Berkey Water Filter EPA Ban? Can You Make Your Own? Alternatives?

[@joelmarcy8027]

If the EPA is trying to get rid of something, make sure you go out and stock up on it. If they say bad you should hear incredibly wonderful. If they say good, healthy, safe, use it run like hell from it. Your welcome.

[@Schimelpfenig-zp7ou]

Agree! I know its not the EPA but look at the food pyramid!

[@Leesborough99999]

Damn... I can't find the filters anywhere!!!!!!!!!!

[@Schimelpfenig-zp7ou]

@@Leesborough99999 BOROUX was created by the Berkey employees who left after the company was sued. Looks like they created a new company and have filters you can use.

[@MyCabinLife]

​@@Leesborough99999I haven't been able to either. I've had my berkey for a few years now (probably longer) and I absolutely love it! I use it for drinking cooking and canning. I would like to put back a set of filters.

[@dianaschroeder6774]

I've bought 3 Berkeys over the last 10 years. Love them.

[@nativeceltbirdog1527]

I've used my berky for 15 months now...and I love it! Taste is so good!! And I've used rain water 💧... as well as tap. I'm fine.

[@ronbrink5749]

You are so right on. I love what California has done with gas cans. In order to prevent spilling a few drops of gas the government has given us a can almost impossible to use that causes people to spill a lot of gasoline. What a blessing to have the government to help us. They are such good problem solvers.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

lol. Yep. Their fixes make everything worse for sure.

[@PowderMill]

Government = is why I have to flush MULTIPLE times and have garbage bags full of CFL (mercury vapor filled compact fluorescent lightbulbs) that need special hazard testing by our sanitation department before they will cart them all away. (Went with LED bulbs)

[@ericaulbach]

I just buy the old school simple spout online to replace the Rube Goldberg spouts.

[@LisaMitchell-f8e]

I just used mine a half dozen times and the clip broke. Problem solved. 😊

[@marcushoward6560]

No kidding. I've spilled SO MUCH more gas than I ever did with the older, superior spouts.

[@pattiannepascual]

I don't trust the EPA or any other agency,especially lately.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

True

[@PowderMill]

Shut up, put your mask on - and double up for “science”. When you are done, immediately get a booster or two. Hail to Science and “Doctor” Fauci. 🤣

[@PowderMill]

Shut up and double mask ! + Don’t forget about booster shots 12 and 13… 🤔😉🇺🇸

[@pattiannepascual]

@@PowderMill 🤣 proud pureblood here.

[@steveshooter9010]

@@PowderMill LOL

[@nancystrickland1623]

I have used my berkey since 2016. I will stick with my berkey. Thanks for covering this!!

[@rphawx]

I’ve used and love my Berkey for the last 4 years. Filters are expensive but well worth it. I did the research for the safety of my family years ago and Berkey was, in my opinion also, the best. I will continue using it and recommend it to anyone looking for the best.

[@4tressfortified]

I love the Texas spirit in Berkey! They won't give in and they refuse to compromise their product's integrity!!!

[@gsftom]

I went down the rabbit hole of water filtration a few years ago. In the end, u can’t confirm very much and have to trust someone. I bought a Berkey and would do the same again today for all of the reasons that u mentioned. Thanks for making this video. I agree with everything that u said in yr video.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I appreciate it. Thank you.

[@musicisbrilliant]

Very well said. Money is the reason we cant trust what anyone is saying about anything anymore, especially on this topic. Its just sad, and frustrating. Im sticking with my berkey too.

[@PowderMill]

Excellent analysis. I’m going to keep our Berkey in service. We’ve had the Regal model and have gone through 4x pairs of “black” filters in the past 12 or so years. The only 3 problems? 1 - you cannot see the water level without opening the filter. Fixed with a stainless/chrome plated replacement valve assembly with glass column. 2. “Priming” … enough said. 3. We have EXTREMELY “hard” municipal water (in NJ, so it smells like crap but is supposed to be acceptable) In the lower chamber, after filtering for a few months (3 people in our home) , the interior is WHITE. Apparently coated with minerals. I use CLR to dissolve everything during quarterly cleaning. It strips everything out in a few minutes with no “elbow grease”. So, I’m guessing the “black” filters allow for pass thru of minerals? Thanks for this video. The wife has been concerned.

[@sensisio]

Don't understand why B would not take the government iniated test like all the other brands...

