Each sailor requires between 2 to 4 quarts of water per day, more if one uses fresh water for cooking, showers or other activities.  To conserve fresh water on off-shore cruising vessels, seawater can be used for showering and to initially wash dishes (final rinsing is in fresh water).  Some vessels may also have water purification and desalination systems.  For the coastal cruising vessel the fresh water system is much simpler.  It consists of a water deck fill (not to be confused with the "fuel" or "pump out" deck fills) that is connected to a tank, a fresh water pump and a through-hull drain from the sink (see top right picture).  Sometimes the drain is shared with the shower's sump.  Attached to the through-hull drain is a seacock, which should be in the open position when fresh water is being used. 

Before leaving port, always fill the water tank using the fresh water deck fill.  On most cruises it is advisable to carry bottled water.  It tastes better and eliminates using contaminated water which may have been put in the boat's fresh water tank.  In some out of the way cruising places, the water sources may be questionable.  If the water tastes bad or contamination is suspected, empty and flush the tanks.  If bacteria is suspected, add a water purification product or a capful of chlorine bleach while filling the tank and flush thoroughly. 

Many water hoses are not safe for use with drinking water, especially if standing water has been left in them.  Hoses made of polyvinyl chloride contain lead, which may leach into the water.   Thus, only use a hose labeled safe for drinking water and always completely flush the hose before using.  

Boats may be equipped with a manual or an electric water pump.  Some boats may have both.  Cruising powerboats will often have only an electric pump.  If the boat's water supply is depleted and the fresh water pump is electric, the pump will run continuously, depleting the battery and finally burning out the pump.  An electric pump tends to be very noisy, so it is good practice to turn the pump off when fresh water is not in use.  Also, be sure to turn the water pump off before retiring at night, so it will not turn on and off intermittently throughout the night, awakening the crew.

Hot water systems are also found on cruising vessels.  Smaller cruising boats usually have their hot water heated by the engine - conserving battery power.  Larger vessels may also heat their water with electric hot water heaters usually powered by a generator.  If your vessel uses battery power to heat the water, be sure to turn this system off when under sail for prolonged periods of time to prevent draining of the batteries. 
 

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