Overview
RV and Marine Water Filters
Water on the Road: RV'ers at Risk
Self-sufficiency, and the sense of security that goes with it, is a big part of the appeal of RV'ing. But when it comes to water quality, that sense of security can be a false one that exposes RV'ers to risk.
Although the quality of water in the United States is monitored, it is far from assured. In one 27-month period, 23.5% of U.S. community water systems violated safe drinking water standards at least once, and sometimes more, for microbes that indicate the possible presence of microorganisms associated with human illnesses.1
Microbes are not the only contaminants affecting water supplies. Naturally occurring minerals, metals and chemicals plus man-made pollutants make their way into lakes, rivers and groundwater as a normal part of the hydrological cycle. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, "pesticides, nutrients, metals, gasoline-related compounds and other contaminants" remain major challenges.2
Big trouble from small systems
The trouble is compounded by a dramatic increase in the number of small water systems - especially those serving 500 people or less. These individually operated systems have long been known to pose the greatest problems, but their number has continued to rise.3
Campgrounds belong to a category of public water systems (Transient Non-Community Water Systems) that provide water to transient populations in areas that are not serviced by a residential community system. In 2000, 93,210 of these independent systems served 12.9 million people, and 99.8% of them were classified as small or very small.4 Their operators must manage, maintain and upgrade these facilities but many lack the resources and expertise to do so effectively.
Water problems everywhere
There are threats to the quality of water no matter where it comes from. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists a very broad range of Agricultural/Rural, Commercial/Industrial and Residential/Municipal sources for potential inorganic, organic, microbial and radionuclide contaminants.5
Even in the wilderness, RVers run the risk of illness from contaminated drinking water. Campers are often issued materials that include warnings that the campsite can not ensure any water source. In an area as remote as Alaska's Denali National Park, campers are advised that water may contain contaminants.
Acute illness is not the only concern. Water quality issues range from worries about the possible long-term health effects of exposure to some chemicals to dissatisfaction with water's taste, odor and appearance. For example, a number of pollutants, such as benzene, toxaphene and p-DiChlorobenzene are now found in some lakes, rivers and groundwater and have been linked to cancer. Sediments of sand, rust, silt, dirt and debris can not only affect the taste and appearance of water, but can also damage valves and pumps, clog faucets and stain fabric.
Advanced solutions from 3M
3M RV and Marine Filtration Systems are specifically designed to address a wide range of concerns about the quality of water from campground and other public hookups. They reduce contaminants and provide fresher, clearer, odor-free, good-tasting water directly from the tap. 3M filters help to provide high quality water for drinking; coffee, tea, ice, cooking and washing.
Seven models are currently available: three that can be installed on the main line or under the sink, and four under-sink models. All significantly reduce chlorine, sediment, dirt, rust sand and silt, as well as improving taste and odor. Upgraded models reduce up to 99.99% of common water borne bacteria6 and reduce 99.99% of parasitic cysts7. Model USF-C also reduces mercury7, asbestos7, lead7 and Volatile Organic Compounds8 (VOCs) like pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.
According to Tom Holler, Director of Business Development for 3M RV Water Filters, "We put a tremendous amount of thought into water quality. These are advanced systems that use leading-edge technologies that help provide higher quality water for consumers."
1 Safe Water From Every Tap: Improving Water Service to Small Communities. Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources, The National Academies Press, 1997.
2 News Release: How healthy Are Our Rivers and Streams? USGS Report Shows Clear Picture. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, 2004.
3 Safe Water From Every Tap: Improving Water Service to Small Communities. Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources, The National Academies Press, 1997. P.12
4 Public Drinking Water Systems: Facts and Figures. U. S Environmental Protection Agency.
5 Potential Drinking Water Contaminant Index. U. S Environmental Protection Agency.
6 As tested with either E.Coli ATCC (11229) or Pseudomonas (B) diminuta ATCC (19146)
7 As tested in accordance with ANSI/NSF Standard 53
Click here for a diagram on placement in RV's |