[@AmberGarrett-py6ry]

When my well water got low, I ended up with diarrhea until I stopped drinking water from this water filter system. Had to buy water until the water in my well rose back to a higher level. Whatever the problem was, this system didn't take care of the contamination. You had some good information on boiling water that I didn't know. Thank you.

[@dawgonefundaycareandboardi7813]

We have the Berkey Crown. We go through 6 gallons of water every 4 days using our Berkey. We use it for making coffee and cooking with to feeding our sourdough starter and fermenting. When we heard about the EPA lawsuit we started buying the filters. You can also clean the filters. Berkey has a KZbin video explaining how to clean them. Berkey also recommends to buy filters from Berkefeld which is a British company that Berkey hooked up with in the beginning.

[@Leesborough99999]

Do you remember what filters Berkey is recommending????????

[@dawgonefundaycareandboardi7813]

@@Leesborough99999 it’s the Berkefeld ceramic filters. Berkey says if you use the Bourox (spelling) filter it will void your berkey warranty.

[@jimoray3]

Thank you for your content. I have a Berkey Royal and it’s phenomenal. Lawsuits are bogus as I’ve seen the guy’s complaint on KZbin and he has zero credibility.

[@joypolk3093]

We’ve been using our Berkey for about 4 yrs, love it! What’s surprising is when we wash it out every 4-5 weeks, that the city tap water we filter through it…is so dirty! The color as I scrub the filters is a medium to dark brown tea color. That’s from city water. So yes, I’ll keep using our Berkey‼️🤗

[@Emerald_Acre_OH]

I’ve heard good things about Berky. Good job on the presentation. My family has used Katadyn fpr decades. Filters look alike (to me). Both have2had excellent reviews.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Cool

[@elisaturse4777]

My RO system adds electrolytes back into the water. You can also add a pinch of real salt or Himalayan salt in your glass. RO water is fantastic.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

That’s good. What do you do if you can’t buy the minerals or don’t have electricity?

[@Capoe3]

@@CountryLivingExperience have an RO as well. The minerals aren’t a requirement to run the filter and can be bought and stored like the filters. Have both berkey and RO filters. Unless someone uses a EMP solar and wind backups will power the RO.

[@Leonidimus59]

​@@CountryLivingExperience Many RO systems don't need electricity, they operate off water pressure. I'm very happy with mine. I used a Berkey but an under sink RO system is more convenient. From the preparedness perspective there is no difference between a gravity fed system and a multi stage RO - you still need to stockpile filters. The cost is comparable. A year supply for my RO is $70. I'd recommend an RO system with standard size filters 2.5x10" - they're ubiquitous and you can shop around. My Berkey is the backup now and is resting in the basement.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@Leonidimus59 Glad you are happy with it but you still need electricity to run a pump that creates the proper amount of water pressure to push the water through the RO system. In my opinion from a preparedness perspective, there is a huge difference between the two since one is passive (Berkey) and the other is active requiring power input of some sort. Off-grid or in an emergency only one can be used. The cost seems comparable. Is that $70 for the minerals that you have to add back to the water? What about the electricity cost?

[@Leonidimus59]

​@@CountryLivingExperience I agree that a passive filter is great for emergencies. However, for normal operation an RO is better. Even in my rural house with a well we still have water pressure during blackouts. We just have to run the generator which powers lights, jet pump, heat pumps. I mean, you have to have water pressure even in an off-grid house, or else your quality of life is really low. So, it's $72 annual cost for both 6 month and 12 month filter sets, membrane and mineral cartridges. I suspect they can go longer than 12 month. I use Neo-Pure 50 GPD from Fresh Water Systems. The whole set is $300 plus an air-gap faucet of your choice ($20-50).

[@Rebecca-oz9fu]

Thank you for your review. It’s really good to hear somebody trying to be objective and giving a good synopsis of their own experiences. I do appreciate that.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I appreciate it. Thank you

[@johnleca]

I live in Philadelphia and my house was built in 1920. About 4 years ago the water line started leaking and had it replaced. It was all lead from the street coming into the cellar. Recently I have noticed the taste of chlorine pretty strongly to the point that I will now start to filter my potable water. Not big on plastic bottles. I have a brand new Berkey sitting aside also. Using alexapure for now. Good video, thanks.

[@Carla16911]

I have used my Berkey for 13 years now, using city water for 10 years and well water for 3 years as my water to be filtered. It has worked very well, and I am very happy with it.

