Water in your motorhome during a heatwave: how to store it and maintain the tank

During a heatwave, paying particular attention to water in the motorhome is essential. High temperatures, exposure to direct sunlight and prolonged storage make it even more important to keep the water tank and system in good condition.

In summer, we use more water for drinking, cooking, showering and cleaning. In addition, during a long trip, it is common to refill the tank at different service areas. Therefore, as well as making sure you have enough water, it is important to know where it comes from, keep the system clean and recognise any signs that something may not be right.

What happens to water during very hot weather?

A motorhome water tank is a small water storage and distribution system. As with other systems of this kind, microorganisms can develop if it is not properly maintained. For this reason, it is important to use water from a safe source and keep both the tank and the water system clean.

During a heatwave, it is advisable to take extra precautions. The aim should not simply be to fill the tank and forget about it, but to manage the water properly throughout your trip.

If the vehicle remains unused for a prolonged period, it is best to avoid unnecessarily storing the same water and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining, cleaning, disinfecting and rinsing the system.

Always refill from a drinking water source

During your trip, it is important to only fill the tank at points clearly identified as providing drinking water.

Use a hose exclusively for clean water and keep it separate from accessories used for the chemical toilet and wastewater. After all, good water management begins from the moment you fill the tank.

How to know if the water in the tank is in good condition

How can you tell whether stored water is still suitable for use?

The first step is to know where it came from. If you are not certain that the filling point provides drinking water, its appearance alone cannot guarantee that it is safe to drink.

In addition, pay attention to any changes. An unusual smell, different taste, cloudiness, particles or a change in colour are signs that should not be ignored. The World Health Organization notes that significant or sudden changes in taste, smell or appearance may indicate a problem that needs to be investigated.

However, the opposite is also true: clear water with no unusual smell or taste is not necessarily free from contamination. Some contaminants cannot be detected through the senses.

Therefore, water used for drinking and cooking should always come from a reliable drinking water source, while the entire storage system should also be properly maintained.

Treat stored water correctly

During a long trip, particularly in summer, it can be useful to have a specific treatment for water stored in the tank.

Ambiti Potable Tabs are designed for drinking water treatment and provide a practical solution for motorhomes, campervans and caravans. Their tablet format makes dosing easy while travelling and allows you to treat the water according to the product instructions.

Always use the recommended quantity for the corresponding volume of water and respect the specified treatment time before consuming it.

However, treating the water does not replace proper tank cleaning, nor does it automatically make water from an unknown source safe. The best approach combines water from a reliable source, appropriate treatment and a clean system.

Keep the tank and water system clean

Filling the tank with drinking water is of little use if the system itself is poorly maintained.

Over time, sediment and deposits can build up in different parts of the system. Therefore, it is advisable to periodically clean and disinfect the tank and water system according to the motorhome manufacturer’s instructions.

It is also a good idea to check hoses, connections and taps, particularly after the vehicle has been left unused for some time.

Before setting off on a long summer holiday, carrying out a thorough clean is a good way to start your trip with the entire water system ready for use.

Renew water during summer trips

During a heatwave, managing the amount of water you carry becomes particularly important.

Instead of filling the tank and keeping the same water for unnecessarily long periods, it is better to plan your refill points and regularly renew the water throughout your journey.

If the motorhome is going to remain parked for a prolonged period, consider draining the system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and refilling it with drinking water before your next trip.

In addition, make sure the tank is properly closed to protect it from potential external contamination.

Check the water in the motorhome before each journey

During the hottest days, checking the water in the motorhome should become part of your routine before setting off.

Before leaving, check how much water remains in the tank, when it was last filled, where the water came from and whether there have been any changes in its appearance, smell or taste.

It is also a good time to identify the next water refill points along your route and carry additional drinking water, especially if you are expecting a long day on the road or travelling through areas with limited services.

This way, good planning allows you to have enough water available without storing excessive amounts for longer than necessary.

Travelling with safe water is also part of motorhome maintenance

Water is one of the most important resources in a motorhome and, during a heatwave, it requires even more attention.

Using drinking water sources, keeping the tank clean, regularly renewing the water, correctly using treatments such as Ambiti Potable Tabs and paying attention to any changes are simple habits that help keep the system in better condition.

Finally, preparing the water tank before setting off gives you one less thing to worry about during the summer and ensures your motorhome is ready for the next stage of your journey.