HEALTH Big Berkey gravity-fed water filters are a top pick for clean water

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
Just wanted to share this amazing article and independant review by Mike Adams, at www.naturalnews.com
He wrote an article this week about the Big Berkey's, and I thought our friends here might enjoy reading it:

Big Berkey gravity-fed water filters are a top pick for clean water and long-term preparedness
http://www.naturalnews.com/030070_Big_Berkey_water_filter.html

By Mike Adams

(NaturalNews) The water filtration market is saturated with products that claim to provide clean drinking water. While all of them work to one degree or another, some can be complicated to install and maintain. And some are downright expensive on a per-gallon basis, too. The more popular faucet filters, for example, only filter a hundred gallons of water (or so) before requiring replacement. Personally, I like to have water filters that can handle several thousand gallons of water at a very low effective cost per gallon.

I also like gravity-fed water filters for several important reasons: They require no electricity to use -- meaning they'll work even when the lights go out -- and there are no complicated motors or pumps to wear out or replace. They're also light and fairly portable, making them a natural choice for anyone interested in short-term storm preparedness or even long-term "end of the world" preparedness scenarios.

I've used several gravity-fed water filters, and I've come to really like the Big Berkey system the best. As far as simple, reliable water purification on your countertop, it doesn't get any better than Berkey water systems.

How the Big Berkey works
With a Berkey water filter, you simply put the water into the top chamber and gravity pulls it through the media filters that capture bacteria, parasites, herbicides, pesticides, solvents, nitrates, nitrites, lead, mercury, chlorine, VOCs, and even fluoride. You can run practically any type of water through the unit and get fresh, pure drinking water as a result. (Of course, really dirty water will clog the filters more quickly, requiring more frequent cleaning of the filters, but that's true with any filtration system.)

I personally use the "Big Berkey System" which is made out of stainless steel, and I love it! I used it for many months in Ecuador without a single problem, and it is still a personal favorite that I highly recommend. The water always comes out clean, no matter how dirty it is when you initially pour it into the holding container at the top.

My favorite feature on the Big Berkey System is the stainless steel water container. Many other brands of water filters are made out of polycarbonate and plastic components that may leach harmful chemicals into the water (Berkey does sell a co-polyester variety, but guarantees that it's BPA free). Another cool feature of the system is that it requires no pumps or effort to function. Gravity literally does all the work for you. Yes, it takes some time for the gravity filter to produce water, but by filling the top container, the effective water pressure provided by gravity is more than enough to produce sufficient drinking water each day for a typical family.

The stainless steel aspect of the Berkey water filters is also a huge plus. I've used other hand-held filters that ran the water through a hose, and it seems like the water always comes out tasting a bit like the hose. But with the Big Berkey, there's no "hose" taste because there's no hose! The water tastes clean and clear, with no "surgical" aftertaste.

If you don't already have a gravity-powered water filter, I recommend one for every household that's interested in preparedness. As long as you have access to some source of water, this water filter can get you through a storm, a blackout or even a period of social unrest. When the municipal plumbing fails, Big Berkey keeps you hydrated with clean, bacteria-free water.

That's worth its weight in gold, in my opinion.

Where to get Big Berkey water filters
Here's the source for Big Berkey water filters that I'm familiar with and recommend. You'll get excellent customer service with these folks along with very competitive pricing, too:

http://www.directive21.com

(They also carry some other large-scale water storage devices such as the Aquatank.)

Got a family member who doesn't believe in preparedness? Give them a Big Berkey and call it a Christmas present. One day when they need it, they'll realize you actually gave them the gift of clean water during an emergency, and that's perhaps one of the best gifts you can ever give anyone.

End of Article

theberkeyguy
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
Do you give any discount to TB2K members?

Great question, here is what i am thinking.