[@TurnThePage7800]

Thank you for the LDS Prepper store lead, I just ordered one because of your info. TY, again.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re welcome

[@highland8375]

I've had my Berkey for about 3 years. Probably one of the single best things I've bought that has helped my health. We had the best rural water until it got bought out by a private company in that time framr. I drank pretty much nothing but tap water as sometimes bottled water burns my throat. Don't know why but I feel it sometimes. The tap water when the rural co-op changed started making my stomach queasy. Pain and irregularities. I don't know what is in the berkey filter, all I know is once I started using it, my stomach quit hurting all the time and my skin cleared up tremendously. Maybe it's all in my head but I will keep putting tap water through it. I take the dang thing on vacations now so when I carry it into a hotel room, people just stare at me, but I feel great. Haha

[@chuckellis3683]

I’ve had a Berkey for the last 6 years and swear by them. I trust them and will continue to use their products.

[@billywills4391]

We've used a Berkey for so many years I've forgotten when we bought it. Our supplied water is discolored, smells, and tastes bad. That's why we bought a Berkey. Now, we enjoy the best water imaginable, thanks to Berkey.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Awesome

[@TurnThePage7800]

If your water is that bad, what do you use as bathing water?

[@kerryshultz9766]

I use charcoal sticks I buy from a whole food store here in Australia called Scoop. I am glad they work without losing the important electrolytes. I shared your video with a few here. No reverse osmosis 👌. Thank you👏

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You're welcome.

[@VerifiedToday]

I have been using my Berkey for about 7 years. Water from the tap, first through a Zero Water filter and then through my Berkey. I am comfortable with my system. I moved out to rural North Florida for a reason on a lake. We have water from the water company, a well, and the lake 100 yards from my back door. I also store water. Water is the most important prep!

[@janechanning984]

😮😂❤

[@mondavou9408]

I bought mine used, then immediately replaced the two filters, and added two more. I live alone and have used it daily seven years. I have done blind water tasting comparisons with folks a few times. Of a sample size of approximately 30 people, it has never won on taste/flavor of the water. Still, I like it, its cheap to operate, and I can process a lot of water each day if I need it. I refer to it as my daily driver.

[@lindaferguson593]

I hear you can clean out the used filters to reuse. Look it up.

[@mondavou9408]

@@lindaferguson593 Thanks. I'll check it out.

[@lloyd359]

The fact the competition and possible elements in the gubment want them off the market is testament to the quality.

[@user-ms7um1ge5j]

I ordered an extra filter drain hole plug with my filter. I use only one filter, sufficient for one person, maybe two. I only installed one filter, I have a new spare for future years. You should look into sand filters, used in other parts of the world. Make it your self. Cheap.

[@steveshooter9010]

I use only one filter and installed it a food grade plastic bucket with another beneath ....$2 plus the cost of the filter makes a great filter system for someone who can't afford to pay for the beautiful stainless steel one.

[@larrycutting4514]

Silver is used to treat burns in burn units to kill any negative bacteria. Thus cleans the water too

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Exactly.

[@babyroot3479]

We ❤ our Berkey water system.

[@joes9545]

Lot of people complaining about Berkey are just repeating what they have read online. Best way to determine if they work is to have your own water tested. Period. I am not sure if Berkey will recover from current events but hope they do. I am wondering if replacing with Doulton aka British Berkefeld ceramic / charcoal filters would be the best option. I believe they fit the Berkey containers.

[@jcr5797]

We have had our Berkey for almost five years now. It has worked great. I back wash the filters 3-4 times a year. We put through 1.5 gallons everyday. I also have two whole house filters on the water coming into the house. The first one is a sediment filter which gets replaced every month and the second is a carbon filter to remove as much of the chlorine as it can. This also helps the hot water heater, dishwasher, and washer, as well as the sinks and toilet stains. I find it interesting that Mike Adams did not find any heavy metals, even silver, coming out of the filtered water, even with his sophisticated lab.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

How do you backwash yours?

[@jcr5797]

@@CountryLivingExperience the company sends you a couple of washers that go around the tube end of the filter. You press some kind of water hose against this which pushes water the opposite direction of the normal flow of the filter. I use the kitchen faucet by disconnecting the head or the sprayer. I just created a hose using one that hooks up to the water supply of a faucet like mind where the head is on a hose itself that makes it moveable. The end connecting to the filter needs an adapter that you can get from a hardware store. This is the same process used to activate the filters. I notice the filters work faster after the backwash. Which makes sense since it is pushing anything stuck on the outside of the filter off.

