How do you treat your water for use while camping or travelling off-grid? Overall, a filtration system is the best method for treating water in adventure vehicles. It works by using a barrier (filter media) that physically (and sometimes chemically) removes contaminants, delivering only pure, healthy, great-tasting water to your taps.
That said, the range of contaminants a water filtration system removes can vary. A quality caravan water filter can handle everything from visible sediment to microscopic parasites, and choosing the right one starts with knowing what's in your water.
In this quick guide, we'll highlight seven common contaminants in water, their causes, and their health impacts when consumed. We'll also mention the ideal water filtration system for removing them, as it differs depending on the contaminant.
What Contaminants Can a Caravan Water Filter Remove?
Generally, the main reason to filter water while travelling or camping is to remove contaminants, making it safe and pleasant to drink or cook with. However, the contaminants in water can vary depending on the water source, the condition of your van's fresh tank, and the plumbing lines.
Why Is There Sediment in My Caravan Water?
The very first benefit of having a water filtration system in your caravan, campervan, RV, or boat is the removal of sediment. Sediment consists of visible particles suspended in the water. It can also settle at the bottom of the water source or reservoir, but the suction of the water (from a pump) will disrupt it and leave it suspended.
The most common sediment contaminants are sand, dirt, silt, gravel, and rust flakes. They can enter your water from natural occurrences (such as groundwater movement, surface water runoff, or corrosion) or man-made causes (like accidentally dropping sand or dirt into your fresh tank).
Typically, sediment is not harmful on its own, but it can cause cloudiness and poor taste in your water, making it uncomfortable to drink. When too much sediment builds up in your plumbing lines or fixtures, it can lead to clogging, which reduces or blocks water flow.
Best Water Filters for Sediment Removal
A water filter removes sediment contaminants by capturing them in its porous filtration medium. The size of the medium's pores determines the sediment it can remove, with some filters capable of capturing fine silt and clay dust.
All the water filtration systems we have in our store can remove sediment, with most handling up to fine silt and dust. Some best examples include:
- Puretec CR-Z2 Under-Sink Water Filter Kit — removes up to 1 micron sediment contaminants
- Puretec Puremix Z6 Under-Sink Water Filter — removes up to 0.1 micron ultra-fine sediment
- Puretec CR45 Twin-Stage Cartridge Water Filter — removes up to 1 micron sediment contaminants
- Puretec CR20 Portable Inline Water Filter — also removes up to 1 micron sediment contaminants
What Causes Bad Taste and Odour in Caravan Water?
The second reason to filter water in your adventure van or boat is to eliminate bad taste and odour. This is a critical benefit, as foul-smelling or foul-tasting water can disrupt your hydration routine or even force you to abandon your camping to find drinkable water.
Some of the most common unpleasant tastes and odours you may encounter in water include metallic, plasticky, fishy, earthy, musty, or sulphur.
- Metallic taste or smell often results from metallic minerals leaching into the water. Common culprits include iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and sometimes lead.
- Plasticky smell and taste can occur when plastic materials from your tank or plumbing components leach into the water. This is more likely with new plastic items, natural degradation over time, or exposure to high temperatures from heat sources or hot weather.
- Earthy smell and taste frequently arise from the presence of bacteria and algae in the water. It can also stem from decomposing organic matter, metal corrosion, or the breakdown of plastic materials.
- Fishy smell and taste are typically caused by algae and bacteria, or by the breakdown of organic matter such as leaves and plants.
- Musty smell and taste often develop when water sits too long in a reservoir, allowing algae and bacteria to grow and release a "mouldy" odour.
- Sulphur (rotten-egg) smell and taste can appear if your water source naturally contains hydrogen sulphide. It can also result from sulphur-reducing bacteria in the water source or plumbing system.
Best Water Filters for Removing Bad Taste and Odour
Foul-tasting or foul-smelling water can be unpleasant to drink, cook with, or even use for washing. Depending on the cause, it may also carry some health risks if left untreated. And that's why you should consider a proper treatment solution — such as a water filter — that removes these contaminants and delivers great-tasting, clean water.
The four water filtration systems we mentioned earlier can all effectively remove bad tastes and odours. They feature activated carbon filter media, which uses adsorption combined with sediment filtration to trap the contaminants responsible for foul tastes and smells.
Can a Water Filter Remove Parasites Like Cryptosporidium and Giardia?
