Review of Big Berkey w/ 2 Black Berkey

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Big Berkey w/ 2 Black Berkey
By: Berkey Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 11
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Great tasting water

On: 2010-08-11

I purchased by Berkey for a couple of reasons, I wanted better tasting water, and living in hurricane country I wanted to ensure that emergency water I stored would be safe to drink. I believe I got exactly what I wanted. My city water isnt the best, it smells bad, and quite frankly it has a large chemical taste to it. So I havent drank tap water in years, because I have hated the way it tastes. Water from they Berkey filter tastes great, no chemical taste to it. I am considering canceling my spring water delivery. I like that annualized the price for water filtered through my berkey filtration system is a bargin when compared to my water delivery.

I havent yet tried putting water through that has been stored, I anticipate good results. The assemble took just a couple of minutes, but I was up and running in no time. I am looking forward to installing the flouride removing filters which I promptly purchased after trying my first batch of filtered water. This will filter about 3 gallons a day, which for me, works well for cooking and drinking. I am very happy with my purchase.

I did alot of research before buying the Big Berkey

On: 2010-08-07

I decided against distillation, since there are many cons with that process: it produces acidic water (I used to buy distilled water from the store until I started noticing my gums were getting itchy from it), and recaptures chemicals with lower boiling points than water. This was unacceptable to me since Californias municipal water sources are heavily chlorinated. Its so nasty, you can smell the chlorine coming out of the taps. I cant stand the taste or smell of it. I decided against reverse osmosis because of its costs and the amount of waste water it produces. After much research, I settled on a gravity based microfilter, and Big Berkey came with lots of recommendations.

So far, after nearly filtering 200 gallons, the Big Berkey is pulling all free chlorine out of the water. Here is a pic that demonstrates:

[...]

The water on the right is tap water mixed with a chlorine/bromine indicator solution. The color indicates that the tap water in Monterey, CA has more chlorine than a healthy swimming pool. YUCK! The water on the right is from the Big Berkey. The indicator solution shows there is no detectable chlorine! SWEET!

Berkey filter only removes larger particulates

On: 2010-08-04

The standard berkey filter removes only larger particulates and the black berkey elements are made of activated charcoal.

Berkey has published no evidence tthat their filter can remove viruses which are usually several orders of magnitude smaller than bacteria and parasites/cysts.

Berkey also has not published comprehensive test results such as are commonly provided for RO filters. I would guess the reason they have not published such information is that their filter, unlike RO units, is ineffective against most dissolved contaminants or even very small particulates such as viruses. The lack of any such published data of their filters efficacy is why they cannot be sold in California.

Berkey is essentially selling a filter that they do not provide comprehensive specs for and claim that a TDS meter will not quantify its efficacy. So, that leaves a typical user with no way to test the effectiveness of the Berkey filter. I certainly would not trust Berkey any more than I would a municipal water company, and probably much less since at least the water company publishes their test data.

Berkeys advertising material claims their filter is effective on a variety of contaminants, but they do not specify the test conditions (concentration of contaminants in the feed water among other things).

[...]

The test data they released from reputable labs only address a handful of contaminants (the substances that are the easiest to remove such as E. coli and chlorine--using the activated charcoal/black berkey elements)

[...]

Also, how does the Berkey filter distinguish between "healthful" and "unhealthful" minerals/metals/substances? What it comes down to is the Berkey filter will remove a portion of the substances that are attracted to activated charcoal if the black berkey option is used, and a portion of the substances attracted to alumina if the fluoride/arsenic option is used. If neither option is used, all it does is remove the larger particulates. (Its funny that a "minute" unquantified amount of aluminum compound (presumably mostly aluminum oxide otherwise known as alumina) introduced by their fluoride filter is harmless, but a minute amount of fluoride and other substances is a serious health hazard.)

There is no evidence the Berkey filter with or without the optional elements is superior to any RO system. Since Berkey does not provide comparable test data, we have no way of knowing with any certainty though basic chemistry and the data from a simple TDS meter strongly suggests the Berkey filter is not effective against dissolved contaminants.

Gets the Job Done

On: 2010-07-22

Purchased this product to replace PUR faucet filter and the weekly trips lugging home bottled water. The berkey does just what it is advertised to do - filters the water. We have very hard water that is full of chlorine and minerals. The berkey leaves us with clean natural tasting water. It leaves the minerals in but removes all the chemicals and bacteria left in by our municipal water company. The taste and water quality that we get from the berkey is very very good.

Our family of 4 now drinks more water because it "tastes good" and the water we get from the berkey satisfies our thirst. The berkey does not produce "reverse osmosis" clean water - but - it does not waste 2 gallons of water for each gallon it produces. Our family is very satisfied with the berkey and we are glad we purchased it.

What we learned so far in using the berkey - keep it close to the sink - you will be filling it up everyday because everyone will be drinking more water. Get in a routine to check the water level first thing in the morning and last thing at night. That way you can fill it up when needed. We have a sink sprayer so we just grab the sprayer hose - lift the top and fill er up when needed. The daily amount of water produced by this model of berkey is quite adequate for our familys needs (drinking, coffee, tea, cooking). One thing I noticed is that there appear to be two types of water spigots for the berkey - one that has a handle that turns right to left and another type of spigot that pulls down from the top. We have the spigot with the handle that turns from right to left. I wonder if the other spigot might be a better choice to get and use.

Good product - I would highly recommend as a simple, elegant solution for getting high quality drinking water.

