lets talk about water purifiers

[bookwormom]

we have a really good well, still, you never know when it would come in handy. what kind do you all use, recommend, what about distilling rather than just filtering?

[SpoonBread]

We have a reverse osmosis water filter made by APEC and we are very happy with our buy. the unit we have fits under the sink. We didn't hook it up all the way in our last place cause we were renting, just set it up with a spigot in the sink where the sprayer was. They cost about $400 depending on the unit. But they filter out practically anything; lead,fluoride,some bacteria. You can purchase a UV filter to add on to it. Here is there website>
www.freedrinkingwater.com

We bought ours cause we don't trust most public water or care much for it's processed taste. I imagine though it would be nice to have it on a well too, to help filter out any possible ground contamination and such.

[Shamrock1121]

It depends on what you are trying to achieve because there is a huge difference between filtration and purification, and you may want to do a little research on the differences.

We've distilled our drinking water for over 25 years, and we're on treated city water which I avoid drinking without treatment.

Distillation is the only way to remove things like Rx drugs, drugs from cattle run-off, and farm chemicals. Just google - drugs in the drinking water - for a real eye opener on the subject. Filters won't accomplish that. Reverse osmosis doesn't remove the pharmaceutical drugs. Most people never knew, nor do they concern themselves with, these tasteless toxins. Water in cities is treated for bacteria. They have no methods to remove these pharmaceutical toxins.

One objection people make about distilled water is that it removes all the minerals - and we need minerals. My answer to that is that we need FOOD-FORM minerals from food, not "rocks" from our drinking water. Only plants can break down "rocks" in the form of mineral salts to make organic food-form minerals found in food. We get our minerals from plants and animals that eat plants, not from dirt and rocks.

Inorganic minerals (like those in the water) are very difficult to assimilate. If we get our minerals from water, then there shouldn't be ONE case of osteoporosis in this area because the calcium is very high in the water. But that's not the case. Lots of people have been drinking hard water - full of calcium - all their lives and still have osteoporosis.

My own proof... I had my first DEXA test 12 years ago when I was 43. It's a test for bone density and fat/muscle ratio. At the time I should have already lost 1/2-inch of height, but I've never lost any height, and I'm almost 56. To date, I'm still 5' 3-3/4". The same as when I quit growing at 17. That's after drinking distilled water for over 25 years.

People also complain that distilled water tastes flat. After talking to a medical scientist on the topic of distilled water, who taught at a well-known University, he said to sit the distilled water in the sunshine for 30 minutes (reverses the ions or some such thing), and then shake it before using it, to aerate it. So each gallon is placed in a sunny spot then placed in the crockery water dispenser for use.

Filtering is designed to help with large solids, perhaps some bacteria, and improve the taste, but actually does nothing for the most dangerous things found in drinking water.

I use an electric distiller. This is our present model: http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-White-Enamel/dp/B00026F 9F8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1212837120&sr=8-1. We're on our 6th or 7th, and we've used several different models.

I also have a non-electric model - http://www.naturalsolutions1.com/waterwise1.htm for emergency use.

I also challenge anyone using well water to have it tested regularly to actually know what's in it. How it tastes proves nothing.
All the wells in our area are contaminated with at least some farm-related chemicals. Anyone on well water is encouraged to use bottled/purified water when feeding infants formula mixed with water. Seems to me that if it's dangerous for infants, it's dangerous for everyone.

I've known 2 individuals who nearly died from E. coli contamination - one from a well and the other from an artesian well. And they always say, their water tasted good.... Sheesh! :-/

-Karen

[rockymtngirl]

I couldn't get the link on amazon - but did look at the non-electric one - pricey! Honestly we don't filter our local tap - we probably should I guess. When camping we use a katedyn filter to filter river/creek water - it's nice and light - I think we spent around $50 for it and it filters over 200 gal prior to filter replacement.

[pinetreefarm]

We have a Berkey and really like it We dug a sandpoint well for garden watering. We did a water test on it and it is potable. So we can use it for drinking in a pinch. We run it through the Berkey and use it for the dog and cat and next year the chickens. We plan on testing it yearly for we go on city sewer next year and it is monitored. We live 8 miles from town, BTW. We do use rainwater for watering, too. But the well is located in the greenhouse and we heat that from March on.

Pine

[bookwormom]

quote
I also challenge anyone using
ell water to have it tested regularly to actually know what's in it. How it tastes proves nothing.

doesn't everybody do that on a regular basis? we have had ours tested three times so far. You can have it tested at the health department. I think it cost 15 dollars.


I have noticed several times that the word 'shees' is used. It is not in my dictionary. I figure it is used only in the vernacular and somewhat deragatory.? I have not heard it yet. (Sorry to digress)

we have a filter under the sink and one at the pressure tank. I am really thinking of water for the SHTF scenario and there also about the animals. Someone shot the water tank up the road, it looked like it was peeing for a couple of weeks til they got it fixed. we all need water and it could be a weak link, easily contaminated. I have wondered how I would prepare enough water for my animals.

we have a couple of cisterns and I want to get an above ground water tank to catch the water from the barn roof. I got a bit scared when our well ran dry a few years back when we had a bad drought.
I met a man who had homesteaded in Spain and made a waterfilter using a big barrel, the kind of filter that body shops use in spray painting, charcoal. gravel and sand. we have a homemade filter where the water goes in the cistern to catch the big dirt. We use cistern water only for washing and bathing.

[Shamrock1121]

quote

I have noticed several times that *the word 'shees' is used. *It is not in my dictionary. I figure it is used only in the vernacular and somewhat deragatory.? *I have not heard it yet. (Sorry to digress)


SHEESH - according to the American Heritage Dictionary: INTERJECTION: Used to express mild annoyance, surprise, or disgust.

-Karen

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

we have a really good well, still,...
With a really good well and a still, all you're lacking is a row of corn. ;D
Seriously, though, I have a Berkey, too. I try not to use it too often as I consider it as a 'backup' to other systems/methods already in use.

[Rick_A_Hardwood]

I have several Midi water distillers, picked up at farm sales over the years.

I'm on my rural water district's board of directors, and have learned a great deal about the industry, very little of it good.

The most alarming information is just how quickly and easily a contaminate can enter the system, and once discovered, how hard to remove.

It is not paranoia to tell you to distill every drop you drink or cook with. It is good insurance.

The number 6 cause of death in the world is diarrhea, from pathogens and chemicals in drinking and cooking water.

[bookwormom]

actually , I meant "the new Schoeffler-Weis' Shamrock

all I need now is to hear it in actual conversation to hear how it is pronounced.