Why We Chose the Berkey Water Filtration System

Our family has always been big water drinkers.  Every living thing needs water to survive. Not only does water keep us hydrated, but it is necessary for daily bodily functions like regulating our temperature and carrying oxygen and nutrients to our cells.  It is so much better than sweetened beverages and sodas and helps to keep us healthy and naturally energized.

Over the years, we have used different water filtration systems, but our favorite water filtration system has been our Berkey Water Filter. When I shared our Crown Berkey Water Filter system on my Instagram account recently, I received some questions.  So, I thought I would share more details here on why we chose this particular purification system.

We received ours as a house warming gift from my folks, when we first made the full-time transition onto our homestead.  That has been over 5 years ago.  The peace of mind we get from knowing that 99.9% of the possible harmful toxins, pathogens, viruses, and bacteria from the environment is worth the extra work it takes to maintain this hardworking gravity fed water purification system.

Here in the hollow, our primary water source is a natural spring on the hill just above our pond.

We also have a well for back up if we need it.

In case of a real emergency, when the summer is especially dry, we have the option of using our Berkey to purify our creek water which runs through the border of our property.

Because the carbon filters are re-cleanable and self-sterilizing, it makes regular maintenance a breeze. Just look at all that sediment buildup!  It was clearly overdue!  I use a clean non-scratch pad and scrub the sediment and dirt off under COLD running water.  We never use hot water to clean carbon filters.  We also do not use any soap or detergent when we clean the filtering elements.

They offer many different option sizes.  From travel size to the largest size for bigger families like ours. You have a choice of 2 carbon filter elements to start with or you can add another set of two to help speed the filtration process up.

Since our water source doesn’t come from the city, we opted out of purchasing the fluoride filters.  We have a total of 8 filtering elements in our chamber which helps filter our water fast. We love that the Berkey filters impurifcations in the water, but was designed to not remove any of the beneficial minerals found in the soil, like calcium and magnesium. That was an important selling point when we were researching new water purification systems.

The filter elements removed for cleaning.

This is how I clean the inside of the stainless steel chamber.  These plant fiber non-scratch sponges from 3M work great when paired up with our diluted plant-derived dish soap from Seventh Generation.  It gently cleans out the interior chamber, then I simply rinse with warm clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

I make sure to wipe down the outside and top of the system to remove smudges and the occasional little finger prints. (smile)

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I have been wanting to upgrade the plastic spigot for years, but never got a chance. Berkey is currently having a sale on these stainless steel spigots. Click here if you decide to purchase your own Berkey Filter and want to upgrade your spigot.

Our 1840’s log cabin (take the tour here) with the original well used by the first family who settled in this valley.

 

Although we are an organic hobby farm and so were the previous owners, we cannot be 100% sure that our neighbors up the road keep the same natural standards.  So, to be on the safe side, we have chosen to utilize the Berkey Water Filtration system to help prevent any contamination that may find its way into our fresh water source.

The Berkey Water system is a great investment and has helped save us money from regularly purchasing bottles of water from the grocery store.  And it certainly helps us prevent more plastic products from finding their way into our landfills.

 

 

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