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There may come a time when you wish you had some Berkey water filter alternatives. Imagine: you're in the middle of a real SHTF situation, going overland on a fire road that you know will open up to a more navigable but still little-known dirt road.
You have a few extra gas tanks attached to the tailgate, but your family is with you. This meansyou needfresh and clean water, and a lot of it.
Your properly stored water at home will not help you here.
Let's say you come to a small wooden bridge. Good news, the creek under the bridge is a source of fresh water! But wait a minute. You don't know who's upstream or what they're doing upstream.
They might have showered with soaps and shampoos that you don't want to drink the residue from, or they might even have thrown garbage into the clear stream. And if there is oneorder to boil the wateryou do not even know?
That's when you need onewater filtration system. One that works in the capacity you need for you, your spouse, and a kid or two, and one that's affordable at the time you bought it, which hopefully was before the break, because after that, who knows?
Amazon probably won't deliver to GPS coordinates without an address attached, even by drone, and that's assuming you can stay in one place to wait for the two to three day shipping time.
So, as with most preparation situations, it's good to start preparing. And that means buying your water filtration system today. And yes,Berkeyis a household name in this business, but who else is out there? Can You Setup Your SHTF Water Filtration System Without Breaking the Bank?
Are you only paying for the Berkey name?
As American preps, we've been told about freedom of choice our entire lives. But is the choice between McDonald's and Burger King really freedom? Between Pepsi and Coca-Cola? No. It's just hamburgers and cola, respectively.
Nobody can say "great size" when the burgers you're cooking come from the venison you just killed that afternoon.
We are talking about survival. And in a survival situation, here at Homestead and Prepper we don't think you should pay extra money just for the prestige of a first name. what you mean,Berkeyit is not the whole, the end, only for the value of its name. There are several othersBerkey Water Filter Alternativeswho can claim similar results.
These other brands are the ones we will talk about here. Not only that, but also a move away from the idea that a water system must sit on a counter for a certain number of hours or days. Because moving away from the name is moving away from the concept. What if you need your Berkey water filtration alternatives to be mobile?
if you want stainless steel
If you feel confident that you'll have a post-collapse home, one with a kitchen with countertops, a stainless steel model might still be for you. An example of this is theProPur ProOne grande +.
This water filtration unit is similar to the Berkey but with a big discount from the base price of $219 to $278. This is a permanent system that has a long list of contaminants that it is capable of defeating to provide clean drinking water. .
The faucet is stainless steel too, in case you don't trust plastic to do that job. For Berkey water filtration alternatives, you could do a lot worse.
However, you would be sacrificing easy mobility. No one wants to lug a twenty-pound, two-foot tall water system from one location to another in the case of an SHTF situation when you haveI have to go.
So mobility. In this hypothetical SHTF situation, you must be mobile. There are no countertops to place a stainless steel scrubber on and wait for it to do its job. You're on the run, whether it's from rootless hipsters who want your resources or zombies. May occur.
Therefore, other materials must be questioned. In honor of that eventuality, here are two portable fabric-based filtration systems: Xpor and Lifestraw.
thread of life
As advertised on their website, LifeStraw offers a portable, BPA-free filtration system that costs around $120. What do you get for the money?
Well, let's start with a virus, bacteria and microplastics removal rate of 99.99% or greater, the latter being a serious concern today when you can practically walk from Los Angeles to Hawaii on the ocean's drifting garbage island.
So let's say you have a LifeStraw Mission filter, it works, it's mobile, and you hang it from a broken or sawn off tree branch and feed water from that aforementioned creek. It achieves a filtration rate of 3.1 gallons per hour, enough to provide a small group with ready-to-cook potable water.
And the filter that comes with the unit should provide up to4,755 gallonsbefore needing replacement. Have you heard of kidney dialysis, the medical procedure that removes foreign agents from the bloodstream?
HeLifeStraw water filtration systemIt works on a similar principle: Dirty water passes through membranes that allow only molecules 0.2 microns in diameter to pass through, blocking the vast majority of anything that could make you sick.
Add that to the benefit of the unit being collapsible and much lighter than a bench top stainless steel filter and you have a definite bang for your buck.
xpose
HeFUNANGO Xporit's a unit made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coated nylon, with a flow rate of up to one liter (about a quart) per minute, with comfortable backpack straps and a shower head in case you need to shower. And it will be. Ask a homeless person what he misses the most and the answer will be: "A hot bath anytime".
And if you're mobile in a SHTF situation because you had to leave your home, you're technically homeless. You'll likely find the Xpor unit even thinner than the LifeStraw, with only a 0.1 micron aperture in the filter. That means pure, particle-free water for drinking, cooking and bathing.
the rest of the pack
A cursory Amazon search will reveal several other contenders in the water filtration category such askatadyn,Epic, and more. The main thing is to calculate how your money will be spent in terms of impurities removed, flow rate and considerations such as portability.
