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    Van & boat water autonomy

    Water 3 h 12 slides

    Sizing, filtering, maintenance

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this module you'll be able to:

    • Estimate your real water consumption in a van (9-30 L/person/day) based on how you use it.
    • Size your tank with the formula Consumption × Autonomy × 1.2 (20% safety margin).
    • Choose the right level of filtration (sediment, bacteria/viruses, chemical) for the water source.
    • Find water anywhere in Europe (motorhome service points, campsites, fountains, dedicated apps).
    • Maintain your system (food-grade chlorine shock) to prevent Legionella, algae and odours.
    • Understand how Azimut AI calculates your territorial water score (rainfall, infrastructure, autonomy).

    Slide 1 of 12

    Introduction

    Water in a van: the 4 truths nobody tells you

    Module 5 — Water autonomy | Azimut AI Nomad

    Water is the first limiting factor on a van trip. Most vanlifers only discover their real needs after their first weekend is cut short. This module helps you size, filter and optimise your water system before you leave.

    9-30 L/day

    Real consumption per person depending on use

    120 L

    Average tank in a converted van

    3-4 days

    Typical autonomy before refilling

    Slide 2 of 12

    Consumption

    How much water do you really use?

    Real vs ideal consumption in van life

    UseL/day/personNotes
    Drinking + cooking3-5 LNon-negotiable
    Washing up (frugal)2-4 LBasin vs tap
    Minimal hygiene3-6 LQuick wash
    Quick shower8-15 L20 L solar shower
    Total, frugal van9-17 L/person/dayDepending on the season
    Total, comfort18-30 L/person/dayWell-equipped van
    126 to 420 Lfor 2 people over 7 days, depending on how much you use

    Slide 3 of 12

    Sizing

    Tank: never run dry at 19:00

    Size it to your travel profile

    Target capacity

    C = Use/day x Autonomy x 1.2

    Use/day=Litres per day for the whole crew

    Autonomy=Number of days you want between refills

    1.2=20% safety margin (never cut it fine)

    Ex.Comfort couple (25 L/day) x 7 days x 1.2 = 210 L
    ProfileUse/dayAutonomyRecommended tank
    Minimalist solo10 L5 days60 L
    Equipped couple25 L7 days210 L
    Family of 460 L5 days360 L
    Coastal boat20 L10 days240 L

    Material: food-grade HDPE tanks are recommended (Plastimo, Cemo). Avoid flexible PVC for drinking water.

    Knowledge check

    How do you size your water tank correctly?

    The rest of the module is waiting for you

    9 more slides, quizzes and a badge to earn.

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