h2o transport question

Tgggr17 · Post by **Tgggr17** » Mon May 24, 2004 1:30 pm

so many newbies, myself included! mucho thanks to all of the burners who frequent these boards and take the time to so patiently explain things to us again and again.

i looked around quite a bit to try and answer my question on my own, but i'm still looking for some input...

HOW does one get so much water to the playa? i'm thinking about 1.5 gallons/day x 6 days and i have no idea how everyone carries so much volume. in addition to the camping gear and food and gifts and other necessities. i figure clothing will probably take up the least amount of space, but with everything else I'll need, especially since i'm planning on going in solo, i'm looking for suggestions for transporting water out to the playa.

Tiara · Post by **Tiara** » Mon May 24, 2004 1:34 pm

The most popular means of water transport seems to be the 2.5 gallon "suitcase" containers. If you ask at large stores, they will often sell them to you still packaged 2-to-a-box. The cardboard boxes are easier to stack.

Another way that works well for groups is to get a dispenser stand for the 5-gallon bottles (commonly used in offices).

Alpha · Post by **Alpha** » Mon May 24, 2004 1:39 pm

A third (and also popular) option are the larger 6- or 7-gallon containers found in most camping or outdoors-y stores. These usually have a spigot or pour spout.

Tiara · Post by **Tiara** » Mon May 24, 2004 1:55 pm

The kind of rigid containers Alpha suggests are good too. Consider rinsing them (maybe even with lemon juice or baking soda) before using to help get rid of the plastic taste.

I'd recommend the rigid sided 6-7 gallon containers over the collapsible 5 gallon types. the flexible ones aren't puncture proof, and cannot be stacked. If you decide to use the 5 gallon types, pack them somewhere they won't damage things if they leak.

Tiara · Post by **Tiara** » Mon May 24, 2004 1:58 pm

You might find some more relevant info and opinions about the water issue in this old thread: http://oldbbs.burningman.com/index.cgi? ... [email protected]

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Mon May 24, 2004 2:03 pm

Personally, I go to a grocery store close to the turnoff from I-80 and pick up a bunch of 1 gallon jugs. They're usually slightly cheaper per gallon than the 2.5 gallon suitcases for some strange reason. They don't stack quite as well, but if you leave enough space on the floor or on top of boxes it's not a problem. They're also handy for tossing in a bike basket when you know you'll be away from camp for a while, or for collecting gray water at the end. Most people poke a hole in the suitcases so those don't do well for hauling smelly liquids back home.

Water doesn't take up a huge amount of physical space compared to the rest of your gear - it's more about the weight which is why I prefer to buy it and the bulk of my ice after most of the heavy duty driving is done.

Large camps often pool their money and bring huge barrels of water in a truck instead of having everyone bring their own.

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Mon May 24, 2004 2:12 pm

I start collecting screw top gallon jugs starting in Spring, and by the Event, I just throw them into my truck, hit the water vending machine at Reno Safeway or Albertson's and away I go.

The suitcases are more expensive than this method, and usually I bring a couple just for drinking purposes. Also, I've brought the collapsable 5 gallon bladders, and filled them on the way. They take much less real estate -- a consideration when everything *including* the kitchen sink is coming with you.

blyslv · Post by **blyslv** » Mon May 24, 2004 2:18 pm

I assume you're flying in to Reno and renting a vehicle. Since you're only talking 9 gallons for 6 days it really isn't that much volume, even if you're renting a sub-compact, it should fit in no problem. If that is a problem, consider renting a bigger car.

BTW I used to live in Adams-Morgan, and ever so often miss it a little.

phyreseed · Post by **phyreseed** » Tue May 25, 2004 7:04 pm

Coupla things that may not have been addressed... the 2.5 gallon jugs are weak, weak, weak in the corners (where they're most rigid) and pretty flimsy everywhere else.. this doesn't mean don't use them, but I'd really suggest that if you do, you take care not to place anything on them/leaning against them/supported by them.. otherwise, you'll end up with a wet vehicle and possibly (as I did) lose a LOT of water - that you won't notice is gone till you're actually on the playa!

that sucked.

If you live anywhere near a Walgreens' I'd suggest stopping by there within the next coupla weeks and getting the Crystal Geyser 1 gal bottles.. they're sturdy, have screw tops, and can be re-used as peepee buckets for when you're too lazy to leave the tent.. the big opening is much easier to aim for than, say, a 20oz bottle. just don't re-re-use the bottle for water... unless you like that sort of thing.

Silver 2 · Post by **Silver 2** » Tue May 25, 2004 7:31 pm

I will add my vote for the one gallon jugs. I have a couple of the heavy duty colaspable containers which I also use but I found the one gallon jugs very handy. I could use them to pre-mix my bath soap, pee in and to just haul around on the bike. The cheapo bike I bought had bar ends and I would just hook the jug over on of them and take off.

Go to the search on the main page and enter 'Reno Water' and there will be a list of water supply places in Reno.

If you are taking a solar shower, don't forget to fill it up before you hit the road. that's another 3-5 gallons right there.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 26, 2004 1:22 am

Go to the store, buy some water, bring it with you.

Post by **Eric** » Wed May 26, 2004 2:51 am

Tgggr17 wrote:
HOW does one get so much water to the playa? i'm thinking about 1.5 gallons/day x 6 days and i have no idea how everyone carries so much volume.

Last year for Piss Clear we all chipped in on the 2.5 gallon bottles. We went up in an RV and just stacked all the bottles in the bathroom for the trip up. (I think we had about 40 bottles, but I'm drunk and can't do math right now).
Once we got to the playa, we lined them up behind the RV and in the storage tent outside. Opened them as needed. Paniced about water on Friday for a bit, and still ended up with about 10 bottles extra.

It's less bottles than you think. Plan on 2 gallons a day to be safe- that way you can share without worrying about your own supply.

We had a couple of cases of small bottles of water for people in need as emergency get-back-to-camp rations. Cheap at Cost-Co.

Release Me · Post by **Release Me** » Wed May 26, 2004 7:47 am

I'm considering building a shower on the playa. A 55 gallon drum would probably work best, but if I fill it up before I leave I won't be able to get it out of my truck. I've seen these 55 gallon drums on platforms for other showers. How do they do that?

Alpha · Post by **Alpha** » Wed May 26, 2004 7:58 am

Hmm, 2 drums and a pump? (with that much water, you may need a second drum anyway to capture the run-off)

Release Me · Post by **Release Me** » Wed May 26, 2004 8:45 am

The runoff shouldn't be a problem with monitored use and the shower sitting upon a large evap pond. I'm thinking 6-7 showers a day with a restricted flow shower head. Guests may contribute they're own water to the drum.

queenkellee · Post by **queenkellee** » Sat May 29, 2004 1:48 pm

BUY YOUR WATER IN RENO.
Water is heavy, don't drag it any further than you have to. with gas prices as high as they are...yea, you know.
If you are with a big group or are bringing a lot of water, be careful when packing it to spread out the weight in your car/RV. Last year the RV in our caravan blew a tire between Reno and BM and I have a sneaky suspicion the half-hazzard packing of the water supplies for our group (that mostly when into the RV) contributed to it.

make sure you buy enough, but not too much. heh. how to know? simply gaze into your crystal ball....

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