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Feed Watermaker from Dockside Water?

Discussion in 'Watermakers' started by LAM, Sep 16, 2025 at 10:52 PM.

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  1. LAM, Sep 16, 2025 at 10:52 PM
    #1
    LAM

    LAM New Member

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    Nov 8, 2007
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    MD
    Anyone fed a watermaker from the dockside water? Was looking at spotless systems, but started thinking maybe could just use watermaker and use water from boat tank (200 gallons) to wash. Our dockwater is actually well water and we dont often use our FCI Aquamiser 600gpd watermaker as we are in brackish water on the Chesapeake.

    Tried connecting dockside hose to Groco flush cap on strainer but seems like dockside water pressure is too high even when turn down and watermaker not priming properly. Tried asking FCI but just wanted to sell add on DTS system. Thx
  2. Capt Ralph, Sep 17, 2025 at 9:08 AM
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Pickle your RO system.
    Purchase one of those SpotFree tanks and wash your boat directly from the dock water supply.
    Your RO system will last much longer.
  3. d_meister, Sep 18, 2025 at 11:41 AM
    #3
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    Location:
    La Conner, WA.
    Chlorinated civic supply water can damage R.O. membranes.
  4. Sea Gull, Sep 18, 2025 at 8:25 PM
    #4
    Sea Gull

    Sea Gull Member

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    I’m following this as I have similar thoughts and have done a bit of research.

    First off, chlorine is probably not an issue for you on well water, but for those of us on municipal water systems the answer is to prefilter with an activated carbon filter. You may even already have one built into your back flush system. By the way, the Spot Zero dock water system has a carbon filter built into it.

    On the issue of incoming water pressure, you probably just need to turn off your boost pump because there is already enough pressure in the well water supply.

    Other than ongoing maintenance, I have not found any reason not to do what you are attempting.