water filter questions
 

we're researching the best water filter to have on hand for an emergency situation (i.e., if the power is out for an extended period of time and we need to drink creek water).
any suggestions? Especially, does anyone have personal experience with the Berkey water filter? How do I locate objective lab data?

Also, I had read years ago that a 'few drops' of bleach in a gallon of water would purify it. True? How much might be too much? Do I need to count drops?

We bought a Big Berkey and it has been great - no complaints. These seem to be popular for long-lasting high-quality filtration.

One drop per gallon of unscented bleach is what I was taught would be sufficient to kill pathogens. Obviously, it won't filter any chemical contaminants.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/8...waterchart.png

For all the uses of bleach, I don't see any reason NOT to keep a couple gallons around.

That's good to know. Thanks seven.

dont forget about boiling and using coffee filters too. get a food grade funnel, and after boiling the water, filter it into a bottle through the funnel. Can also add a little bleach as per the table posted by seven to make sure your good. A large and or expensive water filter can be worked around a bit. I would go ahead and invest in a good one though for those just in case scenarios. That being said-the above scheme is what I use when I go camping.
(I said food grade, truth be told I have no idea what a food grade funnel is, I use one I picked up from autozone)

Unbelievably, the Big Berkey can't be imported to California. While looking for alternatives, I found these Monolith filters. I have two of them. I had my own 5 gal buckets, so I just bought the filters. I also have a Katadyn 5 gallon Base Camp filter.

I have two Aquamira Frontier filters in my BOB.

Monolith: A Practical, Life-Sustaining Water Filter | Monolithic

Katadyn: Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter - Free Shipping at REI.com

Aquamira: Aquamira Frontier Filter — Aquamira Water Treatment Products

okay I'll bite. Just why the heck can you not import a Berkey to California?

Commie run state and they want you dependit on the goverment.

I've thought about trying this one out.

Solar water disinfection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

well we all know that, but just what B.S. excuse did they give?