[@TraumaChaplain]

Since you're a researcher, look up Andrew Norton Weber and his work on distilled water. So the principal of drinking distilled or reverse osmosis water is correct however primarily it removes inorganic and not organic minerals. In any case, you can supplement with fulvic acid or pink Himalayan salt which has 60 plus Trace minerals. Inorganic minerals settle into your joints and places they cannot be used by the body. So part of that issue is not only the water or like in Florida where there is high limestone but also with cheap vitamins that are ground up rock

[@brackguthrie9470]

You do not need to add anything to the water...especially salt. We get plenty of electrolytes from food.

[@dougmaverick3287]

The EPA has banned the sale of black Berkey filters in Canada. Does anyone know if Berkey is currently working to resolve this issue, and get their filters back on the market? I've used by Berkey for 15 years now without any complaints What do you suggest we get as a substitute for the black Berkey filter elements?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Berkey is out of business now. I did a video on a Berkey filter replacement here.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKKQcmerpd2neMk

[@Bill-fx8gq]

great video, I have been using a Berky for over 5 years, very happy with it

[@hermajones-trought2527]

I am from Jamaica. Don't have the Berkley filter and even if it is here l won't be able to afford. I am having financial difficulties right now.But trusting God to see me through. I already see Him at work

[@donnablue5348]

I love my Berkey. Serves well after hurricanes and ice storms. I don't trust the giverment, that's why I have a Berkey. Self reliant people are less controllable controllable

[@caralyn-ca-5016]

It’s not a govt ban. It’s a wefer ban. We aren’t stupid.

[@asahearts1]

wefer? Do you mean WEF?

[@flatout5815]

Many years ago the pres of nestle spoke of how water shouldn't be free.

[@caralyn-ca-5016]

@@asahearts1 yes WEF. I call them wefers

[@steveshooter9010]

If the government can't control it...they are very upset.

[@steveshooter9010]

@@caralyn-ca-5016 Water Enforcement Fools?

[@amsohn1]

We have a RO system with a remineralized process at the end... we also test it. We also have a back up system We built. Thanks for sharing Blessings ❤

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Cool. I had not heard of the remineralizing systems. Does that require purchasing mineral packs?

[@amsohn1]

@@CountryLivingExperience it came with ours, and we have an extra cartridge and change it out about every 2 years, some last up to 5 years.

[@musicisbrilliant]

That is awesome. What do you use to remineralize the water?

[@musicisbrilliant]

Can you link me to which RO system you are using? It sounds interesting...@@amsohn1

[@One-Day-After-Another]

I have an RO countertop system and I put drops it to remineralize....

[@davidgreenwood6029]

To me, the very best solution seems to be distilled water, and it seems like if a solar oven is a thing, a solar still could be too, we have all seen the sun create evaporation and condensation very effectively. Yet no one seems to make one. I have idly been brainstorming design ideas for a while, and might make my own, but a premade model would be great.

[@BrentB-Ohio]

I love my Berkey filter, I’ve used it for over 14 years. I even have the fluoride filters. Sad with what is going on with the EPA, I don’t know where I’ll get my next set of replacement filters.

[@danielleciccarelli7977]

have you figured out which replacement filters to use?

[@daisysolis5474]

Love this public service you provide! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@HeatherB-z5b]

I have a Berkey for 3 years and I love mine.

[@randysmith3990]

When looking for a water filter, everybody needs to be extra careful because most companies are showing test results for their gravity fed filters (e.g., ceramic filters ) using standard 42 and not standard 53. Standard 42 is only a standard regarding the aesthetic qualities of water, e.g, taking out the chlorine or minerals out of already potable water. Standard 53 governs filtering water sufficiently to achieve health effects. I’m not sure I know of any filters that can substitute for a Berkey black filter.

[@Sj-vs6mn]

do you know where we can find replacements?? I read EPA banned berkey filters as "pesticidies". I love my Berkey and want to stock up on filters.

[@Karenlcressman]

I agree with you 1000%. The fact that the EPA is going after them makes me trust them more. The only problem is waiting for the black filters to come back on the market.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Unfortunately they won't be back on the market from Berkey. The company has gone under. Fortunately the original Berkey guys formed a new company called Boroux. I did a full video on the new filters from them here......kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKKQcmerpd2neMk

[@vlunceford]

Time to stock up on extra filters for my 3 Berkeley!

