1.9 million motorhomes in Germany, but how many have clean water on board?
The figure is striking: around 1.9 million leisure vehicles are registered in Germany, and rising.
Motorhomes, campervans, caravans: the business is booming, and 2026 will bring cheaper entry-level models to the market that fuel the trend further.
What often gets overlooked amid all the enthusiasm for freedom on four wheels: the water in the tank.
What happens in the water tank when nobody is looking
Most motorhomes stand still over winter. Some for even longer. The water tank is drained, the vehicle laid up. But the tank is rarely truly dry. Residual moisture remains, and germs settle in that moisture.
When fresh water is put in for the first time in spring, it washes over surfaces where bacteria have been multiplying for months: pseudomonads, E. coli, sometimes even Legionella. The water looks clear and may smell slightly musty. Or not at all. But it is not germ-free.
Silver in the tank?
Under DIN 2001-2, silver is not a disinfectant but a preservative. It can stop germs multiplying in water that is already clean.
The DIN standard notes: "Preservation does not replace a necessary disinfection of drinking water that is not in perfect condition."
Disinfect first, then preserve
The correct order is: first disinfect the tank and pipes, then fill with fresh water. Anyone who wants to can add a preservative afterwards, but only afterwards.
biostream® ZERO is based on chlorine dioxide, the active substance waterworks have used since the 1950s. It penetrates biofilms, works across the entire pH range and has proven efficacy against E. coli, pseudomonads and Legionella. In 1,620 tests at Leibniz University Hannover, efficacy was 99.9 % after just 5 minutes. Suitable for aluminium tanks.
Now is the right time
According to surveys, 64 % of German campers plan to travel in the low season in 2026 too: in May, June, September, October. Anyone who wakes their vehicle from hibernation early should not forget the water system. Disinfection with biostream® ZERO takes 3 hours. After that, the tank is ready for use.
Questions about how to use it?
We have been advising campers, yacht owners and operators of mobile drinking water systems since 2001. Give us a call.