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Knowing where to find reliable sources of potable water can be challenging, especially for new RV owners.
Below we explore 8 of the best spots to fill your RVs freshwater tank, along with some important tips to ensure your water is safe to drink.
Tip: Always plan ahead, especially if boondocking (going off-grid). Know exactly where and when you plan on filling your freshwater tank before you leave for your trip. And always have a backup plan in case one source doesn’t work out.
1. RV Parks & Campgrounds
An RV campground offers many useful conveniences, including water hookups that let you refill the tank easily. The main consideration for whether the park you visit will have this facility is if it is a public or private park.
A private park will most likely have the basic connections for water and electricity but also more extravagant amenities depending on how luxurious it is, including a sewage line, pool, gym, and more. To maintain those extra amenities, private parks often charge more per night.
A public park is cheaper but not guaranteed to have any water available. These parks tend to cost less per night and are often located in or around national parks.
2. RV Dump Stations
While on the road, you’ll be spending a bit of time at RV dump stations to unload the wastewater from your grey and black tanks. Along with that service, most facilities also offer potable water lines so that you can refill your fresh water tank.
The fee to empty wastewater and fill potable water at these dump stations is negligible. There might be an extra charge on top of that for extra services, though.
3. Gas Stations & Truck Stops
Most gas stations and truck stops have commonly doubled as RV stops for decades, so many of these have been fitted to accommodate travelers.
Typically, a station will have a water spigot that you can use to refill your tank somewhere on the property. And if you’re stopping for gas, a lot of times, they’ll let you top off your water tank for free!
4. Forest Service Ranger Station
If you spend a lot of time traversing remote, forested camping paths in your RV, a ranger station might come in handy. It is the perfect way to refill your fresh water tank, as they will usually have a spigot that dispenses potable water for hikers and campers in the area. Ask a ranger, and they’ll be happy to direct you.
5. Self-Service Water Refill Stations
You may have seen a potable water filling station at your local grocery store, usually a Glacier or Primo machine. These refill stations provide potable water by the gallon, though it’s a bit more work to get it into your tank than a regular connection. It can also be used as an emergency source of water if there are no visible spigots nearby.
Keep in mind these self-service stations cost money to use, charging various fees per gallon.
You’ll only need a few multi-gallon jugs and either the right equipment to gravity fill or a portable pump to transfer the water into your tank.
6. Rest Stops
Rest stops typically offer a variety of services, such as restrooms, picnic areas, and vending machines. Some rest stops, particularly those on major interstate highways, may also offer services like potable water fill stations for RVs.
However, this is not universal, and the availability of water filling stations at rest stops can vary greatly depending on the region, the highway, and the specific rest stop.
Research in advance or call the relevant highway department or visitor center to find out if this service is available.
7. Marinas
Marinas usually offer a variety of services to cater to the needs of boat owners, which can include fuel, waste dumping stations, and, yes, fresh water. Many marinas have potable water sources for refilling boat water tanks, and it’s often possible for RV owners to use these facilities to fill their RV’s fresh water tank as well.
However, the policies and availability can vary from marina to marina, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask if this service is available and what the cost might be. You should also ask about the accessibility of the water source, as some marinas may not have an easy access point for RVs.
8. Any Store Or Business
If you’re in a tight spot, don’t be afraid to ask nearby stores for a spigot that you can use. You’ll be surprised at the type of businesses that are able to help with fresh water, especially when you’ve already made a purchase.
Stores like Uhaul, Bass Pro shops, home improvement stores, and some big retailers often have water hookups available.
How Do I Find Potable Water Near Me?
We covered 8 of the best spots to find potable water for your RV. But how do you easily find one of these spots?
- Websites and Apps: There are several websites and apps dedicated to helping RV users find resources like potable water, camping spots, and more. Some popular ones include:
- Allstays: An app that lists a variety of services, including where to find fresh water.
- Campendium: An app and website that offers reviews and information on campgrounds, including whether they have water available.
- RV Dump Station Directory: Our very own RV dump station directory, while primarily used for finding dump stations, also lists all of the sites that have potable and non-potable water.
- Ask Locals: Information centers, gas stations, local RV parks, or even local residents can often point you in the direction of nearby water-filling stations.
- Use Online Maps: You can search for campgrounds, truck stops, or marinas near your current location using Google Maps or a similar service.
- Use Your Network: If you’re part of any RV groups or forums, ask for recommendations. Other RV users can be a wealth of information, and they may be able to suggest some lesser-known water sources.
Important Water Safety Tip
Always use a water filter when filling your freshwater tank. When you’re out on the road, you don’t always know how safe the water is. A water filter will help remove any harmful bacteria and contaminants before they even reach your tank.
Camco TastePure RV Water Filter
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