[@ronbrink5749]

Good luck stocking up! The black filter has been out of stock for many months.

[@scarlettwinters5642]

@@ronbrink5749 what are people buying instead?

[@Sj-vs6mn]

where do you find them?

[@jean1228]

I appreciate your level headed video. There’s a lot of bad info going around. Unfortunately, looking at their site, New Millennium Concepts (Berkey) seem to be creating some of that confusion. I love my Berkey, but after doing a lot of reading, I’ve come to the conclusion that they are partly responsible for this nonsense by their lack of transparency. I don’t think that the issue is Silver but the fact that NMC didn’t disclose or provide the information in the Silver (how much, etc.) I always stood by their refusal to “jump through hoops”(expensive ones) to sell in California and ID, but I’m questioning that. I’m not done looking into it, but so far I’m finding you have to be careful who you listen to. Thanks for the video and food for thought!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You're welcome

[@joshoooway]

@jean1228 Would you still recommend the filter system even with what you know now? I've also read some questionable things about their claims regarding NSF testing standards not being true. It's a question of integrity for me

[@paulmaenza4041]

One thing ive learned over the years , always trust the government ! Just kidding, I'll definitely buy a Berkey. Thanks for the great video!

[@musicisbrilliant]

FRESH, CLEAN water is THE MOST IMPORTANT issue to sort out, and it seems like good, solid, clear, concise, legitimate information on this subject is SO MUDDIED. And largely because of money. Im at the point where I want to strip the water of EVERYTHING, and then just add trace minerals to remineralize it. But alas, I have no RO filtration system. Not sure I want to buy and install one. I DO have a berkey filter, but I have not seen enough independent test results on the water to really know its getting all the lead, and all the PFAS and other harmful chemicals out of the water. This was one of the best videos on the subject. Thats all I want to say. Its just crazy how theres no clear answer that I can ever find on this matter of really purifying our drinking water. Im still on a quest to find what works for me and what I fully, truly trust to be healthy, safe drinking water. But until then, I want to THANK YOU for sharing all the info from all the research that you have done. Its as good as gold. If you trust the berkey elements with yourself and your family, then I do too. Thanks again.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Very true. You're welcome.

[@birchfieldfarming]

Berkey does NOT filter out nitrates. It’s stated right on their website. Lake water, pond water, stream water filtration is simply not a realistic claim.

[@rickkearn7100]

I like the thorough and eye-opening information here. I also know, without having to dig into it, that it is highly likely these are nefarious local (Texas) political interests harassing a perceived threat i.e., the individual or individuals who own the filter company. Just a hunch.

[@marcushoward6560]

The only time I've ever heard Berkey filters questioned, even by Berkey, was a few years back when there was a major chemical spill (I cannot recall where) and it was an extremely difficult chemical to filter out. I recall Berkey even had a notice on their website because it had effected the public drinking water. Does anyone remember what I'm talking about, and the name of the chemical?

[@stevenspencer9104]

Thank you very much! Blessed my socks off! Your diligence blesses us.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re very welcome

[@barb8452]

You should get with Berkey with this information

[@QSnarf]

I ended up buying the white ceramic filters a few months ago. I am about to make my own filter but I drink rainwater. I do not drink tap water.

[@AmericanProspector1776]

Im going with the ProOne filters in my berkey since theyre ceramic no proming and also filter flouride

[@m.walter2178]

I add a tiny amt of Redmond salt and a little bit of magnesium powder to my 16 oz jar of ro water.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Glad you add it but what if you weren't able to buy it anymore.

[@m.walter2178]

@@CountryLivingExperience true :/ thank you for your response and commitment.

[@m.walter2178]

​@@CountryLivingExperience.. also where do I get berkey filters. The place i have gotten them in the past doesnt have them and sells Boroux filters? ive neverheard of Boroux and dont know where they come from. :/

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@m.walter2178 I have not heard of the Boroux filters either. All of the authorized Berkey dealer sites are currently out of stock. You can find some full systems still in stock on LDS Preppers website.

[@oldgrayhairs8246]

I trust my Berkey filter. Done.

