Berkey Water Filters
 

I saw this at a blog I visit.

"Royal Doulton and some other company that makes Berkey water filters has gone bankrupt in Britain, so you may want to stock up on Berkey ceramic filters before they quit making them."

I did a quick scroogle search and did find this:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28503632/

Looks like the Waterford Wedgwood PLC, which owns Royal Doulton since 2005 did file for bankruptcy protection.

Wanted to pass on the info. Filters might get hard to get, might not...

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Over priced Berkeys ... try an American made AquaRain.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Pat, please don't take this the wrong way but clean drinking water is too important. This is a survival prep forum. If these are truely no longer in production, I would recommend grabbing a set. We use our's every day and have two pairs stored.

Do your research, you need clean drinking water. Two Berkey black elements are $99. Aqua Rain's are $89. $10 difference in price. The Berkey's are THE BEST elements out there for the price. Two are good for 6000 gallons. Here's what they filter...

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

ah Sh1t! I had better order a few extra sets to cover my ass.

I have used the Berkey everyday for 2 yrs and there is no turning back... The quality and taste of the water is great.

DAMMIT! :confused_m:

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

How do you know they are better elements than the Aqua Rain?

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Pleasant hill grain has them for 99.00.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Dig into Aqua Rain's product specs. It's on their site. After research, my family runs Berkey. But everyone should be their own judge...

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

"Pore size of the ceramic elements is 0.3 micron absolute. Katadyn and British Berkefeld can't match this! Berkefeld (incl. "Big Berkey" and Doulton) says 0.9 micron absolute, 0.5 micron average; Katadyn doesn't publish an absolute rating, but says 0.2 micron average, so their absolute rating should be around 0.4 micron. This means AquaRain filters finer, so it catches stuff the others let through. "

http://www.homestead-products.com/aquarain.htm

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

The quote you offer is not from the article. The linked article talks about closure of a crystal factory nothing about Berkey. Doulton is mentioned as being owned by Wedgewood. Nothing here to say Berkey will no longer be available.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

That's a great sales line from Homestead but it does not exist on AQ's website. If you run Aqua Rain, please post the list of contaminants removed, at what level, and over the number of gallons guaranteed as provided with the product.

This is like debating which solar panel is better for the price. It's in the specs. I'm just trying to help...

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

$99.00 is the "fair traded price.

Look around and see if you can get free shipping. I used to get them from More than Alive for $75. Now they offer discounts (20%) off any additional purchase, plus free shipping.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Seeing as how Jamesfilter is family owned in Pueblo CO and More Than Alive is family owned in W. TN and the deal is the same unless you're using the 20% off additional items at MTA the decision should be based on which local economy you want to support. MTA in my case. Random thoughts...

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

DING DING DING !!! :ok:

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

............please show me why. Until then....

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I did a LONG comparison between aqua rain and berkey a while back. Not sure if the thread is still around, but after lots of research, including the actual filter material from marathon, we use the aquarain. And yes, I had the full specs from both manufacturers.

I am convinced it is the best filter hands down.

PS> The aquarain filters should fit your berkey's.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

At Lehmans black Berkey elements are $84.95 for a box of two, $74.95 for two or more boxes.

http://www.Lehmans.com

Item number

#85-455

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Any idea if that is free ship? I'm not coughing up an email registration to find out. That always irks me.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I found this on the Doulton CA web site:


Do they have something to say?

I purchased 4 of the super sterasyl candles. These are fairly short at about 3". Not used them yet. Was going to make a gravity system but you can't imagine how hard it is to find someone who supplies pails.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

TechGuy - this is perfect, you're someone who's educated about and owns the product.

Here's the cut sheet from Berkey that shows 6000 gallons for two elements. Then the contaminant list. The testing / certification locations at the bottom.

Can you post the specifications from Aqua Rain as provided to the end user with their product?

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

AquaRain blow Berkey away !



