Water

Campervan Water – How We Use It, Save It & Find It (UK & Europe)

“Water is one of the biggest realities of living and travelling in a campervan.

You never really think about it… until it runs out.

So today we’re talking about how much water we actually use, how to conserve it, and where to get fresh water when travelling in the UK and Europe.”

🚿 How much water do we really use?

“When you live in a campervan, water becomes currency.

Most campervans carry between 80 and 120 litres of fresh water — and that sounds loads… until you live on it.”

Rough real-world usage:

• Washing up: 5–10 litres

• Hand washing & brushing teeth: 2–4 litres per person

• Quick shower: 8–15 litres

• Toilet flush (if cassette): 0.5–1 litre

“On average, two people can comfortably last 2–3 days if you’re sensible — longer if you’re careful.”

💡 How we conserve water in the campervan

🚰 Kitchen tips

• Always use a washing-up bowl, not running water OR simply use a spray bottle with a washing-up liquid and water mix and a cloth.

• Wipe plates before washing

• Reuse leftover kettle water for washing up

🚿 Shower tips

• Military showers: wet → off → soap → rinse

• Fit a low-flow shower head

• Shower every other day (honestly… you’ll survive)

🪥 Bathroom habits

• Turn tap off while brushing teeth

• Use hand sanitiser when appropriate

• Don’t over-flush cassette toilets

“Living in a van doesn’t mean living dirty — it just means being intentional.”

🌍 Where to get fresh water – UK

“The biggest question we get asked is:

Where do you actually get water when you’re wild camping?”

🇬🇧 UK water sources

• Motorhome service points

• Campsites (often free or £2–£5 if you ask)

• Cemeteries & public parks (look for drinking water taps)

• Marinas & boatyards

• Petrol stations (always ask)

• Pubs & cafés (buy something, be polite)

📱 Apps we use:

• Park4Night

• Searchforsites

• Campercontact

•.    Brit Stops

“Always check comments — taps change, get locked, or disappear.”

🇪🇺 Where to get water – Europe

“Europe makes van life much easier.”

🇪🇺 Europe highlights

• Aires & service points everywhere

• Often free or €1–€2

• Usually include:

• Fresh water

• Grey waste

• Toilet emptying

“In countries like France, Spain, and Portugal, finding water is honestly easier than finding fuel.”

🧠 Pro water tips every van-lifer should know

✔️ Always top up when you can

✔️ Carry a collapsible water container or Aquaroll if room allows

✔️ Carry:

• Food-grade hose

• Tap adapters

• Hose connector

✔️ Never assume a tap is drinking water

✔️ Treat rivers & streams only if filtered & purified

We have a water filter in our campervan. A really good filter which uses ultraviolet and carbon filters to give clean water. These are definitely worth investing in.

🎯 Final thoughts

“Water management is one of the biggest mindset shifts in campervan life.

Once you get it right, it’s not stressful — it’s freeing.

You waste less, you appreciate more, and you realise how little you actually need.”

“If you’re planning van life or already living it, mastering water will change everything.”

👋

“If this helped, give it a like, drop a comment, or share it with someone planning van life.

And if you want more honest campervan tips — follow along.”