Water in the Desert

Many folks wonder how we get our water while camped here in Quartzsite. It is very easy. We are camped on BLM land which is government land much like Crown Land back in Canada. Some sections of the BLM land here are free for 14 days. Where we camp we pay $40.00 for two weeks or $180.00 for seven months. If you pay for camping you are able to get free water and drop your garbage in the trash bins. If you camp in the free areas you must bring your own water and dispose of your own garbage.

Getting water is very simple. Since most folks here usually stay more than 8 weeks they prefer to haul their water in barrels rather than bring their trailer to the water source. You will see many unique ways to haul water. Ours is very simple.

I bought a plastic barrel from the local hardware store, (the price is still on it) threaded a tap in the bottom, and added 4 wheel chocks to stabilize the barrel. Toss a few straps over the top and the barrel is secure. Next we drive over to the service area and attach our hose to the tap. Place the other end of the hose in the barrel and turn on the tap. In about 20 minutes the barrel is full. Free water as often as we need it.

Once full we simply drive back to our trailer, place the hose into the water line for the fresh water tank and let gravity transfer the water from the barrel.  We can usually last about a week on 50 gallons of water, but now that we have an easy way to get fresh water we may not be quite as frugal. Although this water is potable and certified for drinking we buy bottled water for personal consumption.

Still having fun in the desert. Barb and John arrived yesterday so the place is filling up.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to drop us a line if you are in the area.