water only faucet at the kitchen sink which is supplied by the last filter.
The filter housings are mounted under the kitchen sink at the rear and do not interfere with use of the shelving. I did relocate the factory PEX and ABS piping to provide more space while in there.
Bottled water is an option but often it is simply tap water. Bottled water and water supplied by vending machines (refillable bottles) is regulated by different government agencies and from what I understand, water quality provided to consumers is not monitored much , if it all. The water quality from the ultrafiltration cartridge is very high, and better than bottled or vending machine water. We're on the 2nd season of the filters and they have worked well.
Doulton filter info.
Crystal Quest ultrafiltration and here
Gil, Deb and Dougal the Springer Spaniel
2014 KZ Spree 262RKS
2009 F250
