Finding Water on the Road: A Solo Traveller’s Guide
You know that moment, right? You’re parked beside the most gorgeous river. Solar panels are doing their thing. You’ve even managed to reverse into that stupidly tight spot without taking out a fence post. Life is perfect.
Then you glance at your water gauge.
Ship!
The thing that sends you home
Apart from solar, water is usually what breaks the spell and sends you back to civilization. But here’s the good news: after a few trips, you’ll develop what I call “tap vision” — this weird ability to spot water sources everywhere you go.
This guide will help you get there faster.
First: Know what you’re working with
Before you head off anywhere, get clear on:
- How much your tank actually holds (be honest — is it really 100L or more like 85L after that dodgy fill last time?)
- How many days that gives you realistically
- What backup containers you’re carrying
You’ll probably find you use less water as you go along. Not because you’re rationing yourself into misery, but because you naturally figure out shortcuts: quick showers, wiping plates before washing, using a flannel instead of running the tap.
The goal isn’t to live like you’re crossing the Simpson Desert every week. It’s just about stretching your water enough to stay longer in the good spots.
Where to actually find water
Once you start looking, taps are everywhere. But two rules first:
- Check for signs — “non-potable,” “recycled water,” “do not drink,” or “no tank filling”
- Ask permission — especially at private places or small community facilities
The usual suspects
Boat ramps
Usually have taps for washing down boats and trailers. Watch out though — plenty are non-potable. Always check the signage before you fill drinking water.
Showgrounds
Even if you’re not camping there, many will let you fill for a couple of dollars. Just knock on the caretaker’s door or check at the office.
Petrol stations
Some have an outside tap. Pop in and ask the attendant nicely. If they say yes, fill up and get out of the way quickly — don’t block their forecourt.
Sports ovals and grounds
Taps near changerooms, canteens, and toilet blocks. These are usually council-run, so if there’s a caretaker around, have a quick chat first.
Surf clubs and beach facilities
Showers and taps near the clubhouse or public loos. Sometimes these are fine for drinking, sometimes not — when in doubt, treat it as washing water only.
Public parks
BBQ areas, picnic shelters, toilet blocks. Look for “drinking water” signs specifically.
If you’re ever unsure, play it safe: use it for washing up or showers only, or run it through a good filter before drinking.
Making sure the water’s actually drinkable
Not all taps are created equal. Sometimes it’s pristine town water, sometimes it’s been sitting in a rusty pipe since 1987.
Look for “potable” or “drinking water” signs. If the water looks dodgy (brown, smelly, or coming from a random pipe in the middle of nowhere), give it a miss or at least filter it properly.
Gear that makes life easier
A few simple tools can turn water hunting from a wrestling match into a five-minute job.
Inline Water Filters
These little legends connect between the tap and your hose. They:
Reduce chlorine and chemical taste
Filter out sediment and rust
Catch bacteria and weird floaty bits before they reach your tank
Super simple to use: tap → filter → hose → tank.
Just remember to replace the filter cartridge as recommended.
They’re small, cheap, and honestly? Game-changing for peace of mind.
Tap Key
You’ll come across plenty of public taps with no handles — councils remove them to stop vandalism or water waste.
A tap key fixes that problem. It’s a brass tool that fits most handle-less taps, costs a few dollars from any hardware shop, and lives happily in your toolbox forever.
One thing though: if there’s a sign saying “do not use,” respect it.
These keys are for legitimate use, not for ignoring rules.
Inline Water Pump
If you’ve ever tried to hoist a 20L jerry can above your head and pour it into a caravan tank opening without spilling half of it down your front, you’ll know why these pumps are brilliant.
They let you:
- Transfer water from containers straight into your tank
- Save your back, shoulders, and sanity
- Fill high-mounted tanks without gymnastics
Just drop the intake hose in your container, connect the outlet to your tank, and switch it on. Done.
Sanitiser Tablets
These are your insurance policy:
- Add them to a full tank or container
- Leave overnight
- By morning, the water’s treated and safe to drink
They’re perfect when:
- You’ve filled from a questionable source
- Your water’s been sitting in the tank for ages
- You’re heading somewhere remote and want to start fresh
You can grab them from camping stores, some pharmacies, or online.
Keeping your tank clean
Even with filters and careful filling, sometimes you’re just not 100% sure about the water — especially from older country taps.
General tank maintenance
Keep things sweet by:
- Flushing your tank occasionally, especially after dodgy fills
- Not leaving water sitting unused for months
- Checking hoses and fittings for mould, algae, or that special “tank funk” smell
- A little maintenance means your cuppa actually tastes like tea, not like eau de plastic.
Your water kit checklist
Habits to build:
- Note good water spots in your phone
- Always ask before using private taps
- Check every tap for potable/non-potable signs
- Use suspect water for washing only
- Sanitise after questionable fills
Gear to carry:
- Hose with standard fittings
- Inline water filter
- 4-way brass tap key
- 12V pump (if you use jerry cans)
- A few 10-20L containers
- Water sanitising tablets
Before going remote:
- Start with completely full tanks
- Carry extra containers
- Plan your refill stops
- Check local info about water availability (droughts happen)
You’ll figure it out
Finding water feels like this big stressful thing at first. Then one day you realize you’re spotting taps from the driver’s seat, you know which towns are easy fills, and you’re not even thinking about it anymore.
You’re not a nuisance for needing water. You’re not being difficult. You’re just learning how to live this life.
With a bit of planning, the right gear, and that slowly developing sixth sense (or seventh, whatever), you’ll be able to stay longer in the beautiful places. You won’t be watching your water gauge like it’s a countdown timer.
And when your tank is full, the solar’s humming, and you’re putting the kettle on?
That’s the good stuff. That’s why you’re out here.