If you do your homework, you can walk away with a highly effective system that will help keep your family alive in a post-breakdown situation.
For a basic comparison, see the chart below:
| Product link and purchase | filter rate | virus reduction | gallons for life |
| Grande Berkey | 3.75 gallons per hour | 99,999% | 6.000 |
| ProOne Big+ | (not included in the listing) | (not included in the listing) | 6 months with 4 users |
| Canudo da Vida Mission | 3.1 gallons per hour | 99,999% | 4.755 |
| FUNANGO Xpor waterproof bag | 15.8 gallons per hour | (not included in the listing) | 792 |
Which Berkey Water Filter Alternatives Are Sold Out?
Yes, it's a fact; Manufacturers and distributors of high quality water filtration systems are not known for always being in stock.
I recommend using this article and your own research to find the ideal filtration system, try placing an order, and if it's out of stock, choose your second option. It's sort of a function of your level of SHTF paranoia.
If you are afraid that the whole system will fail tomorrow, then yes, go ahead and order what is in stock.
But if you have a little faith in the system and you want what you want, wait for the restock and get your number one pick. What matters to us here at Homestead and Prepper is that you end up equipped and prepared.
Have you ever gone through the challenge of choosing water filtration? Something to share? By all means, post in the comments below. In the meantime, here's the pristine H20 for you and your family.
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FAQs
What water filters are as good as Berkey? ›
According to the lab test results, the Alexapure is pretty much on par with Berkey and ProOne. It does a great job removing most contaminants, including fluoride and radioactive substances.
Which is the best water purifier in low budget? ›| Brand | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TATA | TATA Swach Cristella Advance Blue Water Purifier | Rs.2,496 |
| KENT | KENT Gold Gravity Water Purifier | Rs.2,650 |
| Kinsco | Kinsco Genuine Aqua Laser Water Purifier | Rs.4,799 |
| Aquaguard | Sure From Aquaguard Crown UV Water Purifier | Rs.4,999 |
The Bottom Line. The results of our comparison between the Alexapure pro vs Berkey water filter show that out of the two, the Big Berkey is the best water filter overall. The Big Berkey outcompetes the Alexpure Pro in terms of filtration capability, filter lifespan, and overall costs.
Why are Berkey water filters so expensive? ›This is because they're made of stainless steel and other high-quality materials. The filters themselves, the company says, are made of more than six different materials including high-grade coconut shell carbon. In addition, the high cost of independent testing for water purification may add to the price.
Can you use other filters in Berkey? ›You cannot combine different types of filtration elements in one chamber. In other words, if you have 2 Black Berkey purification filters in the upper chamber and you'd like to expand to 4, you cannot add two Ceramic filters to the mix. You would need to add 2 addt'l Black Berkey filters.
Which water filter removes the most toxins? ›Reverse osmosis systems are some of the best options for your water. The Reverse osmosis system in the 4 stage design is a design that will help you remove the maximum number of contaminants from your water.
What is the cheapest and safest method of water purification? ›Boiling water is the cheapest and safest method of water purification.
What water filtration system does NASA use? ›Two principal components make up the space station's regenerative ECLSS: The Water Recovery System (WRS) and the Oxygen Generation System (OGS). The WRS conducts the water purification and filtration process in the ECLSS. WSC licensed this technology to adapt it to an Earth-based water treatment system.
Which is the No 1 water purifier? ›| S.No. | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AO Smith Z9 Hot+ Normal RO, 10 L | Rs. 24,499 |
| 2 | Sure From Aquaguard Delight NXT RO+UV+Taste Adjuster(MTDS) | Rs. 8,767 |
| 3 | Livpure GLO PRO++ RO+UV+UF+ Taste Enhancer, Water Purifier for Home | Rs. 8,199 |
| 4 | AquaSure From Aquaguard Amaze RO+UV+MTDS | Rs. 8,999 |
KENT Zero Water Wastage Technology ensures that no water is wasted. The RO purifiers not only give you pure water but also ensure that rejected water is recirculated to the overhead tank with an internal pump resulting in Zero Water Wastage.
Are cheap water filters safe? ›
This certification guarantees that you are purchasing filters that reduce the right amount of chlorine and chemicals, and aren't exposing your loved ones to potential health risks. Cheap fridge filters can contain harmful chemicals that can leak into the water and cause major health problems.
Which is better Berkey or propur? ›Fast flow rate — Berkey's flow rate significantly outperforms the Propur. Longer filter lifespan — When comparing the Big Berkey vs Propur Big+, a Berkey fitted with 2 x Black Berkey filter elements will last longer (approximately 4 years), and will purify 6000 gallons of water before they will need to be replaced.