In 2025, the Australian Department of Health reported a significant increase in cryptosporidiosis, a condition caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. Giardia lamblia is another common waterborne parasite in Australia and poses a serious health risk when ingested. Other parasites you may unknowingly consume include Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, and more.
These parasites typically thrive in water contaminated by animal or human faecal matter. Contamination can enter water sources directly or through runoff from farms, grazing lands, or sewage systems.
Consuming waterborne parasites can lead to serious health issues, including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating, and — in some cases — long-term gastrointestinal complications.
Best Water Filters for Parasite Removal
In their cyst stage (the infectious form), waterborne parasites can survive outside the body for a long time. Their tough outer shell also makes them highly resistant to chemical disinfectants like chlorine. Thus, boiling or proper filtration are the most reliable treatment methods.
Water parasite cysts can be as small as 4 microns in diameter. Therefore, any filter you use for parasite removal should have a pore size finer than 4 microns to ensure effective removal.
For example, the four Puretec filtration systems we highlighted feature a 1-micron (or finer) filter medium, which can reliably remove these harmful parasite cysts.
Does a Water Filter Remove Chlorine?
Chlorine is a widely used water treatment chemical that makes water safe for drinking by killing parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Chlorination is both inexpensive and straightforward — you simply add the recommended dosage of chlorine treatment to the water.
However, chlorination often leaves an unappetising chlorine smell and taste in the water. The chemical can also cause dry, itchy skin in some people — especially those with sensitive conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. Then, it can accelerate the deterioration of rubber gaskets and increase corrosion in certain metal fixtures.
Best Water Filters for Chlorine Removal
One of the most effective ways to reduce or eliminate chlorine in water is through activated carbon filters, such as the Puretec models mentioned earlier. These filters work in two key ways:
- First, through adsorption, where the porous structure of the carbon medium naturally attracts and traps chlorine molecules.
- Second, the carbon block chemically reduces chlorine molecules into chloride ions, which are tasteless and odourless.
How Do Herbicides and Pesticides Get into Drinking Water?
Pesticides and herbicides are another important concern when sourcing water for your van, particularly from surface sources like streams and ponds. These chemicals mostly enter water through agricultural runoff, though they can also leach into and contaminate groundwater sources such as boreholes, wells, and springs.
Common examples of herbicides and pesticides that may find their way into your water include glyphosate, atrazine, cyanazine, and metolachlor. Consuming water contaminated with these synthetic organic compounds can lead to serious health risks, including chronic illnesses, neurodegenerative diseases, immune system impairment, and reproductive or developmental effects. They can also cause acute issues such as skin rashes, eye irritation, and other immediate symptoms.
Best Water Filters for Herbicide and Pesticide Removal
Activated carbon filtration systems are among the most effective methods for removing pesticides and herbicides from water. They work through the adsorption process, where the large, porous surface of the filter medium naturally attracts and traps the molecules of these chemicals.
What Are PFAS Chemicals and Should You Worry About Them?
In addition to herbicides and pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — often called "forever chemicals" — can leach into the ground and contaminate water sources. These synthetic compounds are widely used in industrial, commercial, and consumer products because of their resistance to heat, stains, grease, and water.
Although the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) heavily regulates the manufacture and importation of certain PFAS (with bans on key compounds like PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS effective from July 2025), many PFAS-containing products remain in use and circulation. Common examples include nonstick (Teflon-coated) pans, microwaveable food packaging, water-repellent fabrics, stain-resistant upholstery, aqueous film-forming foams, paints, varnishes, sealants, and more.
As persistent synthetic compounds that do not break down easily, many PFAS can cause severe health risks when consumed. Depending on the specific compound, these may include cancer, immunodeficiency, metabolic disorders, and reproductive or developmental issues.
Best Water Filters for PFAS Removal
Boiling DOES NOT remove PFAS — in fact, it can increase their concentration by evaporating water and leaving the chemicals behind, making the water more contaminated. Activated carbon water filters, such as the Puretec models above, are among the most effective solutions for removing PFAS. They achieve this through adsorption, where the filter media naturally attract and trap the toxic molecules.
Which Bacteria Can Contaminate Your Fresh-Water Tank?
Another key concern when refilling your fresh-water tank is contamination by harmful bacteria. This is more common with untreated water from natural sources such as streams, ponds, lakes, springs, wells, and boreholes. But again, some bacteria can develop tolerance to chlorine, so they can also appear in water from municipal supplies or other filling points.