The Marathon� filter elements used in the AquaRain� Gravity Water Filter have been extensively tested against live organisms using expended end-of-life elements. We believe this form of testing to be the most stringent, since it tests the filters in a manner similar to the way they would actually be used under worst case conditions. When testing against the .5-.6 micron organism Klebsiella terrigena, EXPENDED Marathon� elements demonstrated a 6.6 log reduction (they achieved 8.9 log reduction when new). The EPA only requires a 6 log reduction from NEW elements, which AquaRain greatly exceeded under extreme pressures of up to 90 psi, well above normal test pressure. At the very low pressure of 1/2 psi found in our gravity filter, the efficacy would be far greater still. Does this mean that the Marathon� filter elements have an "absolute" rating of only .5-.6 microns? Expended Marathon� filter elements have also been tested against the Health Industry Manufacturing Association's (HIMA) test organism, Brevundimonas diminuta, and achieved a 99.99815% reduction (99.9999% when new). Since this organism is .2-.3 micron, should we claim this as our "absolute" rating? British Berkefeld Filter literature lists the "absolute" rating of their filter at .9 microns and their U.S. dealers claim "absolute" performance at .5 microns. Their own factory literature claims only 99.9% efficiency at the .5 micron level. Is 99.9% sufficient for claiming an "absolute" rating? The bottom line is that the AquaRain Gravity Water Filter System, using Marathon� filter elements, will outperform all other gravity-fed ceramic water filter systems. Since there is no standard for "absolute," YOU will have to decide what level of protection you want for yourself and your family.




Another interesting note; the same type of ceramic elements used in the AquaRain water Purifier has provided safe drinking water for many Everest expedition as a base camp water source for over 30 years.



Buy American, screw the British.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

The USEPA standard for bacteria is the removal of >99.9999%(6 log or 6 orders of magnitude) of Klebsiella terrigena with a NEW filter element as tested in accordance with the USEPA methodology by a reputable, third-party laboratory.

Aqua rain uses the same test using an EXPENDED element.

That is all you need to know.... check the log count of the berkey compared to the aqua rain. Also, re-read the test process for berkey. It is no where near the aquarain.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

:moon:, just joking ........I would want proof also.


CI....... I own the Katadyn and the AguaRain, they are comparable but the AguaRain is the best deal going

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

so where are the best prices on aquarain units?

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I talked to a supplier, here is what he said:

"The ceramic only filters are made in the UK these are US made."

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Bought mine here over a year ago , they are on sale now but could swear I paid around $250.00......http://www.nitro-pak.com/product_inf...gCFRwDagodRCfP



DYODD.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Same here, 250 or less for me too. Those things are getting up there.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I think I paid $199 for my four filter unit about four years ago.

I bought an extra couple Marathon elements on Ebay for $50 plus shipping.

I like the AquaRain's stainless steel containers instead of that cheap Berkey plastic, serious water output too.

I bought mine directly from AquaRain website.


http://www.aquarain.com/

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Intresting New Filter posted on AR15.Com I think I will have to purchase one of theses.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

You can use the AquaRain filters on the Berkeys.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

So what model of the AquaRain does everyone have?

It looks like the 200 series has room for 2 filters, but that you can run only 1 if you want, and the 400 series has room for 4 filters, but you can run any number from 1-4 at any given time?

For daily use for 2-4 people, does it make sense just to get the 200 series?

If I get a 400 series, does it save me filter life if I just use 2 filters at once?

Do any of the "big name" filter systems get rid of fluoride?

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I have a 400, but run only 2 filters normally.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Boy, I was just about to buy a berkey. Would rather buy american, ya know. Wish Aquarain would do a side by side comparison of all their products , like buying computer components, would make decesion a snap.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

For God's sake. The Titanic is sinking and some of you are argueing over which style life boat is better. Just get in one!

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

No shit. That was great. First time I laughed all morning. Gonna order filter this am , then go out and plant my spuds.:111:

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I bought my AquaRain 200 when Emmergency Essentials had a clearance sale a few years back. Got it for $87.50.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I'd rather rearrange the deck chairs, thank you very much!

Here's another option on a low cost life boat:

http://shop.monolithic.com/products/...ic-drip-filter

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Hey, thanks for link. May have to order a bunch of those filters for pre-filtering rain water and stream water. Would be real easy using large buckets and that 'sock' looks easy to clean/rinse out.:ok:

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

that life boat , it would seem sank. will have to look around to see if same model exist elsewhere.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Why do you say the little boat sank? I got 2 sets from them a week or so ago, and their website still lets me stick a couple filters with socks & spigots in the shopping cart & head to the checkout.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Will have to try again, maybe I need to reboot . When I added to cart, nothing but boxes with the red x in them.

