A Go-To for RV Waste Management
How this solution was crafted with science, experience and the needs of RVers in mind.
Managing waste and controlling odors is an essential part of RV ownership, and finding the right product can make all the difference for travelers. Aqua-Kem by Thetford has earned its reputation as a reliable, effective and environmentally conscious solution.
“By understanding the science behind Aqua-Kem and how it works, RV dealers can educate customers, build trust and help them feel confident about managing their RV’s sanitation needs,” says Jan Thomson, regulations chemist at Thetford.
Thetford was founded in 1963 by Frank Sargent and his two sons, who were motivated to improve upon the stock black water drain valve on their RV. After introducing the first Slide-Action Valve for RV tanks, Sargent and the team at Thetford continued to produce a series of low-profile RV toilets, water-saving hand sprayers, RV sewer hoses, refrigerators, enzyme-based holding tank treatment and Aqua-Kem, the first concentrated RV holding tank treatment.
Specifically, Aqua-Kem is a toss-in holding tank treatment that liquefies waste and breaks down tissue paper quickly to prevent clogging, while cleaning tank walls and drain lines. Thanks to the product’s easy dosage system, users simply toss one of the water-soluble packets into the toilet and flush.
As Thomson explains, it’s natural for RV owners to have questions about using chemical-based products in their vehicles. Aqua-Kem has been specially designed to address these concerns, making it a safe and effective choice for managing waste and odors.
“Customers should know that there are safe ingredients being used as Aqua-Kem uses bronopol, an ingredient that’s also found in everyday products like baby wipes and cosmetics,” Thomson says. “The active ingredient is readily biodegradable, with 80% biodegraded in seven days.”
In addition, there are no health concerns even though, during use, bronopol may release a tiny amount of formaldehyde, but the levels are so low that they pose no health risks and are broken down by the waste in the tank.
“Aqua-Kem is also a readily treatable solution as it’s engineered for safe disposal at designated waste stations and is completely treatable in both aerobic (municipal) and anaerobic (septic) systems,” Thomson explains. “Aqua-Kem is thoughtfully crafted to be effective, safe and environmentally responsible, giving customers peace of mind when managing their RV’s sanitation needs.”
How Aqua-Kem Works
For any RV owner, using chemicals effectively and confidently is paramount. In addition, RVers need to educate themselves to understand the chemical functionality of Aqua-Kem so that they can use it with confidence. Dealers can also help educate their RV customers by identifying the benefits that Aqua-Kem offers.
“Aqua-Kem offers instant results,” Thomson says. “It also reacts with waste odors immediately, making it a practical choice for both weekend campers and full-time RVers.”
Specifically, Aqua-Kem boasts active deodorization. Unlike some products that mask odors with fragrances, Aqua-Kem eliminates odors through a chemical reaction, ensuring a fresh and clean environment.
“Also, Aqua-Kem has undergone extensive testing as the product is tested in both laboratory settings and real-world camping scenarios to ensure consistent, reliable performance,” Thomson says.
Aqua-Kem’s reliability stems from decades of industry expertise and rigorous testing. As the company’s in-house chemist, Thomson has played a crucial role in developing a product that RVers, and RV dealers, can depend on. With over 36 years of industry experience and a passion for camping, Thomson understands the challenges RVers face and how to solve them.
“Aqua-Kem undergoes comprehensive testing, both in the lab and in real-world camping environments, to ensure it delivers consistent results every time,” says Thomson, who engages in user-focused design by working alongside campers during the development process to fine-tune the formula, ensuring it’s easy to use and effective in all conditions.
“This is our commitment to quality: From odor control to waste liquification, every aspect of Aqua-Kem is designed with … balancing high performance with minimal environmental impact,” Thomson says. “Our combination of scientific expertise and real-world insights makes Aqua-Kem a product RVers can trust to simplify their travels and enhance their camping experience.”
Partners in Understanding
Today’s RV consumers are well versed in the variety of products available for RV sanitation and tank treatments. And while some RV customers may be hesitant to handle a chemical-based product like Aqua-Kem rather than an enzyme-based one, knowledgeable dealers can help end users feel safe and confident in using this chemical-based product for both weekend camping excursions and long-term adventures.
Thomson stresses that as dealers work with customers who have questions about Aqua-Kem’s benefits, it’s important that they understand how Aqua-Kem stands out in the industry, having earned a positive reputation. As part of its effort to educate dealers and RV consumers alike, Thetford offers a series of FAQs and short videos on its corporate website, engaging audiences to learn more about the proper care and maintenance of their RV, including tank treatment protocols.
Thomson says dealers can highlight key features to help customers understand Aqua-Kem’s value, including that it offers effective odor control — a feature that is top-of-mind for RV consumers.
“Aqua-Kem works immediately by neutralizing waste odors, unlike enzyme treatments, which can take 48 to 72 hours to become effective,” Thomson says. “Also Aqua-Kem offers consistent performance as it works in all weather conditions, from hot deserts to freezing campgrounds, ensuring reliable results on every trip.”
In addition, Thompson points out that Aqua-Kem saves water and space because it does not require extra gallons of water to be effective, preserving limited tank space while managing odors until the tank is two-thirds to three-fourths full.
“By showcasing these advantages, dealers can help customers see why Aqua-Kem is a reliable and versatile choice for managing their RV’s waste and odor control needs,” says Thomson, who stresses that Aqua-Kem isn’t just another waste treatment product — it’s a solution crafted with science, experience and the needs of RVers in mind.
“Also, by sharing its benefits and reassuring customers about its safety and effectiveness, dealers can help RVers simplify the often-overlooked task of waste management,” Thomson says. “With Aqua-Kem, campers can enjoy their travels with confidence, knowing that their sanitation needs are in capable hands.”
