Greenwater

Greenwater in RVs refers to water that’s recycled for reuse, mainly in showers, but it can also be used for clothes washers. It’s typically graywater, which has been filtered and treated to make it clean enough for another round of use. This concept is gaining popularity in RVs, especially for those who camp in remote areas (boondocking) away from public water sources, as it allows for longer showers without using up the limited fresh water supply.

Most greenwater systems in RVs are custom installations, as few US manufacturers include them as standard features. These systems generally consist of a pump and a series of filters that clean the water to decreasing levels of particle size, followed by an antimicrobial UV light filter. The water from the shower drain is pumped through these filters and the UV light, then sent back to the shower head. This not only conserves water but also energy, as the recycled water retains some of its warmth from its previous use.

There are two types of greenwater systems: continuous and banked. Continuous systems can filter water quickly enough to send it directly back to the shower head. Banked systems, like those using reverse osmosis, need to store the filtered water in a greenwater tank until there’s enough for showering, due to slower filtration rates.

Reverse osmosis systems produce very clean water, but they are more complex and expensive. They also have limitations, like a maximum level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) they can handle and sensitivity to overly warm water, which can damage the membranes used in the filtration process.

While greenwater systems are great for conserving resources, they do require extra maintenance, such as keeping the filters clean. They also need electricity for the water pumps, which can be supplied by solar panels. However, in continuous systems, there’s a risk of odors or poor-quality water slipping through the filters.