Yep, that was the prob. Just ordered One complete set and 3 ceramic and sock filters.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

How are the monolithic filters that are vastly cheaper than the other two quoted earlier in this thread.

Are they good, what's the deal on there really good price?

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Wellllll....I dunno. I hope so, though.

The Black Berkey elements themselves are about $100 for a pair. I'm not sure how much an Aquarain setup costs.

You can get the Monolithic ceramic filter + "sock" + spigot for $22.50 + shipping (pretty cheap, I'd say). Add ~$10 for (2) 5 gal pails, and you've got a decent water filtration setup. I hope.

The vendor claims:
It is described as, “A ceramic, half-micron water filter. The micron removes water-borne bacterium. The inside of the filter is loaded with different media or ingredients, such as man-made carbons, mother nature carbons and man-made resins. Those different resins and carbons remove the different contaminants in the water.

Product is manufactured to meet:

National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 42
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 53
ISO 9002 Quality Standard
USA AEL Laboratories
USA Analytical Food Laboratories
USA Johns Hopkins University
British 5750 Quality Standard
England’s Water Research council (WRc) Performance Standards

The filtration efficiency is 0.5 micron
Removal capabilities as follows:

>99% Arsenic 5 and 99% Arsenic 3 (special order)
>99% Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
>95% Chlorine and Chloramines
>99% Taste
>99% Odor
>98% Aluminum
>96% Iron
>98% Lead
>90% Pesticides
>85% Herbicides
>85% Insecticides
>90% Rodenticides
>85% Phenols
>85% MTBE
>85% Perchlorate
>80% Trihalomethanes
>95% Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons
>99.999% of particles larger than 0.5 micron (Staffordshire University Labs) (includes Anthrax)
>99.7% of particles larger than 0.3 micron (Staffordshire University Labs)
>98% of particles larger than 0.2 micron (Staffordshire University Labs)
>100% Giardia Lamblia
>100% Cyclospora
>100% removal of live Cryptosporidium (WRc Standard)
>100% removal of Cryptosporidium (NSF Standard 53 – A.C. fine dust – 4 log challenge)
>100% removal of E. Coli, Vibrio Cholerae (Johns Hopkins University)
>99.999% removal of Salmonella Typhil, Shigella Dysenteria, Kiebsiella Terrigena (Hyder Labs)
Product is silver impregnated

and will not permit bacteria growth-through (mitosis)
provides a hostile environment for all microbiological organisms and will not support their growth
Ceramic elements may be cleaned 100 or more times with a soft brush or damp cloth.
Performance Features:

Easy installation
Good flow rate / Up to 1 gallon of clean water per hour (gravity flow)
Up to 300 gallons per hour (pressure flow)
Filter will accept water from floods, lake, rain, well, tap, river or stream
Semi/Annual filter replacement Cleansable with clean damp cloth
Shelf life is extended by shaking filter every 3-4 months to loosen media inside and prevent packing
Once in use, filter will last 6-8 months


Winfield Filtration comes from Guangdong, China, so their products come complete with all the associated quality concerns. As supplied, the ceramic filter element is about 3.75" diameter x 3.5" high.

I was looking for a "just in case" filter, and didn't want to spend big bucks. This filter setup seems to fit my needs (so far, at least).

The Monolithic website used to have a direct link to an email from Johns Hopkins giving some info on filtration efficiency. I've found a link via Google, fyi:

http://static.monolithic.com/pdfs/dr...hnshopkins.pdf

To be absolutely safe (if there IS such a thing!), spend the big bucks on a Berkey or Aquarain setup.
If you want to save some $$$, go with the Monolithic system. Or put your water in a big metal bucket & boil it for a while.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

The real question is: I have seen some big numbers posted by those with Berkey set-ups. How many gallons can I expect to run per filter on an AquaRain setup? The system looks very nice.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I have the big Katadyn and the Aquarain.....the Aquarain is a very nice unit for the bucks, nicer than the katadyn. And I still say it's equal to or better than Berkey.....remeber some use 3 filters some use 4 (more filters more capacity).....I'd have to look.

