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Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
I've had recurring issues with fresh water causing gastrointestinal issues.

I'm not using the fresh water tank at the moment as there is a leak I need to fix, but the issue occurred when I was using the fresh water tank; I filled up from different sources as well.

Most recently I'm using a permanent fresh water hookup and the drinking water runs through a three stage filtration system (final stage is UV sterilizer) and out a dedicated drinking faucet.  The filtration system has reduced the severity of intestinal  discomfort but even after sterilizing the water lines the issue recurs.  It seems to almost go away completely for a bit after sterilizing the lines but then slowly recurs and gets worse.

Could the toilet vacuum breaker be failing and causing recontamination?  How would you troubleshoot this?
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #1 –
Howard, I would start by draining, flushing, then draining the fresh water tank again.  Then, follow the steps from LD for sterilizing your fresh water system.  You will need to use a sterilizing agent in the fresh water tank, then move that water through all the lines and the water heater.  It will have to sit with the treatment in all the lines and tank for a prescribed amount of time.  Then you can drain the tank, fill, flush the lines, drain, and fill again.  At that point YOUR stuff is clean.  If issues continue I would look at your water supply.

As to the vacuum breaker, I see no way that that component could introduce contaminants to your water supply.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #2 –
Thanks Ken.  Since my fresh water tank is out of service right now, I introduced the sanitizing chemicals through the city water hookup with an inline mixture device.  Should I forego that method and use the fresh water tank even though I'm bypassing right now with city hookup?
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #3 –

Do what Ken said. He assumes you have an owner's manual. So many don't.

After all that use Purogene to treat your water every time you fill-up.
Amazon.com: 32oz Purogene Drinking Water Treatment and Water System Sanitizer...

It can be had for less than $50 if you shop.

We have never bothered with filtration. Don't own a Prius either.  8)

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #5 –
Where in the system of your UV sanitizer is located? The best place is to place it just upstream to the dedicated drinking/cooking water faucet.
 
We had similar problem as you described. Now we installed a RO system with UV sanitizer and a dedicated drinking water faucet.  RO water is only 5 measured by a TDS meter, very clean.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #6 –
Yes, Joan, it's a chemical. In common use, like wiping down food prep surfaces in restaurants.
 Side effects include making you handsome. Just look at me.

Just saying you are already digesting it, if you eat out
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #7 –
"it's a chemical. In common use, like wiping down food prep surfaces in restaurants."
---
I try not to drink the same stuff that I might use to "sanitize" surfaces.  ;)

YMMV, as always.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #8 –
Howard, any biological issue requires two things to be removed.  The first is a sterilizing agent.  The second is time.  If you are hooked up to city water, and adding a sanitizer through an in-line mixing device, that may get the sanitizer into the lines but it does not give much time.  For example, when I turn on my hot water at the kitchen, I get hot water after 30 oz of flow.  The delivery from  the city water connection would likely be less.  Thus, the sanitizer is coming out of your faucet within seconds of being introduced.  I see no way that an UV sterilizer would hold the water long enough to be effective, but perhaps the technology of your device can do so.  Second, if the sanitizer is safe for you to drink, it may not be enough to sterilize your lines.  It might even be the source of some of the problem.  Personally, I do not like the idea of adding any chemicals to my drinking water.  Third, perhaps the contamination is coming from your shore connection.  Fourth, the in-line mixing device gets nothing into your tank or pump.  Thus, if there has been a biologic in those areas, it is able to continue to grow and work its way into the lines fed by the city water connection.

I think I would first check the city connection.  Taking a sample drawn from it to your local Board Of Health should allow you to get a report on the source safety.  Don't take it from a faucet, just your point of connection to city water.  There might be a local water supply issue.

Once you know the water supply is good, you need to sterilize everything in your rig that contacts that water.  That includes your tank, pump, water heater and every supply line INCLUDING the hose you use to connect to the shore supply. 

Once you have sterilized everything and know the supply is good, I would not use an in-line sterilizer.  I would fill the tank and use it and the pump for my water.  I would then take a sample and have it tested.