For those reading this post, on any size order, we will include a extra Free Sport Berkey water bottle. When you checkout on our site, put "TB2K-BERK" in the checkout. The box will say "Instructions to Merchant" or something similar. Just put in the code, and the bottle will be sent, at no charge.
The Sport Berkey's retail for 29 dollars, we sell them for 24.99.

Feel free to call me for other discounts that may be available: 877-886-3653

theberkeyguy
 

Seeker

3 Bombs for Hawkins
How often do you recommend cleaning the filters? Depending upon the water source . . . frequently if polluted, dirty water, of course - but just normal tap water also? And how do you test for effectiveness of filtering? And how long will filters last, again depending upon water conditions. Its one thing to have tap or well water that's relatively clear, but what if one is reduced to "questionable" water sources in a SHTF scenario?
 

Loon

Inactive
We have well water and are on a softener but I can still taste the iron or something in the water. Is there a filter that will take out minerals?
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
How often do you recommend cleaning the filters? Depending upon the water source . . . frequently if polluted, dirty water, of course - but just normal tap water also? And how do you test for effectiveness of filtering? And how long will filters last, again depending upon water conditions. Its one thing to have tap or well water that's relatively clear, but what if one is reduced to "questionable" water sources in a SHTF scenario?

We recommend replacing them every 2-3 years, or 6000 gallons filtered. My personal filters are going to last at least 3 years, if not longer, as our water source does not have chlorine and other contaminants.

If you have dirty water or questionable sources, i would cut the life of the filters in half, or they will need to be cleaned more often in order for them to last longer.

To test how the system is working, I recommend putting red food coloring in the top chamber, and then making sure the water filtered is clear. That will help to show it is working correctly. There are also water testing kits that can be purchased and used to test the chlorine and other contaminants in the water.

I hope this info is helpful.

theberkeyguy
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
We have well water and are on a softener but I can still taste the iron or something in the water. Is there a filter that will take out minerals?

The Berkey water filters do remove fouls tastes, and parts of iron, but leave in the minerals. I have heard from people that had your concern, and now use a berkey system, and they say it changes the taste you may be talking about.

theberkeyguy
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
I love my Berkey. I'm still on my original candle set. IIRC, they'll last up to 20-30,000 gallons if all you're doing is filtering "city water".
 

Be Well

may all be well
I love my Berk as well, using some candles 10 years as my well water is really clean. I rarely have to clean them.

If I had the $ I'd buy another as backup but alas..
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
I love my Berkey. I'm still on my original candle set. IIRC, they'll last up to 20-30,000 gallons if all you're doing is filtering "city water".

Thanks Dennis, the white ceramic filters do last a really long time.

I do hope your doing well,

theberkeyguy
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
I love my Berk as well, using some candles 10 years as my well water is really clean. I rarely have to clean them.

If I had the $ I'd buy another as backup but alas..

Glad to hear you have a berkey, and i hope the filters you have last as long as possible.

theberkeyguy
 

Laurie the Mom

Senior Member
I love my Berkey too! My 20yo son moved out this year, and now he's saving up for his own Berkey because he hates the water where he's living. I'm thinking the siblings might pitch in and get him one for Christmas. :)

Laurie
 

Satanta

Stone Cold Crazy
_______________
What is the sport bottle? Useable to pack for hking then filling from a source on the move?

How long do the filters work/last in the station model and the protable model?
 

Nuthatch

Membership Revoked
I LOVE my Big Berkey, stainless steel. Fabulous. Everyone who sees it thinks it is a great idea. I have it where it is easy to use and refill. It is great when we have a crowd--keeps folks out of the kitchen.

I recommend this as one of the worthy items for the larger expenditures in prepping. It isn't that much, amortized over time.
 

HuntingWolf

Membership Revoked
Please don't take this personally, but...

I find the title of this person's article to be misleading.

Big Berkey gravity-fed water filters are a top pick for clean water

He only used the Berkley filter and didn't use any other brand to compare them to.

While Berkey may be a very good filter, this "review" is of only one product.