You can make one real cheap , buy the filters , go get 5 gal.buckets and a spiggot and makle your own ....easy to do.

And if you want, for xtra protection you can throw an ounce of silver in it.....and an ounce a gold to!!

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I've had my new well water tested, safe to drink but loaded with calcium carbonate with just a smidge of sulfer LOL....not the best tasting but I've got lots of it. I was hoping the katadyn (got it first) would clean up the taste a bit but it doesn't make mauch difference and I can't imagine that the Aquarain would make any difference either.
And to answer your question no I have not tested the water after running through the 2 different filters....but I think I might just do that, if so I will report back.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Interesting!

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

seems like a new berkey system is out
http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com...rkey-kit-p-210

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I am here, i will pipe in on some of people questions. :)

Also, yes, there is a new Berkey out, we have a video up on youtube.

It is called the Go Berkey Kit:

www.directive21.com/go-berkey-kit.html

There you will find the specs also.

Here is the video:




theberkeyguy

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

The company that makes China dishes and is owned by Doulton went bankrupt, Royal Doulton and the British Berkefeld line is still available, as they are a different company.

theberkeyguy

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I see the only affiliation with British berkefeld and the Black Berkey elements is that they are both sold and distributed by New Millennium Concepts. They own the copyright on both of the names (They own the rights to use the British Berkefeld name in America to be more specific), and that is how they are affiliated with one another. Also there are 7" and 9" white ceramic filters, of which the 9" is an exclusive size made and sold only in the USA by New Mellenium Concepts. While the Black Berkey Elements are better over all, the white ceramic filters do have there strong points.

theberkeyguy

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

They should be interchangeable. Many people have a British Berkefeld unit or a Big Berkey with White Ceramic filters, and a Set of Black Berkey elements just in case.

theberkeyguy

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I'm sure you all know you can make your own tanks for whichever style of filter element you choose. I would just add that Big Lots has 20 quart stainless steel crock pots that nest very nicely for under $20 each. That's a little better than plastic 5 gallon buckets imho.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

Feel free to ask questions, i will do my best to answer them. I don't mind discussing and comparing the berkey systems to other systems, I personally choose not to bash just compare. Lastly at this moment, the White ceramic filters and the black berkey elements work different in the sense that the Black berkey elements absorb many of the contaminants, while the White ceramic filters block them. That can explain why comparing them to each other needs to be done with that in mind and that comparing specs will get us nowhere if we argue about how many microns the white ceramic and the black berkey elements remove.

theberkeyguy

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I have a question.

I use Black Berkey elements for my drinking water. I have my own well so I'm mostly worried about taste, sediments and maybe a little bacteria. Would the white ceramic elements do just as good as the Black Berkey elements for this application? Which would have a longer working life? There is a lot of iron in my water if that matters.

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I will first say that the White ceramic filter elements are great for this application, that being said, the black berkey elements would just be removing bacteria and other contaminants to a higher level. The White ceramic filter elements would last longer on this setup. I have seen people use the white ceramic filters daily, and have the black berkey elements in reserve.

Also, the black berkey elements remove the yellow part of the Iron.

I personally recommend using the black berkey elements daily, but the setup above is a very strong setup nonetheless.

theberkeyguy

Re: Berkey Water Filters
 

I tracked down a supplier of doulton sterasyl (white) filter candles here in Australia but could not find the berkey filter system. I was going to use the stacked 5 gallon buckets idea, but believe it or not I could not find a supplier for those either. I would like some for other SHTF needs.

So I bought a bunch of the filter candles and just shelved them. Then I found a supplier in QLD of the actual british berkfeld filter system and I bought that. I like the ceramic filter systems for asthetics but weight and movability is an issue.

Anyway I have one of these and I am very happy with it. The taste of the water is brilliant. Very soft and quenches your thirst more quickly IMO. There is only 1 of me, so the system I have, which is about 4 gallons or so, is plenty enough. I use it for cooking and drinking water. Using 2 candles it takes about 12 hours to filter through.

Glad to hear the companies who make these are not going anywhere. Well worth the $$ IMO. The traveller looks interesting as well.

and I just noticed I have posted in this thread before.