Lake Water Filtration System

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llcrow

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My husband and I are trying to set up our 41ft Heartland RV with a filtration system. We will be pulling water from the lake using a sump pump. We will be using the water for dishes, showers, etc. We have tried multiple filters (up to three at a time) but are still experiencing slightly rusty colored ?iron? looking water. We are at a loss as to where to go from here to ensure that the water is clear and safe. Any assistance you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
Is the sump pump used in addition to a conventional RV water pump? Or is the sump pump the only pump you're using? If it's the only pump you're using, then the sump pump may have a pretty low PSI output for filtration purposes.

However, besides sediment, lake water can contain a host of bad stuff -- viruses, chemicals, etc -- that simple filtration can't remove.

I suggest you check out these before going forward . . .

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29903557/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/index.html

 
I would suggest having the water tested so you know what you're dealing with. Without knowing the details about what contaminants you have to remove it's not possible to make suggestions. For example, if it really is iron you're seeing a water softener would help. But I don't think high iron is typical in lake water so it may be "tea" coloration from leaf tannins.
 
Sorry but that sounds like a horrible idea. You don't say what kind of filters you're using, if you're just using in line rv filters those are mostly just for taste when you encounter well water in certain rv parks. If you're trying to use actual hiking style filters with very small micron filters they require a lot of effort to push the water through (try pumping 20 nalgene bottles through a katadyn filter and you'll get a workout believe me). Depending on water in the lake, how still it is, and what kind of organisms there are there can be a whole host of unwanted things in there. Things like giardia, cryptosporidia, ecoli, salmonella, cholera, hepatitis a, nora virus, and even polio. Depending on how big any of these organisms are in their growth they can still get through a micron filter. When I used to hike and found still water I'd filter it into one bottle designated for unsure water quality, then boil it for 10 minutes, and then put it in a clean water bottle, and on top of that if I was still unsure I'd use iodine. Based on what limited info you gave I'm going to say that what your doing sounds very dangerous and that you've likely contaminated your entire water lines if you're going through your water hookup, or if pumping into your fresh tanks. There is a professional lake water filtration system that can be installed by a qualified plumber, but it's going to cost a lot more than a sump pump and some filters.
 
You imply you aren't drinking and cooking with it, which would take it to a different level of concern.  It should be considered non-potable water and used accordingly. 

You also didn't tell us what sort of filters you tried. If it was the typical "RV" inline filter, it's basically just for sand and sediment such as might come from well water. You will want a more serious if pumping from a lake. Consult this website to learn about water filtering and find quality products that can do the job for you.

https://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/

Some discoloration in not unusual in many areas and is rarely more than an aesthetic problem. The harmful stuff, if any, cannot be seen.  Tannin from leaves and tree branches is the most common source of tea-colored water.  High iron or sulfur content can also discolor the water and leave stains or odor behind, but they generally are not harmful to humans.
 
You probably have tannin in the water from leaves, etc.  Use a water softener meant to filter tannin.  And be sure to use a filter with small enough microns to filter out all the bad 'stuff'.
 
Welcome to the Forum!

I agree with Gary.  You are not drinking with it, so you just want it better filtered.  Talk to the guy at rv water filter store.  He really knows his stuff and can recommend filters that will accomplish your objectives.  The advise is free and the prices are very competitive.  I got my RV filter system from him.
 
Taking a water sample for a starting point is cheap or free.
I also live on a lake, a nice clean lake but I also know what fish do in water! Not to mention geese, ducks people.....
I pull water from my well to fill the tank when needed.
 
My husband?s aunt had a lake cabin and pulled water from the lake for use. They used a chlorine disinfecting system. Lake living seems to include people who don?t treat their sewage well, and there is frequently more in the water than you would suspect. They used multiple pre-filters to rid the water of particulates like algae first. As for brown tinged water after filters, I agree with a previous poster that it could be tannin from decomposing leaves. We have that in northern Minnesota too. It requires a chemical reaction to remove; filtering won?t do it.
 
I would certainly look at higher quality reverse osmosis systems, though even these are somewhat limited in their ability to de-mineralize water as well as  to combat any number of types of chemical contamination (lead, arsenic, etc.)
 
You probably need to talk with a water professional to get his one right.  With all the respect due to a well educated group like this one, making lake water usable is probably beyond most people's expertise.  Modern water and septic systems are probably more responsible for the extension of life expectancy than any other single advancement.  Let's keep going forward! ;)
 
Sorry, but I didn't read in her post where the OP asked if this was OK or whether she would die if she did this. Her question was how she could accomplish it, and I don't think I have seen anywhere that someone responded to her actual posting. Chuck
 
chuckbear said:
Sorry, but I didn't read in her post where the OP asked if this was OK or whether she would die if she did this. Her question was how she could accomplish it, and I don't think I have seen anywhere that someone responded to her actual posting. Chuck
Click to expand...

If someone asks "What's the best way to pound nails in my tires", I think it behooves us to recommend not doing that -- even if they didn't ask.
 
zulu said:
If someone asks "What's the best way to pound nails in my tires", I think it behooves us to recommend not doing that -- even if they didn't ask.
Click to expand...

If I want to pound nails in my tires or draw water from a lake, that's my business unless I ask if I should. If I want to pound nails in my tire and ask how, all I might need to know is what kind of hammer to use. After you give me that answer to my question, you might also add that it might not be a good idea. But at least make an attempt to answer the question. Chuck
 
I believe a lot of the replies either stated to seek out a professional, or a link to an actual filtration system. No one said anything mean or directly insulted the OP. Why the hostile nature? (Completely ignoring the fact that after the first post there hasn't been one post by the OP making this thread basically moot)
 
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