Finally, think about Flint, MI.  Their water supply failure was contaminated by lead.  A chemical contaminant will not be affected by any sterilizing process.  The steps above will deal with a biologic but not any dissolved stuff.  So, you may want to get a sample tested as your first step.  If you have a chemical contaminant, why struggle with sterilizing?  Find out the cause, then you can deal with it.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #9 –
At the risk of being really paranoid -- you might be the source of contamination.     If your hands are 'dirty' then all the cleaning of stuff is just re-infected with your hands.  

CDC Handwashing

key points from CDC site

When to wash hands ....
    Before, during, and after preparing food
    Before and after eating food
    Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
    Before and after treating a cut or wound
    After using the toilet
    After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
    After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
    After handling pet food or pet treats
    After touching garbage

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #10 –
The popularity of RV water filter adds an additional source of contamination: the connect hose from the filter to city water inlet. The filter removes chlorine from city water to improve taste, however, it also eliminate the ability to kill bacteria, virus, and fungus. If the connector hose is exposed to air in storage when moving between campgrounds, these microorganism can establish colonies in the inner wall of the connector tube, then contaminates the rest of fresh water system.

To reduce this risk, we now have the large capacity filter connected to the RV with a short hose.  The large filter still lays on the ground so it does not add a weight to the city water inlet. Then, we use chlorine solution to sanitize the connector hose every time to are in a new location. The large filter also serve as pre-filter to the RO water system.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #11 –
My thoughts re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination

I'm scratching my head! I took delivery of my LD in Oct. 2004. Since that time (16 years ago) I can remember sanitizing my fresh water tank only two times. I have never been selective of where I obtained water, not even the public source found at the LTVA sites near Quartzsite, AZ, nor have I had any issues concerning the quality of the water used. I do use an in-line filter, about the simplest one I could find at Camping World, not only while connected to city water but also when re-filling the fresh water tank.

And this thread is the only one I've seen referencing 'persistent' contamination! I believe this to be a one of a kind situation.

4 Ways to Test Water Purity - wikiHow
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #12 –

An easy way to quickly screen water quality in terms of mineral content is use a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter. It measure electric conductivity to determine calcium, magnesium, and salt content. Unfortunately it cannot measure bacteria level.

Total dissolved solids - Wikipedia

Amazon.com: TDS Meter Digital Water Tester - ppm Meter, EC & Temperature...

Each person has different tolerance level of micro-organism contamination. For example, I never have had any issue with water quality but my dear wife is extremely sensitive . That was the reason we installed a RO water system with inline UV sanitizer for drinking and cooking water.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #13 –
Contamination of the fresh water tank is rare unless filled with infected water.
Why do you think the problems you experienced came from water in the tank?  Has the water been analyized for pathogen?

I rarely use a filter when filling the tank,  simple filters remove the chorine and big chunks but do not remove viruses and bacterias.
I see little utility in these filters. Inspecting our fresh water tank’s interior with a remote camera shows next to no sediment or sand.
For pure drinking water, we use a deck-mounted faucet that is filtered through a high-efficiency canister filter that removes bacteria, and cysts.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #14 –
Quote from: cli288  - 
Where in the system of your UV sanitizer is located? The best place is to place it just upstream to the dedicated drinking/cooking water faucet.
 
We had similar problem as you described. Now we installed a RO system with UV sanitizer and a dedicated drinking water faucet.  RO water is only 5 measured by a TDS meter, very clean.

the UV sanitizer is the last filter before the water faucet...yeah.  I'm thinking of looking into a RO unit.  Any recommendations?
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #15 –
Quote from: cli288  - 
The popularity of RV water filter adds an additional source of contamination: the connect hose from the filter to city water inlet. The filter removes chlorine from city water to improve taste, however, it also eliminate the ability to kill bacteria, virus, and fungus. If the connector hose is exposed to air in storage when moving between campgrounds, these microorganism can establish colonies in the inner wall of the connector tube, then contaminates the rest of fresh water system.

