Size matters—especially in compact vehicles.
An adequate supply of water free from silt, bacteria, and other unwelcome chemicals or residues is the first thing we need to consider to stay healthy.
HYDRATION
Maintaining our hydration is something we are all aware of and need to stay on top of, consistently. Don’t be lulled into false security when travelling in vehicles equipped with highly efficient air conditioners. Make no mistake, you might not be sitting in a shirt soaked with sweat as you drive for hours in your digitally controlled micro-climate, but you are losing critical amounts of liquids as your air-con keeps the temperature comfortable and sucks moisture from the air.
Aside from the added influence of cooling technology, we dehydrate regardless, sometimes more, sometimes less, in response to our levels of activity and ambient temperature. Fortunately, nature makes it quite simple for us to monitor our level of hydration based on simple observation of the colour of our urine—anything other than slightly off-clear is an indication that we aren’t drinking enough and need to consciously up our intake.
WATER RESERVES
Bottled water is generally readily available, but when preparing a 4×4 such as a Land Rover for an extended journey into remote terrain, there is only so much space available to store adequate numbers of bottles for each passenger. Having canisters or an integral tank onboard which can be replenished from wells or rivers en-route, may well be a more attractive and practical solution. If you are considering one of these options, then you will have to employ a filtration system to render the water going into the tank potable and avoid illness.
RIVA
Earlier this year, I was introduced to Riva Systemtechnik GmbH, a company based in the Black Forest, Germany, dedicated to water filtration systems for domestic, commercial, and mobile applications. Notably, the company has developed and manufactures filter cartridge housings from liquid wood in a major step to alleviate plastics and minimise the company’s carbon footprint.
Since a management buyout several years ago, the new management provided filters for independent assessment by the HygCen Laboratory in 2016 and subsequently by Col.legi Oficial de Farmacèutics de les Illes Balears in 2019. Copies of the test reports can be downloaded here.
MOBILE FILTERS
Riva Systemtechnik has addressed the requirements of overlanders, mobile home and boat owners, as well as campers by recently introducing the rivaALVA Explorer set. The basic set comprises:
- VARIO anodised aluminium filter housing
- ALVA Life filter cartridge
- 30 cm hose fitted with brass couplings
The ALVA Life cartridge contains a certified activated carbon block filter which will render water free of:
- Chlorine and chlorine by-products
- Heavy metals and dyes
- Hormone and drug residues
- PFC—polyfluorinated chemicals, organic hydrocarbons
- Microplastics, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides ≥ 20µm
- Lime particles (converted into a finer molecular structure)
- Bacteria, germs, and microorganisms
- Odour and unpleasant flavours
- Contaminants, deposits from plumbing installations
If travel destinations include high-risk regions where filtration needs to exceed the capabilities of the ALVA Life filter, you can simply connect a second VARIO housing to the first with the certified ALVA Multi legionella filter cartridge and protect yourself against dangerous microorganisms including pseudomonads, E.coli, enterococci, and many others.
The ALVA Multi filter’s 0.2µm membrane replaces the necessity to boil water, making it an ideal safety solution for life on the road.
IN PRACTICE
Other than offering travellers peace of mind with certified filters, the compact dimensions of the VARIO housings (diameter 67 mm | height 117 mm | weight 330 g) make this system even more attractive for vehicles where storage space may be limited.
Preassembled with a filter cartridge, the only task required is to attach the couplings and hose piece before connecting the system to the source and turning on the tap. Filtered water will flow at 15 L/min.
Useful optional accessories include a service wrench set for assembly and exchanging the cartridge, and a wall mounting set for fixed integration into a vehicle.
ALVA filter cartridges should be replaced every six months. In reality, each cartridge can purify up to 6,000 litres of water but may need replacing earlier if the water flow becomes restricted as a result of pumping heavily contaminated water.
CONCLUSION
The rivaALVA Explorer set is a cost-effective solution offering safe drinking water for travellers at approximately €0.02 per litre. Portability and costs for replacement cartridges make this a viable solution especially for those 4×4 vehicles where weight and storage space restrictions apply.
Workmanship is just what you would expect from a German manufacturer—beautifully finished, everything fits, doesn’t leak, and exudes quality and reliability. The innovative concept of using environmentally responsible materials for consumables is refreshing.
Safe drinking water for the whole family. Always. Everywhere.
€165 (rivaALVA Explorer set), €25 (rivaALVA Life replacement filter), €160 (rivaALVA Multi), €60 (rivaALVA Multi replacement filter) | riva-filter.de
