Basic rule: Never use the same canister or accessories for drinking water and fuel. Keep the two systems permanently separate and easy to distinguish.
Water: opening size and taps affect daily use
A tap can be convenient at a campsite, while a larger opening can make cleaning easier. For drinking water, documented food-contact suitability is also important.
Fuel: keep the reserve proportionate and secure
Fuel cans have different requirements. Marking, load restraint, heat sources, national rules and ferry conditions need to be considered separately.
Measure the storage space before buying
Nominal capacity says little about the external footprint. Measure compartments and include the space required for taps, spouts and handles.
Practical separation
- dedicated containers for drinking water
- dedicated containers for fuel
- do not swap accessories between systems
- secure containers against tipping and sliding
- check ferry and destination-country rules before travel
Sources for this guide
The following authorities and documents were used for this guide. Where rules change, the current original source takes precedence.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodEUR-Lex / Europäische UnionEU requirements for plastic materials and articles intended for food contact
- Fuel in a spare can: what is permitted? [German]ADACGerman transport quantities, container marking, restraint in vehicles, international travel and ferries
- 10 L HDPE water can with tap – item 21 163PRESSOL Schmiergeräte GmbHEAN, capacity, material, dimensions, weight, tap and manufacturer food-contact information
- ECO 12 L HDPE water can with tap – item 817500hünersdorff GmbHGTIN, capacity, HDPE, dimensions, weight, tap, temperature range, food suitability and BPA statement