Question about Berkey water filters

[agau121]

Many people recommend having at least a year's supply of food stored as well as having a portable Berkey water filter. I realize I might sound naive, but I'm wondering what the reasons are for having such a water filter. I completely understand the reasons for having food storage. With regards to water, what I'm thinking is that it might be better to have a large amount of water stored in long-term storage containers in your garage if there is no nearby water source to run through your Berkey filter. I live in a part of the country where there are no nearby streams, lakes or reservoirs and very few that are within a driving distance of less than 10 miles. In other words, what I'm asking is under what circumstances would a water filter such as a Berkey be useful? Do people have these because they are concerned about a disruption in the city water supply? I realize that many people have them because they are concerned about purifying their water of potential toxins such as fluoride and arsenic, and I'm not necessarily dismissing that, but I'm wondering if there are reasons beyond this for having a portable water filter such as a Berkey?

[kshymkiw]

They are useful if you need to filter Ponds, Lakes, Streams, Rivers, etc...

If you have bottled water/pre-stored water it won't do much for you

[Silver2012.com]

I'm sure you could filter rain water through your Berkey. Although I'm not sure whether or not it would make a difference to polluted rainwater. In your circumstance, it seems that a Berkey Filter is not the most ideal solution. Storing water seems like a decent idea but that would run out really quickly. Think about getting a well if it's permitted where you live.

(02-28-2012 02:06 PM)agau121 Wrote:  Many people recommend having at least a year's supply of food stored as well as having a portable Berkey water filter. I realize I might sound naive, but I'm wondering what the reasons are for having such a water filter. I completely understand the reasons for having food storage. With regards to water, what I'm thinking is that it might be better to have a large amount of water stored in long-term storage containers in your garage if there is no nearby water source to run through your Berkey filter. I live in a part of the country where there are no nearby streams, lakes or reservoirs and very few that are within a driving distance of less than 10 miles. In other words, what I'm asking is under what circumstances would a water filter such as a Berkey be useful? Do people have these because they are concerned about a disruption in the city water supply? I realize that many people have them because they are concerned about purifying their water of potential toxins such as fluoride and arsenic, and I'm not necessarily dismissing that, but I'm wondering if there are reasons beyond this for having a portable water filter such as a Berkey?

[brotherjohnf]

I can only speak for myself. All of our water is filtered through a Big Berkey with both charcoal and anti-flouride. We also have 3 sets of rain barrels for collection. For absolute emergencies we have water purifying pills and a couple of life straws. I would love to dig a hand pump well but am not sure about the regs.

[agau121]

Thanks brotherjohnf, although it's an easier problem to solve when you live in the Seattle area, which is famous for its rain. I'm in California where it only rains 5 months out of the year at best. I guess I will have to put some more brain power into this.

[kshymkiw]

(02-28-2012 02:44 PM)agau121 Wrote:  Thanks brotherjohnf, although it's an easier problem to solve when you live in the Seattle area, which is famous for its rain. I'm in California where it only rains 5 months out of the year at best. I guess I will have to put some more brain power into this.

Rain buckets will keep you good. Should only take a few rains to fill up a few 55 gallon barrells. They also make bladders you can put in your BathTub, etc...

[PirateGimP]

The vast majority of the residents of First World countries are dependent on grid power to supply their water. When the grid goes
down for more than a few days, water towers will quickly be drained and huge numbers of people will be forced to draw water from
open sources. Thankfully, there are streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds within walking distance of most homes. Rainwater from roof
downspouts can also be used, but for many, especially in areas with only seasonal precipitation, the logistics of hauling water will be
a challenge.
Once you’ve found water, you will need to treat all that water, or face infection. Most families don’t own a water filter. Boiling water
is an option, but only if you have natural-gas, propane, or wood cooking stoves, since electric ranges don’t work without grid power.
Even folks with well water will face difficulties, unless you have a backup generator or a fully capable alternative energy system

Water from open sources must always be treated before use. Typical chlorine concentrations will kill bacteria but not all viruses, so I
recommend a three-step approach to treating water from open sources (however, keep in mind no filter system is 100 percent
effective at removing herbicides and pesticides. For that, you would need either a distillation or a reverse-osmosis system, which are
far more complex and have large power requirements):
Pre-filtering. This removes particulate matter. Pouring water though a couple of thicknesses of T-shirts or tightly woven bath towels
works fine. The water that comes through will still look like tea, but at least you will have removed the crud and larger particles. By prefiltering,
you will also extend the life of your water filter, because you’ll avoid clogging the microscopic pores in the filter media.
Chlorinating. This can be accomplished following the chlorine-concentration guidelines discussed on page 72.
Filtering. I recommend the large Katadyn or British Berkefeld filters. Some filter elements available for Katadyn and British Berkefeld
filters can even remove chlorine.

[Radd]

A breakdown in utilities can result in impurities in the water beyond any we are currently experiencing. I have a pool that I have covered and I intend on using this as a secondary supply in case of emergencies. I am a firm believer that floride is toxic, too much information to the contrary. We use non floride toothpaste and the BB filters the content in water. BE careful with iceberg lettuce contains a concentration of floride as it is primarily water. See Dr. Mercola site for info on the floride.

[blacksmithden]

Seriously, look at the Katadyn Pocket water filter. It's head and shoulders above other water filters....and it uses SILVER !!! Yea, it's a little hard to get over the $300 initial cost, but that is only until you read the specs on them and use one. Not that I'd want to try it, but I swear you could suck the stuff out of a septic tank and get clean water out of it.

[Brendon]

Berkey filters are used internationally by many aid organizations
and people working in 3rd world countries such as missionaries who
often have very limited or no access to safe drinking water.


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