[@projecthome843]

We bought one in case of emergencies more than decade ago, we did not used it yet.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Glad you have a backup

[@Taras-Nabad]

It's true about RO water. Same reason as you should not drink distilled water.

[@libbyd1001]

Drinking reverse osmosis water and / or water distilled by any means is perfectly fine for most people. We obtain plenty of minerals and electrolytes by eating food. It does not have to be supplied in the water we drink.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Do what you like. You can argue with the doctor if you want.

[@libbyd1001]

@@CountryLivingExperience No worries, I am one too. But yeah, do what makes you comfortable.

[@txgal]

We love our Berkey. I'm a 4 year user. We filter our community well water that is heavily chlorinated. And occasional impurities from broken pipes.

[@jamesmoore560]

Been using General Ecology filters for 19 years. No problems.

[@giimiiwanhealing]

@CountryLivingExperience I can not find replacement filters and I have had my Berkey for 8 years. I have cleaned them with the green scrub pads and that works well. I had scaly sediment in the top tank due to the well water I used. Ok, long story short , I had a bottle of colloidal silver that was due to expire 3 months ago, so I thought what the heck....I poured the whole bottle into the top tank. NO MORE SCALIES, the tank is shiny like brand new and I did not turn blue 🥶🤣

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Oh my. Glad you didn't turn blue. A whole bottle is a pretty serious dose.

[@Lex10999]

Thanks for the information. The EPA isn't our friend. Thanks :)

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re welcome

[@jgwilliams67]

Wasn't aware Berkey uses silver in their water filters. Very interesting. 🤔

[@Leesborough99999]

Fantastic video - BUT - I literally just bought a Berkey system off of Amazon. Less than a hour ago!!!! And now I'm learning that I won't be able to get replacement filters?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Should I buy an AlexaPure replacement filter and force it to fit?????????

[@CountryLivingExperience]

We just did a video on Sunday about replacement filters! Here it is....kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKKQcmerpd2neMk

[@wilshawlynnstevens2980]

That is really interesting. We have a Berkey and switched over to a water distiller because Berkey was out of the filters for a while with no date set for when they were expecting more filters. There is definitely something strange going on there with their logic. Thanks for covering this! Have you considered sending your water to be tested by an independent lab?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I haven’t considered sending it to a lab yet. I am still comfortable with them at this point.

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

I love my Berkey. When I hike / canoe I use a small hand pump Katadyn filter and use it to drink river water that is full of waste from everything from wild hogs, cattle, alligators, you name it. I'm doing just fine. You aren't as fragile as you think. The water from my Berkey is far superior to what comes out of that little Katadyn hiker hand pump filter.

[@savedforever7702]

We use alexapure basically the same thing just a little cheaper and here lately are filters are not lasting as long as they used to

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Cool. Glad the Alexapure is working well for you

[@Token_Civilian]

Born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Somehow they just knew back then. Perhaps Grandma's silver set you inherited will be good for something. If they ban the silver out of the filters, I heard an old cowboy trick was to drop a dollar coin in the water (back then, a silver dollar was in fact 90% silver, the other 10% is copper). Other choices from the backpacking world when it comes to water filters: The Sawyer is THE most popular filter amongst long distance hikers (those that do the entire AT or PCT in one season). If you're looking for a filter for a bug out kit, the Sawyer might be a good choice.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I wish my grandma could have afforded some silverware. Thanks for the Sawyer suggestion.

[@Capoe3]

The silver helped people not to get food poisoning from improperly washed dishes or bad hygiene. They would literally self sterilize while waiting to be used. Nifty stuff.

[@DianadenBroeder]

I am using my Birkey now for over 2 years and iam very hapoy with it.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Cool

[@silaslongshot941]

Not giving up mine and have 3 more pairs of new filters. If you do have to filter 'last resort water' such as lakes, streams, etc. it would be best if you could pre-filter the silt / mud / etc before you run it thru the Berkey because that stuff will quickly clog up the ceramic filters so that you'll have to be cleaning them off with a toothbrush a lot.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Awesome. Good tip for sure.