To reduce this risk, we now have the large capacity filter connected to the RV with a short hose.  The large filter still lays on the ground so it does not add a weight to the city water inlet. Then, we use chlorine solution to sanitize the connector hose every time to are in a new location. The large filter also serve as pre-filter to the RO water system.

My filtration system is under sink, not outside and prior to the city water inlet.  I have it branching off from the cold water line that goes to the sink faucet and I get the same problem (only worse) when I drink directly from the regular sink faucet (not filtered)
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Kenneth Fears  - 
Second, if the sanitizer is safe for you to drink, it may not be enough to sterilize your lines.  It might even be the source of some of the problem.  Personally, I do not like the idea of adding any chemicals to my drinking water.  Third, perhaps the contamination is coming from your shore connection.  Fourth, the in-line mixing device gets nothing into your tank or pump.  Thus, if there has been a biologic in those areas, it is able to continue to grow and work its way into the lines fed by the city water connection.

Ken F in NM

I hadn't considered this and I think this may be the most likely culprit.  I've eliminated variables by drinking directly from the spigot (had no issues)
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Contamination of the fresh water tank is rare unless filled with infected water.
Why do you think the problems you experienced came from water in the tank?  Has the water been analyized for pathogen?

I rarely use a filter when filling the tank,  simple filters remove the chorine and big chunks but do not remove viruses and bacterias.
I see little utility in these filters. Inspecting our fresh water tank’s interior with a remote camera shows next to no sediment or sand.
For pure drinking water, we use a deck-mounted faucet that is filtered through a high-efficiency canister filter that removes bacteria, and cysts.

Larry


Ahh.  Well, I'm not using the fresh water tank at the moment due to the leak...but I had the issue both when I used the fresh water tank and now, with city hookup.
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #18 –
Howard,

I purchased our RO system and UV sanitizer with connecter fittings separately. It may be confusing but here is a whole system already integrated together. You can install it under the MB kitchen sink w/o the storage tank, or above the counter in the corner near the window, also w/o the tank.

NU Aqua Platinum Series 6 Stage UV Ultraviolet 100GPD RO System – Nu Aqua
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed
Re: Persistent Fresh Water Contamination
Reply #19 –
I have a Berkey Stainless Steel that you filter water through. They come in a few sizes and use the 2 rear filter and you can add on clorine filters. I only use the city water that is also filtered through a blue rv filter for washing dishes, toliet and bathing. Same for the water in a very clean tank.
ALWAYS CLEAN AND FLUSH YOUR WATER SYSTEM SOON AFTER EACH TRIP. I ALSO LEAVE IN A LITTLE VINEGAR IN THE FRESH TANK WITH WATER TO SOAK THE TANK. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS I DRAIN THAT......INTO A BUCKET AND DUMP DOWN THE DRAINS TO LET SIT....THEN DRAIN THAT INTO A BUCKET AND EMPTY IN TOLIET IN THE HOUSE.
These tanks sit closed up and in the heat things grow.
Clean your water pump filter . Take a qtip and while lines are off of pump..swipe around inside the opening....see the residue ...it is in all the lines esp in older units and those where water has sat for long periods of time.
Follow the on line instructions for disinfecting the water system with a solution of clorox and water first and the after flushing do a solution of vinegar and water . Don't forget to do a "heat soak" of vinegar and water in the water heater overnight...flushing and cleaning out afterwards...there will be lots of white particles that come out even if you have already flushed the tank before. The vinegar desolves the minerals that are stuck to the inside of the tank, element and safety relief valve.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE OF ALL SYSTEMS WILL HELP INSURE A LONG LIFE FOR YOUR CAMPER......****READ THE MANUALS AND RESEARCH IS KEY****
GOOD LUCK......
I LEARNED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE IN THE Navy....best education I ever received....
2017 Casita Spirit Deluxe
2016 Twin King 24ft
2017 Casita Independence Dlx
2004 Midbath 26.5
 
Resolution
Reply #21 –
Forgot to post the resolution to this…

I did two rounds of the bleach sanitization process and left each round in for 24 hours.  No more issues.