Many of the world’s best cruising grounds lack readily accessible potable water. Even if you have a water maker, what if the water your vessel is floating in is unsuitable for desalination? Another problem is unpalatable water caused by contamination in the tanks or plumbing. Phuket-based cruising yachtie and Marine Surveyor, Anthony Gates, sees these issues on an all too regular basis.
Usually the problem is addressed by purchasing dozens of 1.5 litre plastic bottles of drinking water. This is neither economical nor environmentally friendly.
The solution is simple Anthony says: purchase twenty litre water containers, some water hose, a hose clamp and a hand pump. Install the pump over the galley sink, secure a water container under the sink and plumb the pump hose through the container cap, not forgetting a vent.
The number of containers depends on how much drinking water is required for the number of crew and length of cruise. As a guide, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 3.7l daily for men and 2.7l for women, which includes the water in food and beverages. The actual amount required depends on the individual, amount of activity and climate.
If you have a water maker, the containers can be filled whenever clean seawater is available. Otherwise you may need to source water ashore. In Asia, twenty litre bottles of drinking water can be purchased cheaply or even delivered to the dock. Take your own containers ashore to be filled from sealed water bottles, avoiding the sometimes-hefty bottle deposit.
Suspect water? Always boil water of questionable quality as per the World Health Organisation’s recommendation. In pressurised water systems, consider installing filters with a 12 volt ultra-violet sterilising system.
To clean and sanitise water containers:
- wash with dishwashing soap
- rinse with water
- add 1 teaspoon of unscented chlorine bleach and 1 litre of water
- cap the container and shake well ensuring the solution touches all inside surfaces
- wait at least thirty seconds then empty the container
- let it air dry or rinse with potable water. Storage of drinking water in a container:
- label container as ‘drinking water’ and include storage date
- replace stored water every six months
- store water somewhere with a fairly constant cool temperature, away from direct sunlight and toxic substances.
Why use a manual pump? Cheap, easy to install, no wiring needed. Crew will be more conscious of the amount of water they drink and less likely to use the pump for washing dishes.
Safety note: store at least twenty litres of drinking water in portable containers for emergency use.