[@jessieayala2970]

Am going to get one for emergencies

[@katiebradford9751]

I was really hoping you weren’t going to share some bad news that you discovered. Whew! I was fortunate enough to snag some extra filters early last year to put away for the future right before the govt filed their suit. I paid $119 when they had been running $144. Only a few weeks later they were sold out as everyone was trying to stock up before the govt potentially shut them down. Then until recently they were unavailable even though the govt has dropped their suit. Now the price is high again. 😢 Just one more example as to why we need to squirrel away things ahead of time because you never know when something is going to interrupt the normal flow of things. Thanks for sharing the extra research you’ve done. There were several great pieces of information that were news to me. Though it’s hard to trust anything theses days I’m glad that you didn’t have to reveal information that could have cast a shadow on something so important as making clean water. 😊 May you and your family have a beautiful and blessed day!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Exactly. You’re welcome. Have a blessed day as well.

[@jakewarren74]

The Berkey is probably a fine filter, I just don’t trust them because they lie by saying the filters are tested to NSF standards when their lab tests show they aren’t tested using NSF testing procedures. Testing through the entire service life is important to me. To be fair, they aren’t the only company who lies like that; I have contacted a couple of other filter companies who admitted they do the same.

[@pattiannepascual]

exactly. once you catch them in any lie, big or small, they are never to be trusted again. Their price for the units is robbery. Huge companies like this are also known to pay off agencies. I don't trust the agencies either. It's sad the world has ended in this negative situation we are in. No more honor or values

[@lokes2]

Well you can do your own test. Put some pond water through it and drink it. Whalla! Safe, sound and good. Ez PZ

[@HitTheDirt]

Added to my interesting by others playlist so anyone can see! Very interesting

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thanks

[@journeywithnichole]

I have not been able to find any replacement filters anywhere. Even New Millennium is out of stock. I got excited to see this video thinking there would be a link. :(

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Nobody has them in stock.

[@DanRedler]

@@CountryLivingExperience There are filters from other companies that will fit in Berkeys You have to search on line

[@RealTalk-wg4xn]

Very Interesting, now it makes sense of why they are trying to regulate. Shouldn't we be stocking up on some filters? Or are they impossible to get now, and if so which ones would you recommend? Great video, Thanks.

[@beautifullybroken2458]

I couldn’t afford the berkey by name, I did buy the water drop system and did a lot of research on top of that. I figured that having something is better than nothing. Does anyone have any insight on the water drop company and their filters? I also bought a few huining black water filters both filters have the fluoride filters as well. I appreciate any facts and help on this issue and my unknowledge of this . 😊

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Something is always better than nothing for sure. I have never heard of the water drop company.

[@ed2335]

Should i buy white fluoride or black filter?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

If your water system fluoridates the water, then buy both. If not, just get the black.

[@ed2335]

@@CountryLivingExperience ty

[@Nick23at63]

Boiling water can remove chlorine, but you have to do it for about 20 minutes. Leaving water uncovered for about 24 hours will also allow the chlorine to escape. But these 2 methods do not remove fluoride at all.

[@fullhousefleur2941]

Thank you for such amazing information.

[@KevinWells-s2r]

How are ProOne and ProPur filters? In the Big Gravity filtration system such as Berkies?

[@carlosmontana8840]

Im using a zero water filter, i like it but i don't know for sure if it works. Thoughts?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I heard they work ok. They take out a lot of TDS (total dissolved solids)

[@freshtwink]

It is possible, with funding of course, to verify: by sending water samples to certified labs. I'd love to see how unfiltered control stacks up against Berkey, Brita, homebrew charcoal-distillation method...

[@props-model-shop]

In some people, Colloidal Silver (if used improperly) will turn your skin grey. And is non reversable.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

It must be use carefully

[@Capoe3]

Yes but generally that was improperly made colloidal silver. The mixture had way way too high of levels of silver in it. The stuff at the health food store most likely won’t cause this problem. Caveat Emptor though. Happened a lot during flu outbreaks in the 60s, swine flu? I think when people were making their own.

[@joycedigiovanni9719]

Thank you for your research and thank you for sharing it!

[@RCPropaganda]

I am looking into one of these right now. SO many dif thoughts on it. I do agree if the government is attacking it then it might just be that good. the price on amazon right now is super high but I mean this sort of thing is for heath and would save me in the long run. I have well water but do not drink it.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Careful of Amazon. I don’t think there are any authorized dealers on there.

[@GoldenTrumpet24]

Little late to post this, but you can get a mineral addon for RO systems that puts minerals back in the water for drinking.

[@bluegrass4840]

Hmm could explain why I’ve seen RO systems with remineralizing filters right after the RO filter. APEC makes a RO system that doesn’t use electricity too. After doing some research I like the utility more from the filter type you have. We live next to the Colorado River knowing I could use that massive water source is a plus.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Interesting. I will have to look at that APEC system and see how it works. It usually takes a lot of pressure to get the water through the membrane.

