Van Life: The Puddle Problem | Drip Feed Podcast | Scottish Water

Van Life: The Puddle Problem

Travelling Scotland in a camper van offers freedom, fresh air and unforgettable views. But step away from life at home and one thing quickly becomes clear — clean water isn’t unlimited.
In this episode of Drip Feed, Scottish Water chats with van builder and outdoor enthusiast Adam Raja about travelling responsibly, planning ahead, and the day running out of water led to a very memorable mistake.
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→ Drip Feed podcast launch

When water stops being “on tap”

At home, water is easy to take for granted. On the road, every litre counts.
With only a small water tank in his van, Adam became far more aware of how much water he was using — from washing dishes to making coffee. That shift in mindset is something many of us only experience when water is suddenly limited.
Related content:
→ Learn more about Scotland’s drinking water

The puddle problem

While hiking on Skye, Adam ran out of water on a hot day and missed the last refill point. With no other option, he drank from puddles.
He felt fine at first. The days after told a different story.
It’s a light hearted moment in the episode, but it underlines an important point: don’t rely on finding safe water when you’re outdoors. Planning ahead matters.
Related content:
→ Find free drinking water on the go with Top Up Taps

Van life, tourism and looking after wild places

Scotland may look water rich, but popular destinations can come under real pressure — especially during busy travel periods.
The episode discusses why responsible travel matters, from using the right facilities to disposing of waste water properly, especially in remote areas and small communities.
Related content:
→ Respect Our Reservoirs – visiting responsibly

Key takeaways

• Plan your water stops — don’t assume you’ll find clean water in the wild
• Use Top Up Taps to refill safely across Scotland
• Dispose of waste water properly — never in the environment
• Treat water as a limited resource, at home and when travelling
• Enjoy Scotland responsibly, so everyone can continue to enjoy it