This is like someone saying a AK is better then a AR, but never compares the two.
 

Old Girl

Inactive
Berkey Filter Guy (Jeff)

Hi,
Just want you all to know I just talked to Jeff and ordered two Royal Berkey Filters from him. He really is a great guy to talk to and so accommodating.

I have been interested in a Berkey filter for a long time. Wanted one for my hubby and me and also for my two daughters & families. The important part is that if any of the dire events predicted by Webbots (very, very scary) and others should occur, we would have water problems. If electric goes off either by an EMP or terrorists bombs, etc., the water plant goes down also. And then, what would we do for water??? Have you ever given that serious consideration?

There is plenty of water in the lakes, streams, swimming pools, even from our downspouts if it rains. BUT, can you drink it?? No, you can't! If there is flooding, lots of water! Can you drink it?? No, you can't!

With a Berkey Water Filter, YOU CAN!! It filters out bacteria, fluoride, chlorine - almost everything you can think of.

If your kids are without drinkable water, how will we feel? Have some money in our bank accounts, or wherever, but the kids and grandkids don't have drinkable water? How will we all feel then?

I have pondered these things for quite a while - probably a year or more. I have read (didn't ask Jeff) that you could even gather some water from a rain puddle. Have read that if the water is really dirty, you pour it through a coffee filter until the worst part is removed. Then put it through the Berkey.

I bought the Royal because the Big Berkey is backdated (right word?) and I want them as soon as possible. The November 8 date mentioned in the Webbots is a little worrisome and I hope to have them before then. Would you believe that they cannot for some reason be shipped to California and Iowa (where my daughter lives) by the manufacturers or sales companies. There is no law which says we cannot send our kids a Berkey ourselves, right?

Then, Jeff (The Berkey Guy) is sending to all TB2000 people who order a filter bottle for free. With this you can take it camping, filter water from a stream and drink it. Very generous of him! So I got a Royal Berkey filter with all filters and I chose the gift (besides the TimeBomb free gift) of one camping bottle and 2 filters. Free shipping, too. Cost was for one Royal Berkey plus extras - $275.00. I ordered two. Got a lot for the money. I have priced others and this is a really GOOD DEAL!!

I am not pushing Jeff or buying a Berkey from him for any reason. It is just that I read this post and called him. It helped me to finally make the decision and DO IT! I am so relieved that I will be getting my Berkey which I have wanted for a long time and I am getting one for my daughter, too! It is big enough to provide water for her son, his wife and 2 grandkids, too, if necessary.

My other daughter (the doctor) and her hubby are both DGI's. I offered them one about 6 months ago. Got a big "No thank you". Also tried to talk to my brother and wife and they are both "DGI's", too. No thank you!

Time is getting so short! We can't possibly have enough water in our preps to last and fulfill our needs. Now, I and one of my daughter's families will!

Hope you will think of what your situation is.

Right now - I FEEL GOOD !!!:spns::spns::spns::spns::spns::spns::spns::spns:

Old Girl
 

fairbanksb

Freedom Isn't Free
I have a Berkey Lite, but I have to admit that I only used it when I first bought it. It worked great but all it had to do was filter the tap water. It did take the chlorine taste and smell out of the water. It was bought for preps and it is stored. I trust it will do as advertised. I did do a lot of reading up on it before purchasing.
 

Satanta

Stone Cold Crazy
_______________
Please don't take this personally, but...

I find the title of this person's article to be misleading.



He only used the Berkley filter and didn't use any other brand to compare them to.

While Berkey may be a very good filter, this "review" is of only one product.

This is like someone saying a AK is better then a AR, but never compares the two.

Couple of things.

One is technically you are correct in your view, however there are a couple of errors in it:

1. The berkey has been talked about as being the top WF system fpr years on this board before he ever joined.

2. He pays fpr advertising space here-note the big banner at the top? Those are not free. He is in business and as a business he has the absolute right to advertise his product as "Best".

