Managing your water use is very important when you go on RV trips. The freshwater tank capacity in your CanaDream RV is shown on our RV Specification sheet. You need to make that water last, and this is a skill that every RVer should learn. When you are boondocking off-grid or staying at campgrounds, using less water helps you travel for longer and enjoy a trip with less worry.
Blog
Essential Water Saving Tips
for RV Travellers
June 16th 2025
Key Highlights
- Discover smart strategies for water conservation while RVing
- Learn how simple habits, such as shorter showers and waterless cleaning alternatives, can stretch your RV’s fresh water supply.
- Get practical advice for cooking and washing dishes with minimal water usage while traveling in your RV.
Saving water is a good way to be stress-free on the road. If you start using water-saving habits and use the right tools, you can control your water consumption. This lets you enjoy RVing without always needing full hookups. Here are some easy things you can do to use less water during your travels.
Essential Water-Saving Tips for RV Travellers
Finding ways to reduce water use is very helpful for your RV adventure as saving water means your water supply will last longer and result in less emptying of tanks. When you are away from hookups, every gallon of freshwater matters. There are lots of water saving tips available, here are some ways to help you save water, at home and on the road, less is definitely more.
- Take shorter showers – aim for less than 2 mins and practice the navy shower method.
- Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth.
- Fix any dripping taps
- Wash dishes, fruit and veggies in a bowl, not under a running tap.
- Never waste water, every drop counts!
- Be careful to avoid any spills when re-filling your tanks.
- Identify the source of any leaks and report these to CanaDream as soon as possible.
- Protect waterways – ensure no waste or trash gets into rivers or streams.
Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl and not under running water
1. What is the “Navy Shower” Method?
Taking navy showers is a good way for RVers to use less water. The navy shower method cuts down the amount of water used, but you still get clean. So, how do you take a navy shower? You get yourself wet fast, turn off the water, lather up, and then turn the water back on for a quick rinse.
Some RV showers come with shut-off buttons. These help keep the water hot and save gallons every time you use it. The showerheads in most CanaDream RVs include this feature. It can really help lower your water consumption when you travel.
2. Reuse Greywater Where Permitted
Reusing greywater can help make your RV’s water supply last longer. Greywater is the water that comes from your sinks. You can use this water again for things like flushing toilets or putting out campfires. Just make sure you only do this if the campground rules allow it.
A good way to collect greywater is to use a dishpan. Put the dishpan in your sink while you are rinsing dishes then reuse that water. Do not use greywater for cooking or drinking. It is not safe to consume.
If you plan well, the water in your gray tank can help you stay off the grid for a longer time. Next, we’ll talk about how to wash dishes without using a lot of water.
3. Wash Dishes Efficiently Using Minimal Water
Washing dirty dishes in a smart way helps you use less fresh water and still keep them very clean. First, use a biodegradable paper towel to scrape off bits of food before you rinse the dishes. This step keeps you from wasting more water.
Wash the dishes in a basin filled with soapy water, then rinse them in a different container. Doing this cuts down on water run and keeps your gray tank from filling up too fast. Keep these things in mind:
- Scrape your dishes to remove excess food.
- Spray tough pots and pans with soap using a spray bottle to help get off stuck food.
- Use non stick cookware when you cook. This helps stop food from sticking and keeps waste down.
When you clean the dishes this way, you watch your water usage and keep your gray tank level low. Next, you’ll learn about cleaning tips that help cut down on fresh water use even more.
4. Use Waterless or Biodegradable Cleaning Products
Waterless cleaning options are an easy way to stay clean and save water while you go RVing. Body washing with a wet facecloth lets you skip a full shower and still feel fresh. This may be a good and simple replacement for washing with lots of water.
Dry shampoo is an excellent choice when you do not want to wash your hair every day, but still want it to look and feel clean. When you clean counters or appliances, use biodegradable spray products. This way, you are careful with fresh water and only use what you need.
These ways help people use less fresh water, which really helps on long trips. Try to pick unscented or mild products, so you do not make a strong smell in the RV. Using less water for cleaning means there is more fresh water for things like cooking and hydration.
5. Carry Collapsible Water Containers for Extra Supply
Collapsible water jugs are a smart and simple way to carry extra gallons of fresh water with you on the road, especially useful when you plan to camp off the grid. These jugs are light and easy to use. When you don't need them, you can fold them flat, so they do not take up much space.
These jugs are an excellent choice for adding water to your RV tank if you don't have an alternative fresh water supply. You can also use them for fresh water during emergencies. Keep the jugs stored in your RV’s outside compartments. This will help you save more room inside.
Having a backup of fresh water means you don’t have to worry about running out while you travel for a long time. This is good for times when you go boondocking or when you camp far away from water hookups. Collapsible jugs give you more water so you can use it for cooking, washing, and all your personal needs.
6. Plan Meals That Require Less Water for Cooking
Making meals in a simple way can help you use less water and cut down on cleanup. When you use disposable plates or cook with foil, you do not need to wash a lot of extra dishes.
Try these easy meal prep ideas to help lower water usage:
- Use the RV's Microwave: This will require a minimal amount of water to cook your meal.
- One-pot recipes: Meals like soups, stews, or pasta only use one pot, so there is less to wash.
- Bring pre-prepared meals with you and store them in your RV's refrigerator or freezer.
If you make meals ahead of time, you use less water for cooking and cleanup. With good planning, you get to save more water in your tank for other things while on your trip.
Bring pre-prepared meals
Conclusion
To sum up, saving water is very important for people who travel in an RV. It is not only good for the environment, but it will also make your trip smoother. If you follow these key water-saving tips, you can use less water and enjoy your travels more. Try things like using the navy shower method, turning off the tap when brushing your teeth and reusing your sink water to flush toilets or extinguish campfires (where permitted). Each little step will help. When you think about your water usage along the way, you protect our resources and make your RV trips more enjoyable. CanaDream is strongly committed to sustainable RV tourism and encourages all Guests to do their part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I plan to use daily while RVing in Canada?
Daily water usage during RVing can be different for everyone. Things like cooking or cleaning use more water. Plan to use about 3-5 gallons of fresh water for each person each day. Remember, the fresh water tanks in RVs have different capacities, depending on the vehicle type, so you have to think about this when planning your water usage.
Are there any restrictions on collecting greywater in Canadian parks?
Yes, how people use greywater is not the same at every campground in Canada. Most parks do not let you pour out soapy water on the ground. Some places have a spot made just for grey tank dumping. You should check the local rules before you collect or use greywater at your campsite.
What are the best water-saving products for RVs in Canada?
Short showers and not leaving taps running when you are cleaning your teeth can help you save water when you are in the RV. Dry shampoo is a good way to clean your hair and not use water. You can also use collapsible water containers to store extra water. All these tools help you use less water on your RV trips.
How can I monitor my water usage effectively on the road?
Use your RV’s fresh water tank gauge to see how many gallons of fresh water you use. Watch how the water flows from your faucets and showerheads. This helps you keep tabs on your water. It makes water use better when you are on long road trips.
