Making water taste better out of plastic tanks

Leave water with bicarb soda in it for a while has been the tip of the past mate, perhaps drain it and change it afterwards. I think whisky is another option to flavour the water;-)

G'day Mule
Is the tank the problem? Perhaps the water is already tainted before getting into the tank - do you allow the hose to run for a while before filling? Personally have never had bad taste from water tanks by following above procedure.
Cheers

We used to have similar taste issues with the tanks in our van and we were advised to make some simple changes: 1) ensure that only food quality tubing was used everywhere; 2) ensure that no light can enter - in other words use black tubing where there is any suggestion of sunlight; 3) don't fill the tanks through garden hose - use the same food quality hose that you use in a van park when connected to mains pressure water; 4) where possible leave a fair amount of water in the tank when not in use.

Preceding all of the above changes, we flushed the tanks thoroughly - tried puratabs (chlorine boost) but they offered only another taste.

Now our water is always pleasant to taste even after a month or two of inactivity. The other decision we made was to add a water filter (two stage including a 0.5micron ceramic cartridge) for water used specifically for drinking or for tea & cooking - best investment ever for that water is really as good or better than any bottled water available.

How that helps....

We fill 1,000 litre tanks from our river & then tralier them to our permanent campsite at Omaroo. The water stays in these tanks for weeks on end, and can get quite a taste up.

The way we find works the best is to get a simple Brita water filter jug. Works a treat. Removes most of the plasticy taste and also removes river-borne colour such as that from tannin. Simple and cheap!

Cheers
Chris

I am reminded of a quote attributed to W.C Fields ...." I always add a drop of water to my whisky, and vice versa".

OK Chris, I give up were is Omaroo?.

I've looked on a couple of maps with no success.

Regards Bob

Mule

I think this is the lazy person's way to do it, but it works for us. When we have drawn off a bit of water from the tank (or even from the direct connection to the caravan park supply) we fill a plastic jug (or the kettle) and let it sit. After an hour or so it is potable to the exacting taste buds of the managing partner, and saves replacing van piping, hoses etc. We did buy a (single stage) water filter from a caravan place to no effect.

We use it for cuppas ands drinks of water. All else comes out of the tank / hose with no problem.

Max

Hi Mule

I use any non brand named vinegar. Add as much as you feel you need to the water and drive around for a day or two. Empty out then fill it up a bit, let it swish around while driving, you may need to rinse it out a few times? After that the water should taste OK. The same can be done with vanilla essence. I find the vinegar is more effective.
I have never had a problem doing this method so I hope this remedy will work for your containers.

Cya
:)

Solved our water tank's plastic taste by replacing all the hoses - filler, breather and the tap hose - with Nylex 1/2 inch blue, braided drinking water hose. There was no problem with the tank.

And I bought a charcoal canister from the water filter shop for $50 and use it when filling from the home tap.