Same with Coke and Pepsi-you do not expect them to say their products suck do you?

He is not only advertising but offering extra to the consumers of this board in the way of information and extra products so in my and the other staff on this board assessment's he is well within the protocols of Ad rules on this board.

As a side note there are several posts on this thread alone plus all of the discussions about the Berkeys over the years to satisfy *me* as to the validity of his statements.

Thankyouforyoursupport.
 

Running Dog

Inactive
I got the Berkey light, a while ago. I also used it for a short time. It is there when emergency happens.
My concern is the fluoride filter. Is it really aluminum? We have have city water. I don't know much about this filter to be comfortable with. Please explain this. It would be much appreciated .
I want to get the stainless steel one for our kitchen. The Berkey light is to tall for the counters, with the upper cupboards right there. (small kitchen).
Thank you for this post. I plan on purchasing another Berkey.
 

Krymsonowl

Deceased
I have had my Berkey for a couple of years now and I love it. I fill up containers of water to take to work so I do not have to buy bottled water. The water here is tolerable unless the lake turns over then it really is gross. Thus the Berkey.
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
I just want to thank all those who have commented here, i will be spending time tonight commenting on all the responses.

theberkeyguy
 

Wise Owl

Deceased
We have had and used our Berkey for about 10 years now. Gone thru probably 6 sets of filters in that time. We actually like the white ceramic filters better than the black ones because the water tastes better from it. The black filters left it kinda flat tasting for some reason.
We have a dug well and the water from the tap is not clean enough to drink. The city water where we lived before this place was just as bad and had chlorine in it plus flouride, neither of which we wanted to drink.

I can't say enough good things about Berkey water filters. They are great. Absolutely great.

Oh and if you decide to buy one, make sure you get extra candles/filters to go with it for down the road. A couple of times we have needed replacements and it always seemed like a hurricane or something was happening and the orders took longer to get. So, get them now while you can and just put them into storage.
But don't let your Berkey sit in a closet, no matter how clean you "think" your water is, it will taste even better out of the Berkey.

Also get some extra scrubby pads put into storage for cleaning the filters with. We have to clean ours about every two months except in the spring or after a heavy rain when the water gets stirred up in the well and gets funky and smelly. Sometimes our water from the tap smells like a lake bottom but not the water from our Berkey.

They are the best. And yes, we tried the other ones. You could go broke buying filters for some of them...
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
What is the sport bottle? Useable to pack for hking then filling from a source on the move?

How long do the filters work/last in the station model and the protable model?


Sport Berkey can be found here:
http://www.directive21.com/accessories-sport-berkey.html

It is a sport bottle with a filter inside of it. My family and I just used our bottle this afternoon. The kids really like it because it has the straw, and it is easy to use.

It can be used for hiking or backpacking and used in lakes and streams.

The Filter will last 1 year, or 640 fills of tap water. If it is a stream or lake, it can do around 150 fills.

In relation to the filters, the 2 black berkey elements will last atleast 2-3 years or longer, or filter 6000 gallons.
The PF2 Fluoride filters will last 1000 gallons or 1 year of usage.

theberkeyguy
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
Please don't take this personally, but...

I find the title of this person's article to be misleading.

He only used the Berkley filter and didn't use any other brand to compare them to.

While Berkey may be a very good filter, this "review" is of only one product.

This is like someone saying a AK is better then a AR, but never compares the two.

While I mean no disrespect, i disagree with your opinion about the title. Please check the article as he does mention other products he has used but not by name, and explains why the berkey's were superior.

theberkeyguy
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
Hi,
Just want you all to know I just talked to Jeff and ordered two Royal Berkey Filters from him. He really is a great guy to talk to and so accommodating.

