How To Find Water When Living in a Motorhome

Living full-time on the road is amazing but there are a few logistical housekeeping challenges. One of the biggest is finding fresh water (aside from where to empty your toilet!). After nearly 7 years of vanlife, I reckon I've cracked it and in this post, I'm going to share how I find fresh water when living full-time in a motorhome with you.

The Utility Key: A Must-Have Tool

Before I get in to it, I want to emphasise the importance of a seemingly simple, yet indispensable tool: the utility key. This handy device, that looks like a large, square cross key, is essential for accessing water points in some of the more unconventional locations. You'll understand better further down this post.

1. Campsites

I'll start with the most straightforward option, campsites! They have designated fresh water taps, often more than one. Of course, relying solely on campsites for water can be costly but if you can make your water last between campsite stops, its a great source of reliable, fresh water. Some campsites will allow a facilities stop, where they charge between £5-£10 for you to go on site for 2-4 hours to empty waste, fill up and even shower, thus saving your own water supply for a shower and leaving with a full tank.

2. Garages and Public Facilities: Unexpected Finds

Exploring towns often leads me to unexpected water sources, such as taps at council garages or public facilities. Armed with my trusty utility key, I can access these taps easily. I am always respectful though of the local area and don't take more than I need.

3. Pub Stops

Pub stops are a great option for getting some fresh water. When you stop over, a quick chat with the staff after your meal often grants you access to their water tap. While it won't always be guaranteed you can fill up your motorhome, they're ideal for refilling containers for later use.

4. Petrol Stations

Petrol stations might not be the first place you think for filling up with fresh water, but they can be a super easy one, with taps usually available around the premises. When I'm filling up with diesel, I usually ask the staff fits possible I can top off my fresh water too. You're spending the best part of £100 on fuel so usually they are fine with it. Of course its won't always be a yes but its definitely worth an ask.

Places I will NEVER get water

I know there will be plenty of you out there saying 'you can get water at the cemetery/graveyard.

Ok yes, technically there are taps there, I know there are, but you won't catch me there! I have been living full-time vanlife now for almost 7 years and in that time, I have never got water out of a graveyard or a cemetery.

No, no, no, I'm not messing with that, I'll find somewhere else. I've never needed it that much that I couldn't find it somewhere else first. If that's your thing, you take your jerry can or your bottle and you crack on. But me personally? I'm not going to a church graveyard or a cemetery.

Solutions for testing water safety

There are also things you can carry in the motorhome to ensure the water you're drinking is safe. I personally have never had a problem as I usually pick from reliable sources plus I clean my tank our periodically. But for some, they require extra measures. I know a couple of people that carry Berkey water filters. They are quite bulky but they are a great way to ensure you're drinking safe water. You can also get test kits or even carry a lifesaver jerry can where you can get water from any source and it will filter it so its drinkable.

As I say, because I periodically clean my tank and its in constant use so doesn't get a chance to go stagnant, I don't worry too much about these but they are all options.

While finding water on the road requires some resourcefulness, it's a fairly easy task with the right knowledge and some polite conversation. The same rules apply as wildcamping, be polite, be respectful and be legal!

Finally, I'd love it if you'd share your own water-finding tips in the comments below.