Why is Berkey not certified? ›Berkey Water Filters do not have NSF/ANSI certification for two main reasons. First, the independent lab tests we have, test for far more contaminants than the applicable NSF/ANSI certifications. Secondly, the fees for NSF/ANSI certifications are very cost-prohibitive for what is being tested.
What does Berkey not remove? ›Berkey removes >95% of nitrites but does not remove nitrates. If you filter water with a Berkey >99.9% of all toxic herbicides and pesticides will be removed. Berkey reduces petroleum pollutants (including crude oil, diesel, gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, and refined oil) by more than 99.9%.
Why does my Berkey water smell bad? ›If your water smells bad, it is a good indicator that something is amiss. One common symptom of water contamination is water that smells of rotten eggs. This foul odor is either caused by bacteria present in the water or by dissolved hydrogen sulfide.
Does a Berkey remove viruses? ›The Black Berkey Purification Elements can be classified as water purifiers because they remove 99.9999999% of pathogenic bacteria and 99.999% of viruses, which greatly exceeds the standard.
Which water filter pitcher removes the most contaminants? ›1. Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher, $110. The Clearly Filtered water pitcher is Campbell's top recommendation. “The Clearly Filtered pitcher has been tested to NSF standards 42, 53, 244, 401 and 473 to be capable of removing a whopping 365 contaminants,” Campbell said.
Can Berkey filters get mold? ›Mould is never a good thing to find, especially in your Berkey water filter® System. Remove the Black Berkey ® Purification elements and scrub them with an abrasive pad or toothbrush. Reprime the elements to flush out any old water.
Can you put tap water in a Berkey? ›Yes, however, how your water is treated is important.
Can you wash and reuse Berkey filters? ›The filters used in the system are not single-use disposable. These filters last extensively longer than other filter systems and have the ability to be cleaned. Instead of tossing a dirty filter, Berkey filters can be scrubbed and continuously used.
Which water filter removes bacteria and viruses? ›
Ultrafiltration removes bacteria and viruses.
Ultrafiltration membrane technology is the latest and greatest in water purification for removing bacteria and viruses. It purifies and disinfects water to produce great-tasting water that is safe to use and drink.
Water filters do not effectively remove viruses. Viruses are too small to be ensnared by filters, with the exception of ultrafiltration. However, even ultrafiltration should be used in conjunction with another water treatment system.
What is the most popular water filtration system? ›The most popular systems include activated carbon, reverse osmosis, mixed media, and UV filters. However, most systems use a combination of these methods for optimal filtration.
What are best technology to purify water? ›Reverse Osmosis (RO Water Purifiers)
This is the most widely used method to purify water. Membrane technology is used, which removes dissolved salts, bacteria and other impurities from the water.
Rainwater is unlike the rest as it comes from a natural source void of groundwater contamination. Rainwater is sourced from the clouds and never touches the ground. This makes this type of water the purest water available on the planet.
Which water purifier retains minerals best? ›Pureit advanced pro mineral RO + UV water purifier is the best mineral water purifier. It adds essential minerals like Calcium and Magnesium to RO purified water. It has 6 stages of RO+UV purification to remove harmful viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals.
What is the greatest purifier? ›Best Overall - Mi Air Purifier 3 with True HEPA Filter and Smart App Connectivity. The Mi Air Purifier 3 is an Amazon bestseller that is usually available under Rs. 10,000 in India and has a powerful HEPA filtration efficiency of removing up to 99.97% germs, allergens, airborne viruses, pollutants, etc.
What is the healthiest way to filter tap water? ›What's the best way to filter water? Most agree that the best way to filter water is through reverse osmosis, which sends the water through a semipermeable membrane to separate ions and unwanted particles from drinking water.
What are the disadvantages of water filters? ›- Speaking of cost, initial installation is more expensive than other filtration methods. ...
- You can't pick and choose what gets filtered. ...
- Fluoride and your teeth: If you choose a whole house water filtration system that removes ALL chemicals, you will also be removing fluoride.
While the purifier has numerous advantages, it wastes water due to its membrane technology, which necessitates the use of additional water to clean the filter, which is then discarded.
Which water filters remove bacteria? ›
Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing protozoa (for example, Cryptosporidium, Giardia); Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing bacteria (for example, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E.
Is boiling tap water the same as filtering? ›To purify water through boiling — you'll need to wait several minutes for the water to boil, then allow it to cool unless you're willing to drink it hot. Furthermore, boiling water does not kill all bacteria or remove chemicals present in tap water, the only way to safely do so is by using a water filter.
What is the safest way to drink water? ›Boil. If you don't have safe bottled water, you should boil your water to make it safe to drink. Boiling is the surest method to kill disease-causing germs, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.
Does Berkey remove estrogen? ›Quick Answer: Yes, the Berkey water filter equipped with the standard black berkey filters WILL remove pharmaceuticals drugs and hormones that are found in the drinking water.