[@S.Lee13]

Do you need the two black filters and the two white filters when you buy a Berkey? And what do the two colors remove differently? Also, which filter takes out fluoride in city water cause didn’t see that listed as being removed? Great video. Thanks for your info.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. The white filters are just for fluoride. The black filters are for everything else.

[@bobsmith2404]

In 4 years time I've used our 2 Berkey filters for approximately 2,000 gallons (2.5 gallon fill every 2 days rounded up a little). I've cleaned them 3 times using 1/3 vinegar - 2/3 distilled water bath as recomended by a bunch of youtubers. After the 3rd time cleaning they didn't pass the red dye test. The water was slightly tinted. I think because whatever apoxy or glue holding the plastic base to the filters has dissolved, or weakened & unfiltered water is seeping through. It could be the washers or the slightly calcified rubber corks. Im going to seal up the crevice around the base to the filter with something (don't know what yet) & replace the washers & corks to see if that fixes it. I bought them from the discouted seconds section of the website (Berkey Light system). One of the filters was a little jagged around the top edge. Maybe the kit was old overstock from years ago when the filters had quality control issues with glue to base. Maybe I shouldn't have used a vinegar bath. I have a spare set I bought over a year ago for SHTF. For the last few weeks we are using bottled water.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Sounds like you got some good use out of them. I had never heard about the vinegar wash recommendation.

[@bobsmith2404]

@@CountryLivingExperience Just search 'cleaning Berkey filters', you should come up with several. The vinegar is supposed to kill any mold that might be inside the filter. I also use a toothbrush instead of a green scratch pad as the pad tends to wear down the filters. As a side note, I also moved. The place I lived when I first cleaned my filters, I got a lot of blackish & gray stuff coming off of them. Where I live now, none at all. Both places, 55 y/o & up retirement parks in Florida, have their own water treatment facilities. According to all of my information & research, I should be getting a whole lot more longevity with Berkey filters than that.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You should be getting much more out of the filters than just 2000 gal. It should be 3000.

[@NMrck-w3b]

Wow. Also can’t buy Similason eye drops in the U.S. anymore (after 40 years of them selling), because they contain Silver Sulfate 🙄. A good and NATURAL preservative!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Crazy times we are living in.

[@CastroEstates]

Thanks for the great info! I have a berkey and love it. I need new filters and don’t know where to find original berkey filters. Is there anyone that is making them? Or which one should I get? Help!!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re welcome. Unfortunately I have not seen any in stock for a few months

[@melreslor2114]

I haven't found anyplace that sells the original Berkey (replacement) filters - except as part of buying a whole kit, tank and all. Even with a whole kit, consider an authorized dealer only. Berkey on their site lists the dealers. Beware of anything listed online, Amazon, eBay as "compatible" cartridges are numerous. Shrink-wrapped filters or anything listed for $50 or less new is a sign it's a cheap knock-off.

[@googlinstuff8910]

Note: you do NOT need electricity to run a RO system. (You do need water pressure though)

[@paulmcqueen4749]

Struggling to find replacement filters, do you know of a reputable source?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I just got some new filters from Boroux. I am going to do a video on them this week. They are the best that I found.

[@paulmcqueen4749]

@@CountryLivingExperiencewould the replacement filters also fit the Berkey?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@paulmcqueen4749 Yes. That is why I purchased them.

[@paulmcqueen4749]

@@CountryLivingExperience Looks like massive drama in the water purification industry, Looks like Boroux used to be distributor for Berkey.

[@AAfshoo]

How are people getting filters now? Can I trust the ones on Amazon? It's time to change my filters and everyone seems to be sold out.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

We just did a video on some replacements we got. Check it out here....kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKKQcmerpd2neMk

[@CatsPeacocks]

Any thoughts on where to find the black filters? They are currently not available through Berkey. Thanks!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I’ve been looking for a while too. I think their manufacturing is shut down right now.

[@johndean582]

Big Berkey is the best #waterfilter ever, Nestle lobbying the government to ban clean water is the problem

[@wayneiam6419]

Where can I get filters now???

[@CountryLivingExperience]

We did this video on new filters made by some of the old Berkey guys. We use them......kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKKQcmerpd2neMk