Dry Camping or Boondocking this Year? Learn How to Conserve Water in Your RV

Canadians are used to an abundance and sometimes a seemingly endless water supply. Home to 20 percent of the world’s freshwater resources, most Canadians consume water without a second thought. Although we should conserve and protect our precious water resources at home and in our daily lives, many of us do not. Since most of us aren’t practicing water conservation at home, we don’t always know where to start when we take our RV dry camping or boondocking. In this situation, we have a finite amount of water available and must make it last for our entire stay. Here are some tips for conserving water in your RV to ensure you don’t have to head home early.

Adjust your thinking.

Be aware of the amount of water you use every time. This may seem obvious, but it’s essential to be conscious of how much water goes down the drain and learn new stingy water habits when the tap is on. Everyone who turns on a water tap must know the finite water available. Remind everyone to stay with you and/or use your RVs water resources.

Start conserving water at home.

We may have a bad habit at the home of leaving the tap running while we brush our teeth, shave, or wash dishes. We’re not usually concerned about running out of water at home. However, you may have as little as 30 gallons of water in an RV. Leaving the tap running is one of the most challenging habits to break, but one of the most important. Start practicing at home before you head out in your RV.

Learn to use the sink stopper in your RV.

Using the sink is one of the best ways to conserve water in your RV. Visually seeing the water in the sink will make it easier to be aware of what you’re using, and then you can challenge yourself to use less. Put in that sink stopper and use the water for your task…but don’t drain it yet!

Re-use water.

This isn’t something we would generally consider doing at home, but on the road, if you have a sink with water that you only used once, consider washing some dishes before you drain it.

Be mindful of your shower routine.

The shower is a huge drain on your freshwater tank. If it’s possible, try not to shower every day. If you need to shower and the campground you’re staying at doesn’t have bathhouse facilities, there are ways to do it with less water.

• Every RV shower head has an on/off button on it. Make sure you use it.
• Start your shower only when you’re ready to get in.
• Get in; get wet – shut the stream off using the shower head button and then soap up. Turn it back on and rinse it off – quickly.
• Having quick showers is critical. Have someone time you to help determine whether you need to reduce your time in the shower.
• Put the stopper in if your shower has a “pan” or shallow tub. Seeing how much water collects will challenge you to use less. Then leave the water in the pan and re-use it for another washing task before draining it.

Flushing the toilet.

We need water in the toilet, but it’s about how much water goes into the bowl. Unlike your toilet at home, which uses a tank, an RV toilet has a foot valve that gives you control over the amount of water running into the bowl. Try to use as little as possible.

As for saving more water – here is a water use reminder that most people have heard: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow – if it’s brown, flush it down.” This is a rhyme that even children will remember. It’s a simple exercise that can save several gallons of water daily.

Save water for the necessities.

Avoid washing the dog or the truck or watering the lawn. If it’s necessary, look for a local dog or car wash. Let the kids wash up in the lake if you’re camping near water – and have a good time out there!

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