How many months does a Berkey filter last? ›A: Under normal conditions, we recommend that each set of two PF-2 filters be replaced after approx. 1,000 gallons. If you have a two-filter Big Berkey and use 5 gallons of water per day, then PF-2 filters should be replaced after (1,000/5), or 200 days, they should be replaced about every 6 months.
Are Berkey water filters made in China? ›The black Berkey filters are made in the USA. The stainless steel housings are assembled from US parts and imported parts. None of the parts are made in China.
Why are Berkey filters not allowed in California? ›Now you have the answer as to why Berkey water filters are banned in California. It is mainly because of the no-lead law, which prohibits the sale of non-tested and non-certified water filters.
Does Berkey remove forever chemicals? ›The short answer is Yes! PFAS's fall under the category of PFC's - Perfluorinated Chemicals. PFOA, PFOS, etc. The Black Berkey elements that come standard with our Berkey water do remove these contaminants by over 99.9%.
Is Berkey better than reverse osmosis? ›Most test results and comparison sites do recommend Berkey Filters as No1 filter system on the market today so Yes we recommend Berkey filters instead of Reverse osmosis as the Berkey gives you a perfectly clean and pure drinking water without taking any good minerals out.
Does Berkey remove E coli? ›Coli. One of these water purifiers is the Berkey water filter. With the ability to remove E. coli bacteria to a log 7 degree, or 99.99999%, the Berkey water will render contaminated drinking water safe to drink.
Which is better Berkey or Alexapure? ›
The Bottom Line. The results of our comparison between the Alexapure pro vs Berkey water filter show that out of the two, the Big Berkey is the best water filter overall. The Big Berkey outcompetes the Alexpure Pro in terms of filtration capability, filter lifespan, and overall costs.
What are the black particles in Berkey water? ›They are not bacteria, but rather an effect that sometimes happens with hard (heavily mineralized) water. When water is filtered through your system, the Black Berkey filter elements actually increase the PH (alkalinity) of the water.
Is reverse osmosis better than Berkey? ›Most test results and comparison sites do recommend Berkey Filters as No1 filter system on the market today so Yes we recommend Berkey filters instead of Reverse osmosis as the Berkey gives you a perfectly clean and pure drinking water without taking any good minerals out.
Which shower filter is better aquasana or Berkey? ›Aquasana does boast the ability to filter microbial cysts, while Berkey does not make that claim. But consider: Berkey removes 99.9999999% of all bacteria. And the two species of microbial cyst that Aquasana claims to remove are Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which vary in size from 4 to 10 microns.
Is Berkey better than ZeroWater? ›Conclusion. Due to the long filter lifespan, the potential to save money over time, the 232 contaminants removed, and the lifetime warranty, we believe that the Big Berkey is the better gravity countertop filter over the ZeroWater 40-Cup Dispenser.
Does Berkey remove viruses? ›The Black Berkey Purification Elements can be classified as water purifiers because they remove 99.9999999% of pathogenic bacteria and 99.999% of viruses, which greatly exceeds the standard.
Why don't they sell Berkey water filters in California? ›Berkey Systems for California
Due to California state laws, Berkey distributors are prohibited from selling larger Berkey water filtration systems directly in the state of California. If you live in California, consider these smaller water filters by Berkey.
Can you use Berkey water in a Neti Pot? Yes! The filters are small enough to get out amoebas that are cause for concern for Neti users.
Which company water filter is best? ›- Eureka forbes Aquasure From Aquaguard Amaze Ro+Uv+Mtds 7L Water Purifier.
- HUL Pureit RO water purifier.
- Havells Digi Touch Alkaline Water Purifier.
- AO Smith Z8 Hot+ Normal RO Water Purifier.
- HUL Pureit Eco Water Saver Mineral RO+UV+MF AS wall mounted/Counter top Black 10L Water Purifier.
Winner: Berkey Water Filter
Based on the categories discussed below, Berkey is a far superior product to Brita and will save you money in the long run. Although Brita is more portable and has a lower up-front cost, you'll spend much more per gallon using Brita, and will only reduce contaminants not eliminate them.
What is the difference between white and Black Berkey filters? ›
Take note of these Super Sterasyl Filters, or the White Filters works on PF-4 to remove Fluoride while Black Filters works with PF-2 eliminating the same chemical element. A pair of the Black Berkey filters are assessed by the producer to keep going for approximately 6,000 gallons of water.
Does Berkey remove algae? ›Black Berkey® Water Filters remove 99.97% of microcystis algae (log 3.5).
How long will a Berkey water filter last? ›Black Berkey water filters last for more than 10 years.
Each durable and efficient filter will last for up to 11,350 liters (22,700 liters per set of two) and provide you with years of efficient water purification. For instance; If you were to use 38 liters per week, this is equivalent to 600 weeks.