I have been interested in a Berkey filter for a long time. Wanted one for my hubby and me and also for my two daughters & families. The important part is that if any of the dire events predicted by Webbots (very, very scary) and others should occur, we would have water problems. If electric goes off either by an EMP or terrorists bombs, etc., the water plant goes down also. And then, what would we do for water??? Have you ever given that serious consideration?

There is plenty of water in the lakes, streams, swimming pools, even from our downspouts if it rains. BUT, can you drink it?? No, you can't! If there is flooding, lots of water! Can you drink it?? No, you can't!

With a Berkey Water Filter, YOU CAN!! It filters out bacteria, fluoride, chlorine - almost everything you can think of.

If your kids are without drinkable water, how will we feel? Have some money in our bank accounts, or wherever, but the kids and grandkids don't have drinkable water? How will we all feel then?

I have pondered these things for quite a while - probably a year or more. I have read (didn't ask Jeff) that you could even gather some water from a rain puddle. Have read that if the water is really dirty, you pour it through a coffee filter until the worst part is removed. Then put it through the Berkey.

I bought the Royal because the Big Berkey is backdated (right word?) and I want them as soon as possible. The November 8 date mentioned in the Webbots is a little worrisome and I hope to have them before then. Would you believe that they cannot for some reason be shipped to California and Iowa (where my daughter lives) by the manufacturers or sales companies. There is no law which says we cannot send our kids a Berkey ourselves, right?

Then, Jeff (The Berkey Guy) is sending to all TB2000 people who order a filter bottle for free. With this you can take it camping, filter water from a stream and drink it. Very generous of him! So I got a Royal Berkey filter with all filters and I chose the gift (besides the TimeBomb free gift) of one camping bottle and 2 filters. Free shipping, too. Cost was for one Royal Berkey plus extras - $275.00. I ordered two. Got a lot for the money. I have priced others and this is a really GOOD DEAL!!

I am not pushing Jeff or buying a Berkey from him for any reason. It is just that I read this post and called him. It helped me to finally make the decision and DO IT! I am so relieved that I will be getting my Berkey which I have wanted for a long time and I am getting one for my daughter, too! It is big enough to provide water for her son, his wife and 2 grandkids, too, if necessary.

My other daughter (the doctor) and her hubby are both DGI's. I offered them one about 6 months ago. Got a big "No thank you". Also tried to talk to my brother and wife and they are both "DGI's", too. No thank you!

Time is getting so short! We can't possibly have enough water in our preps to last and fulfill our needs. Now, I and one of my daughter's families will!

Hope you will think of what your situation is.

Right now - I FEEL GOOD !!!:spns::spns::spns::spns::spns::spns::spns::spns:

Old Girl

Old Girl,

I should call you young girl, no flirting intended, but the conversation we had on the phone with me was amazing. You are very tech savy, and have a great personality and you could be my grandma. :) I am so glad you were able to get better prepared, as that is so important in these uncertain times. I loved what you said about the berkey's usability, and even the coffee filter comment. I look forward to hearing from you after the fact, please either post here or PM me directly.

theberkeyguy
 

Skyraider

Senior Member
Before we all jump on the Berkey Bandwagon, this was not any kind of realistic assessment or comparison of like products, not even a mention of "absolute pore" size. Not to say that Berkeys aren't great, but are they really the best. Our families use the AquaRain gravity filters. I believe they are essentially the same thing with a couple slight differences. Absolute pore size of 0.2 vs Berkey absolute pore size of 0.9 and secondly, they are made in the USA instead of the UK. We have purchased six so far and couldn't be happier. I think it would be wise to check the Internet-Grocer online and see the details for yourself. Prices are probably similar and I don't like monopolies. We have used ours everyday with a large family on a well for 14 years. The Hopkins are honest folks and live in Texas, can't go wrong with that. They always seem to have Red Feather too.

Skyraider
 

ainitfunny

Saved, to glorify God.
I got a royal Berkey and my sis got a big Berkey for her family a few months ago.

