Did you know around 2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water? For campervan owners, especially those heading off-grid, ensuring access to clean, safe water isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re wild camping in the Highlands or parked up at a quiet beach in Cornwall, the ability to safely purify water on the go adds freedom, safety, and peace of mind.
In this guide, we break down the best ways to purify water for drinking in your campervan. We’ll look at methods, model recommendations, costs, power requirements, filtering levels, and maintenance—so you can choose a solution that suits your vanlife setup.
Why Water Purification Matters in a Campervan
Clean drinking water is crucial for your health and wellbeing, particularly when you’re away from mains supply. Contaminated water can cause stomach upsets, parasites, or worse. A good purification setup protects you and makes you more self-reliant, especially when camping far from civilisation.
Water Purification Methods for Campervans
1. Filtration Systems
These physically remove contaminants like sediment, chlorine, and bacteria using various
media. There are a few key types:
- Activated Carbon Filters – Great for taste and odour. Removes chlorine, VOCs, some pesticides. Typically filters down to 0.5–50 microns.
- Recommended Model: Whale AquaSource Filter – Approx. £25
- Ceramic Filters – Long-lasting and washable. Filters down to ~0.2 microns.
- Recommended Model: Katadyn Combi Water Filter – Approx. £180
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) – Best for removing heavy metals and bacteria. Filters down to 0.0001 microns.
- Recommended Model: Puricom ZIP Portable RO System – Approx. £379
2. UV Purification
UV light kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa by disrupting their DNA. Works best with pre-filtered clear water.
- Recommended Model: SteriPEN Ultra UV Water Purifier – Approx. £95
3. Chemical Disinfection
Chlorine or iodine tablets can be used in emergencies. They’re cheap and lightweight but can alter taste.
- Recommended Model: LifeSystems Chlorine Dioxide Tablets – Approx. £7 for 30 tablets
4. Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)
Place water in clear PET bottles in full sun for 6+ hours. A backup solution that’s slow but ultra-lightweight.
- No specialist equipment needed – Just clean, transparent bottles
- Alt Text: Plastic bottles filled with water on van roof in direct sunlight
Cost, Power, and Practicality
| Method | Price Range | Power Use | Maintenance | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Filter | £25-£100 | None | Medium | Immediate |
| Ceramic Filter | £80-£200 | None | Low | Immediate |
| RO System | £200+ | Moderate-High | High | Slower (3–5 min) |
| UV Purifier | £50-£150 | Low (USB charge) | Low | ~1 min/litre |
| Chemical Tablets | £7-£20 | None | Low | 30 mins+ |
| SODIS | Free | Sunlight only | None | 6+ hours |
Filtering Levels Explained
- >50 microns – Catches visible sediment, leaves, dirt.
- 5–1 microns – Removes small particles, rust, and some bacteria.
- 0.5–0.2 microns – Removes protozoa (e.g., Giardia), finer silt.
- 0.0001 microns (RO) – Removes viruses, chemicals, heavy metals.
- UV – Kills microbes without removing them physically.
Size and Installation Considerations
- Under-sink systems like the Whale or Seagull IV are great for semi-permanent setups.
- Portable filters like Katadyn or LifeSaver Jerrycan are ideal for off-grid flexibility.
- UV pens are lightweight and great for hikers or minimalist van builds.
Tips for Maintenance & Use
- Clean or change filters every 3–6 months (or as recommended).
- Always pre-filter silty water to protect your main filter.
- Store UV devices in dry, cool areas. Avoid battery drain.
- Keep backup purification tablets in your emergency kit.
Final Thoughts: Choose What Fits Your Setup
Your water source, van size, and power setup will dictate the best purification method. For most vanlifers, a dual system—carbon or ceramic filter + UV purifier—offers excellent all-round safety.
If you’re going fully off-grid, consider the Puricom ZIP or Katadyn Combi paired with a UV pen. If you’re on a budget, a Whale inline filter and Lifesystems tablets offer a low-cost backup combo.
Need help fitting a water system into your build? Bhode Vans offers expert conversion
services including water systems tailored for off-grid living. Whether you’re starting from scratch
or upgrading your setup, get in touch to chat through your options.