E. coli (Escherichia coli) and Salmonella are among the most common waterborne bacteria in the country. However, your water can also be contaminated by Legionella, Campylobacter jejuni, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Leptospira, and others. Most of these bacteria enter water through infected human or animal excrement and urine, either washed in by rainwater or from leaking sewage.
That said, some bacteria — like Legionella and Burkholderia pseudomallei — occur naturally in the environment yet remain dangerous when ingested. Like other harmful bacteria, they can cause serious bacterial infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, chronic conditions, and other health risks.
Best Water Filters for Bacteria Removal
Chlorinating water is one of the most effective ways to kill bacteria. However, adding a water filter to your plumbing line can remove any bacteria that survive chlorination, ensuring you have clear, healthy, and great-tasting water.
The ability of a water filter to remove bacteria depends on its filtration media — specifically, its micron rating. Most bacteria range from 1–2 microns in diameter, though some can be as small as 0.2–0.4 microns.
Therefore, for the most effective bacterial removal, a filter like the Puretec PureMix Z6 stands out. Its 0.1-micron rating enables it to effectively remove E. coli and other bacteria larger than 0.1 microns (as well as providing protection against many smaller contaminants).
Boiling vs Chlorinating vs Filtering Water: Which Is Best?
Well, these three methods are all excellent for improving water safety and making it suitable for drinking, cooking, showering, or washing. However, each has its strengths and limitations.
For example, boiling water will kill bacteria and parasites, but it does not remove sediment, chemicals, chlorine, or bad taste and odour. On the other hand, chlorinating water kills bacteria and helps prevent recontamination, but it often leaves a chemical aftertaste, does not remove sediment, and is not always effective against parasite cysts.
Meanwhile, filtering water can remove sediment, parasites, bacteria, chlorine, PFAS chemicals, and bad tastes/odours — making it the most comprehensive of the three options. The main drawback is that it has a higher initial cost than the rest. Then, the level of contaminant removal depends on the filter design and media, which comes back to the cost you put down.
For example, a filter rated at 0.2 microns might excel at removing bacteria but fail to address chlorine or PFAS; another might handle chlorine and PFAS effectively but be less capable against bacteria.
When selecting a water filter for your caravan, campervan, RV, or boat, choose one that targets the contaminants you're most concerned about. Ideally, opt for a system with activated carbon media and the finest possible micron rating.
After getting that filtration system, you must also remember that its effectiveness in removing contaminants decreases over time. For instance, Puretec water filters require replacing the cartridge after it reaches its rated capacity or after 6–12 months — whichever comes first.
The chart below summarises the filtration capabilities and other key parameters of the four Puretec water filters we mentioned earlier:
| Filtration/Micron Rating | Filter Capacity & Flow Rate | Operation Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puretec CR45 Twin Stage Portable Water Filter | 1 micron | (20 LPM) | 2 - 52°C (200 – 520 kPa) |
| Puretec CR-Z2 Under-Sink Water Filter & Faucet Tap Kit | 1 micron | 38,000 litres (5.5 LPM) | 0 - 38°C (200 – 500 kPa) |
| Puretec Puremix Z6 Inline Under-Sink Water Filter | 0.1 micron | 60,000 litres (9.5 LPM) | 0 - 38°C (200 – 520 kPa) |
| Puretec CR20 Bi-Directional Portable Water Filter | 1 micron | 7,500 litres (20 LPM) | 2 - 38°C (200 – 520 kPa) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What micron rating do I need to remove parasites from caravan water?
Water parasite cysts can be as small as 4 microns in diameter, so your filter should have a pore size finer than 4 microns. The four Puretec systems highlighted here feature a 1-micron (or finer) filter medium, which reliably removes harmful parasite cysts.
Does boiling water remove PFAS chemicals?
No. Boiling does not remove PFAS — it can actually increase their concentration by evaporating water and leaving the chemicals behind. Activated carbon water filters are among the most effective solutions for removing PFAS through adsorption.
Which filter is best for removing bacteria?
Most bacteria range from 1–2 microns in diameter, though some are as small as 0.2–0.4 microns. The Puretec PureMix Z6, with its 0.1-micron rating, stands out as it effectively removes E. coli and other bacteria larger than 0.1 microns.
How often should I replace my water filter cartridge?
A filter's effectiveness decreases over time. Puretec water filters require replacing the cartridge after it reaches its rated capacity or after 6–12 months — whichever comes first.
Ready to enjoy clean, great-tasting water on every trip? Shop caravan water filtration systems at Campervan Builders today.