We also got the STERI-PEN ultra violent water sanitizers.
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
I have a Berkey Lite, but I have to admit that I only used it when I first bought it. It worked great but all it had to do was filter the tap water. It did take the chlorine taste and smell out of the water. It was bought for preps and it is stored. I trust it will do as advertised. I did do a lot of reading up on it before purchasing.


You are not alone in your thinking, as there are hundreds if not thousands of people doing what you are doing, storing a berkey filter for emergency situations and preps. Though i do encourage people to use the system to become familiar with it, storing it is a viable option that many people are doing.

theberkeyguy
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
Couple of things.

One is technically you are correct in your view, however there are a couple of errors in it:

1. The berkey has been talked about as being the top WF system fpr years on this board before he ever joined.

2. He pays fpr advertising space here-note the big banner at the top? Those are not free. He is in business and as a business he has the absolute right to advertise his product as "Best".

Same with Coke and Pepsi-you do not expect them to say their products suck do you?

He is not only advertising but offering extra to the consumers of this board in the way of information and extra products so in my and the other staff on this board assessment's he is well within the protocols of Ad rules on this board.

As a side note there are several posts on this thread alone plus all of the discussions about the Berkeys over the years to satisfy *me* as to the validity of his statements.

Thankyouforyoursupport.

Well said.

theberkeyguy
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
I got the Berkey light, a while ago. I also used it for a short time. It is there when emergency happens.
My concern is the fluoride filter. Is it really aluminum? We have have city water. I don't know much about this filter to be comfortable with. Please explain this. It would be much appreciated .
I want to get the stainless steel one for our kitchen. The Berkey light is to tall for the counters, with the upper cupboards right there. (small kitchen).
Thank you for this post. I plan on purchasing another Berkey.

Great question, as a lot of people have heard it may be aluminum.
The PF2 Fluoride filters contain Alumina, which is not the same as aluminum, and which is able to pull the fluoride ion out of the water. The PF2 Fluoride filters attach to the black berkey elements.

theberkeyguy
 

fairbanksb

Freedom Isn't Free
You are not alone in your thinking, as there are hundreds if not thousands of people doing what you are doing, storing a berkey filter for emergency situations and preps. Though i do encourage people to use the system to become familiar with it, storing it is a viable option that many people are doing.

theberkeyguy


Well after reading this thread I do intend to pull it out and put it to use. It is pretty easy to operate so familiarity with it is not a problem. I did put in an order yesterday for 2 more black filters for spares. Thanx for the extra water bottle you are offering for members of TB2K.
 

theberkeyguy

Contributing Member
Before we all jump on the Berkey Bandwagon, this was not any kind of realistic assessment or comparison of like products, not even a mention of "absolute pore" size. Not to say that Berkeys aren't great, but are they really the best. Our families use the AquaRain gravity filters. I believe they are essentially the same thing with a couple slight differences. Absolute pore size of 0.2 vs Berkey absolute pore size of 0.9 and secondly, they are made in the USA instead of the UK. We have purchased six so far and couldn't be happier. I think it would be wise to check the Internet-Grocer online and see the details for yourself. Prices are probably similar and I don't like monopolies. We have used ours everyday with a large family on a well for 14 years. The Hopkins are honest folks and live in Texas, can't go wrong with that. They always seem to have Red Feather too.

Skyraider

I may disagree with your assessment, but I appreciate the feedback. The pore size is .9 microns, but I do not expect Mike to put that info in the article. The micron size can be important, but misleading if not understood, as even if it is a smaller micron size than the black berkey elements, it does not mean it removes things like viruses.

Unfortunately the aquarain does not remove viruses, and any claims being made in the USA does not mean it has to be 100% made in the USA.

I am glad though that you brought this up, as a lot of people have made these comparisons, and I don't want people to be confused about either system.

theberkeyguy
 

genrim

Veteran Member
Does the Berkey remove viruses? I own and use a Big Berkey and have wondered about this for some time now. I have the black elements.
 
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