Problem but we worked it through

On: 2010-04-16

Spigot leaked. Called company that sent the Berkey. Was sent a new spigot (which did not fit my Berkey) along with several washers. Spigot still leaked with new washers. Had nothing to lose so tried using just one washer instead of one inside and one outside. Works like a charm. Appreciated how company worked with me to resolve issue. I am very satisfied, especially now that I have the filters to remove fluoride (which company explained how to install).

Not as good as Britta or Zero filters.

On: 2010-03-18

We read all these spectacular reviews about this product, so purchased the Big Berkey with two Black Berkey filters for $250. It is a hansom system. We followed the instructions for setting it up to the letter. We measured the water from the tap and it read 324 on our electronic meter. The first cycle reading from the Big Berkey was 920, the second cycle the water read 674, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cycles the reading leveled out at 206. So it increased purity by only 1/3. We compared that to bottled distilled water which read 000, absolutely pure! We also compared it to our tap water filtered through the Britta filter system, which came in around 035, and the Zero water filter which, as its name implies, read 000; again, absolutely pure. Now the really bad news, the return. Understandably they wont take the Black Berkey filters back, who would want something that doesnt work? So thats $99, and they also deduct 15% for a restocking fee, so of the $250 purchase price, we get $128 back. So all the hype and advertising doesnt measure up. If it says it purifies water, it should do what it says, and the numbers just arent there. I think another important note is that the Big Berkey cannot be sold in California, and as I learned from another negative review, it is because it doesnt measure up to their purity standards. Well, it doesnt measure up to ours either, so if I have to take a 50% loss, so be it. Learn from our mistake.

Wish I had bought sooner.

On: 2010-03-10

This is the best item I have bought. The water in our area smells of chlorine and is not always rated the best. People around me all have spring water deliveries and I didnt want that extra monthly bill. Buying bottled water in the supermarket really seemed like a true waste of money since its treated water for the most part. I did a lot of research before I chose the Berkey and Im glad I did. This unit is the best! I fill it with tap water and I get pure crisp water for drinking and cooking. See demos on U-TUBE. My tea and coffee taste so much better, I was amazed at the difference. No more need to stock bottled water for emergencies (hurricanes etc). It will pay for itself in 5 months and then its FREE sailing.

Pure and precious-- stainless healthier than plastic

On: 2009-06-02

It was a huge treasure to discover this in 2007. It gives water thats taste doesnt compare-- so good! Having the water filter slowly and thoroughly is great and sufficient compared to the fast speed through faucet filters.

The stainless is a much better option for your health~ please read below.
In November 2007, we decided to get stainless, since I had just found info about the Lexan plastic {which is polycarbonate, plastic number 7} which releases the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA):

*mimics the bodys own hormones
*interferes with estrogen
*endocrine disruptor
A new study reveals that it also interferes with thyroid hormones.

I had decided to see what the Berkeys plastic was made from, since I had just researched and discovered what polycarbonate was and that my Starbucks water bottle was made of it. I immediately got rid of the bottle. This was a few months before the polycarbonate - BPA warnings came out widespread in the news in early 2008. Excess estrogen-mimic is shown to cause miscarriages. I had drank much from it and highly suspect it being the cause of 2 miscarriages I had in 2007. I did not have/use the polycarbonate bottle in my pregnancies in 2005/2006 or 2008, and I carried these 2 babies full term.

Heart-breaking way to find that I do not want to trust anything derived or in contact with chemicals or food additives/fortifiers.

Im so glad Im drinking from this and aware. Ive also read that plastic no. 1 {used for most water bottles} is found IN the water after months {Im curious about even sooner}.
Also BPA is in lining of canned foods.

I wanted to share this.. blessings of health to you!

test reviews

On: 2009-05-20

I just read the above post in which the writer asked if there were ever any tests done and what the results from them were, and although I did not personally go and check out the results myself, here is what was posted with the product information on the Berkey on one website (Pleasant Hill Grain):

The Black Berkey® filter formulation has been tested by State & EPA accredited laboratories to exceed EPA & ANSI/NSF (Std. 53) protocol. Click to see test results from the University of Arizona, Spectrum Labs and the LSU Department of Toxicology and Environmental Science.

You can go to Pleasanthillgrain.com or to the individual websites above to see for yourself if you are interested.

I would like FACTS not just testimonials

On: 2008-11-13

I purchased the Big Berkey a few months ago. Although I found it a bit awkward to use in the beginning, I now I find to operate and work "like a charm". Technical support is wonderful and its nice to have fresh clean water available at all times. I bought a water crock stand (oak) to support by Big Berkey so it does not have to rest at the edge of my kitchen countertop. MY BIG ISSUE? Has anyone performed any water tests on the Berkey filtered "before" and "after"????? I would like facts not just testimonials. I have performed the "red food coloring dye" test but I would like to know EXCACTLY the percentages of the contaminats "before" and "after".

This is the water filter of my dreams (and I'm PICKY)....!

On: 2008-10-28

I L O V E T H I S W A T E R F I L T E R . . . ! Gravity makes it work (no electrical cost and works during power outages), two black Berkey filters lasts a year if you purify 3 gallons a day. CHEAP! I have two PF-2 filters added to mine to filter out the fluoride added to our city tap water (and any arsenic).

I have a sense of peace and satisfaction I have never gotten from another product other than maybe my first car. (I have mostly retired my car do the cost.)

Buy one of these babies SOON because there is and is no doubt going to be a run on good water filters. Youll be glad you did. (And NO I dont sell them nor do I know anyone who does -- though I sure would like to sell them).