Conserving Water While Boondocking
10-27-2017
Author: in We Wander Wherever
One of the most difficult things about boondocking is making the fresh water last and avoiding overly full gray water tanks. Water conservation takes dedication and a few clever changes in the way you do things day to day, but it is possible to go quite some time on one tank of fresh water.
Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for making your water last during boondocking getaways.
Stagger Showers
The number one way to run out of water quickly is to shower frequently. For this reason, many people who boondocking regularly will only shower 2 or 3 times a week. The rest of the time, these adventurous souls will wipe down with a wet washcloth and use dry shampoo.
Shorter Showers
When you do shower during a boondocking trip, be sure to make it quick and turn the water off while lathering. The quicker you can be, the better. Therefore, if you plan to boondocking regularly, you might consider cutting your hair short. Short hair is easier to wash and rinse, meaning those with short “dos” tend to use less water.
Wipe Dishes Down
Washing dishes also requires quite a bit of water. You can cut back on the amount you use by scraping every dish and wiping them all down with paper towels or wipes before washing. This eliminates the need for a first rinse, meaning you can skip right to the soaping-up step.
Capture Water
Put a dishpan in the sink when washing dishes. Capture all of the dishwater in this tub and save it in a jug to use when flushing the toilet. This can also be done in the shower, but it is much more difficult to find a container to fit in the tub.
Flush with Less
In general, it’s a good idea to use a lot of water when flushing an RV toilet. This helps break down the toilet paper and prevents the dreaded “black tank pyramid” problem. However, when you’re boondocking, you have a good excuse for cutting back on toilet flush water.
Instead of using tons of water, avoid putting tissue down the toilet by saving it all in zipper baggies and throwing it away. Additionally, it is best to avoid putting solid waste down the toilet if at all possible, making public toilets your best friend.
When you do flush, use a small amount of leftover dishwater. This will help you conserve your fresh water for washing.
Stick to Small Streams
When brushing your teeth and shaving, avoid turning the faucet all the way on. Simply turn the knob enough to create a very small stream of water and wet your toothbrush or razor. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure to turn the water off while brushing or shaving, turning it on again only when it’s time to rinse.
There you have it, 6 of the easiest ways to conserve water while boondocking. Keep these tips in mind and have fun on your boondocking adventures!
Related Read: Disposing of Trash While Boondocking
Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for making your water last during boondocking getaways.
Stagger Showers
The number one way to run out of water quickly is to shower frequently. For this reason, many people who boondocking regularly will only shower 2 or 3 times a week. The rest of the time, these adventurous souls will wipe down with a wet washcloth and use dry shampoo.
Shorter Showers
When you do shower during a boondocking trip, be sure to make it quick and turn the water off while lathering. The quicker you can be, the better. Therefore, if you plan to boondocking regularly, you might consider cutting your hair short. Short hair is easier to wash and rinse, meaning those with short “dos” tend to use less water.
Wipe Dishes Down
Washing dishes also requires quite a bit of water. You can cut back on the amount you use by scraping every dish and wiping them all down with paper towels or wipes before washing. This eliminates the need for a first rinse, meaning you can skip right to the soaping-up step.
Related Read: 9 RV Water Conservation Tips
Capture Water
Put a dishpan in the sink when washing dishes. Capture all of the dishwater in this tub and save it in a jug to use when flushing the toilet. This can also be done in the shower, but it is much more difficult to find a container to fit in the tub.
Flush with Less
In general, it’s a good idea to use a lot of water when flushing an RV toilet. This helps break down the toilet paper and prevents the dreaded “black tank pyramid” problem. However, when you’re boondocking, you have a good excuse for cutting back on toilet flush water.
Instead of using tons of water, avoid putting tissue down the toilet by saving it all in zipper baggies and throwing it away. Additionally, it is best to avoid putting solid waste down the toilet if at all possible, making public toilets your best friend.
Related Read: Composting Toilets: Ecologically and Economically Friendly Options
When you do flush, use a small amount of leftover dishwater. This will help you conserve your fresh water for washing.
Stick to Small Streams
When brushing your teeth and shaving, avoid turning the faucet all the way on. Simply turn the knob enough to create a very small stream of water and wet your toothbrush or razor. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure to turn the water off while brushing or shaving, turning it on again only when it’s time to rinse.
There you have it, 6 of the easiest ways to conserve water while boondocking. Keep these tips in mind and have fun on your boondocking adventures!
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Author: Chelsea Barron
