Date:         Tue, 20 Aug 2013 20:06:54 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Filling water tank when no hose is available (GoWesty
              connector)
Comments: To: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <FBJQ1m00115qTy901BJR9x>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

---- Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote: 

> I'm going back and forth between chlorine bleach and iodine. Both 
> effective, both cheap, both e-z-2-do, but both taste crummy. There are 
> other methods but they are not inexpensive or don't easily handle larger 
> volumes of water like in the Westy fresh water tank.
> 

Citric acid in the water takes care of the taste problem, whether chlorine or iodine.  Potable Aqua tablets that I used to use when backpacking (and occasionally do still, but not for large volumes like the camper tank) come in a packet with citric acid, proper stoichometric quantity for the Potable Aqua tablets, but I just use bulk citric acid and buy the iodine tabs separately rather than the kit.    I wait the requisite time for proper treatment, then add the citric acid.  I have the quantity to use posted on the tank lid, along with the quantity of bleach.  Some backpackers used to use koolaid to overcome the iodine taste, but citric acid is an ingredient in koolaid, and lacks the offensive qualities.  You can buy food grade citric acid from bulkfoods.com, or on Amazon.com.  Quantities are rather large, but since it is an ingredient in the dishwasher detergent I make at home (along with equal quantities of washing soda and borax) I have use for it.  You can buy smaller quantities at a very expensive price from some online vendors as well.

David McNeely