Emergency Preparedness Journal

Big Berkey Water Filter: In-Depth Analysis and Review

big berkey water filter

Berkey filters reduce waste caused by purchasing and disposing of plastic water bottles, while saving money over time compared to store-bought filter systems.

Black Berkey elements can filter up to 6,000 gallons per pair depending on the level of contamination in your drinking water, and can remove fluoride, arsenic and other heavy metals from it.

Easy to Assemble

The Berkey system offers a great alternative to bottled water, saving both money and waste from disposable plastic bottles. Plus, no installation or connection to water lines is required, making it simple and accessible whether at home, camping, in emergencies, or abroad.

Before using your berkey system, it’s essential that the filters be primed – this process forces air out while simultaneously allowing water to enter through. Doing this before making use of your system could potentially save it from becoming damaged from having too much brackish or salt water fill it up its elemental spaces.

Begin by setting the assembled top chamber upside-down on your countertop, with its threaded ends protruding. Secure the fluoride filter onto the black filter stem by turning it eight full revolutions; any remaining holes can be filled using blocking plugs that come with your kit.

Portable

The Big Berkey can hold up to four black Berkey elements (two are included), though fewer filters work just as effectively. Its filtration system removes pathogenic bacteria, cysts, parasites as well as potentially harmful chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, VOCs organic solvents radon 222 trihalomethanes as well as reduces nitrates nitrites unhealthy minerals such as lead mercury etc.

These features make the product an excellent option for people who spend a great deal of time outdoors or traveling on missions abroad, or families with young children more prone to waterborne illness.

Your Berkey can easily be tested to make sure it’s functioning as designed by adding one teaspoon of red food coloring per gallon of water and pouring it through its filter. If any red appears at the bottom of your container, your filters are working as they should. In addition, Berkey offers add-ons like water view spigots that allow you to easily check water level levels.

Economical

Berkey systems can effectively remove pathogenic bacteria, parasites, unhealthy minerals, cysts and chlorine as well as chloramines, disinfection byproducts and nitrates from water sources, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, families with young children and people living off-grid or planning for emergencies.

Big Berkey water filters are also extremely cost-effective; two Black filters in a Big Berkey can purify up to 6,000 gallons before needing replacement, at approximately $0.40 per gallon of filtered water produced, far cheaper than what bottled water costs.

Test the filters regularly to save money with your Berkey by conducting regular filters tests to make sure they’re still operating as intended. One way is to add one teaspoon of red food coloring per gallon of water; if any red comes through, replace your filters immediately. PF-2 fluoride filters (available separately) may also need replacing, although their refill needs require frequent attention and they’re less portable than Black filters.

Long-Lasting

The Big Berkey system removes pathogenic bacteria, cysts and parasites as well as harmful chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOC), organic solvents (OS), trihalomethanes and heavy metals such as Radon 222. Furthermore, it reduces nitrates/nitrites levels as well as unhealthy minerals like lead/mercury levels to provide safe drinking water for its users.

Filters typically last around 6000 gallons or more and replacement elements are easy to find and inexpensive – making the system cost-effective even if used daily or for emergency preparedness or camping purposes.

Contrary to other counter top gravity filters, the Big Berkey doesn’t reduce its flow rate when water levels in its upper chamber decrease – which makes it ideal for busy families or large gatherings with fluctuating needs or gatherings. You can purchase a tall sight glass between its lower chamber and spigot so you can easily see how much water remains – this extra purchase does make an impactful difference in filtration process!


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