Question Potable vs. Non-Potable Water usage for tank rinsing

[Gronk]

I think you may have flip-flopped the potable and non-potable configurations, but the assumptions are likely correct.

TJ

No sir. Potable water is for human consumption. Far as the type of back-flow device, I am sure it is an RPZ not an assumption. I was a licensed plumber and Minnesota state certified in back flow protection.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

No sir. Potable water is for human consumption. Far as the type of back-flow device, I am sure it is an RPZ not an assumption. I was a licensed plumber and Minnesota state certified in back flow protection.

I agree with your statement that potable water is for human consumption. And, I'm not questioning your credentials as a licensed plumber, but this is what you said"

the non-potable supply has a back-flow protection device (probably an RPZ). The potable *may* have a vacuum breaker in line, but that does not meet the requirements of back flow protection regulations.

Do you really mean that a "non-potable water supply (not for human consumption) has a back-flow protection device" but a potable water supply (meant for human consumption) may just have a "vacuum breaker?" My understanding is that a back-flow device is used (required ?) in potable water lines. Am I incorrect in that?

TJ

 

[Gronk]

Yes, that is what I mean. The potable in a campground is required to have a back flow device, and most are a vacuum breaker type. It could have something better, but a vacuum breaker is qualified for use if there is a low or high risk of cross contamination. A back flow device may or may not be required in a residential setting depending on local codes.

 

[Germanrazor]

Ok, I am a newbie here and haven’t even been on my first trip. But at that dump station in your picture educate me on my following assumption as I would not want to go against camping law.

The first station with black hose is the dump station for your rv’s black tank. This is where you would empty the tank and the black hose would be connected to your black tank clean-out inlet to wash out the tank and ultimately the sewer hose gets a bit of cleaning too???

The second station is for re-filling your gray tank and possibly drinking water < ?

 

[Gronk]

Yessir, Germanrazor, you are correct. Just remember if the sign has the term "non potable" that means non drinkable. Potable means drinkable, but, why would you want to refill your grey tank? Black tank is toilet tank and grey tank(s) are shower and sinks.

 

[Germanrazor]

Yessir, Germanrazor, you are correct. Just remember if the sign has the term "non potable" that means non drinkable. Potable means drinkable, but, why would you want to refill your grey tank? Black tank is toilet tank and grey tank(s) are shower and sinks.

I would not want to refill but that would be what that second station is for I assume?? Well, let me say this, I have heard some campers do place some water in the camper for on the road bathroom breaks if you do not like using public restrooms???
Me, I say find a tree to hide behind! Lol

 

[Gronk]

I understand about a tree, but the water you would use the second stand pipe for is for your fresh tank. You would then have the ability to use the fresh tank and the water pump to be able to flush the toilet or wash you hands or what ever you want water for.

 

[Cousey]

Y’all lost me. We carry bottle water and don’t drink anything else

 

[bpaikman]

Y’all lost me. We carry bottle water and don’t drink anything else

same. And I recently invested in a Berkey filter for a long trips but we've yet to use it
We fill our tank from the house before trips ( I know, extra weight) but we have a nice water softener... I like the softened water. and I usually last us a few days. For any ladies that might be interested, if even the last rinse with my hair, when I wash it, is softened water, or even bottled water, my hair is fluffier, easier to manage, and stays clean longer.

 

[Cousey]

We don’t fill tank only bottled water