What do I look for in an emergency water filter?
#1 A gravity water filter is ideal because it doesn’t require electricity.
#2 Ceramic is used for effective filtration because of its ability to absorb particles and bacteria.
#3 Silver impregnated filters will not permit bacteria growth and will create a hostile environment for all microbiological organisms.
#4 Activated charcoal is used in filters. The charcoal is very porous, and many undesirable elements will adhere to the carbon as the water passes through the filter. Charcoal also takes away the bad tastes and odors.
#5 A portable gravity water filter is important so you can pick it up and take it with you.
Effective and Affordable
I was so excited when I found a water filter that had all five of these qualities and was very affordable.
This ceramic water filter has been proven to work both in the laboratory and in the field. The filter was tested by John Hopkins University, and they found it filtered out 100% of Giardia, E. Coli, Vibrio Cholerae, and several other harmful substances.
The filter does not take out 100% of the viruses. It’s more likely that you will have bacteria in the water than that you will have viruses. Viruses rarely can exist in water. If you suspect a water source has been infected with a virus, you should treat it first with a water disinfectant, like chlorine, or iodine. The gravity water filter will then take most of the chlorine and iodine out of the water.
These ceramic dome filters are being used in third world countries to clean up their drinking water.
When my good friend talked to a man ‘in the field’ that actually places them, and sees first hand how they work, he said, “Whenever there is a breakout of disease in these third-world countries and we start using the ceramic filters the epidemic stops immediately.”
Prices:
Basic Filter (includes nesting pre-drilled buckets, ceramic dome filter, spigot) $49
Deluxe Filter (includes all of above plus giant water sock and Polar Pure) $77
Giant Water Sock only $15
Polar Pure only (as available) $13
Where to Buy a Gravity Water Filter?
Each gravity water filter has four parts: one dome filter, one small filter sock, one spigot, and (2) 4 gallon buckets, and assembly and use directions. All the parts of the portable water filter will fit in the nested buckets, for easy storage. We pre-drill holes, so all you have to do is look at directions and assemble (no tools needed). We usually use ‘used food grade buckets’ to keep the cost down, but for an additional $10 per set, we can use new buckets. We just tell people to scrub them out with dishsoap and a green scrubbie, and the set is ready to go! Email foodstoragenow@gmail.com or call Michelle at 435-245-7756.
How can I extend the life of my filter?
The filter should last anywhere from six months to a year.
To extend the life of your filter, you’ll want the contaminated water to be as clean as possible. The ceramic portion is impregnated with silver, and lasts until it is worn away from scrubbing and cleaning it (100 plus times). The need for washing the ceramic filter goes down when you pre-filter the water first. That is why we recommend the giant water sock. (link coming soon)
Once the filter gets wet, the charcoal inside the ceramic shell will last 6 months. After the six months, you can put activated charcoal from the pet store (fish area) in the bottom of the upper bucket. But you don’t have to; the water just won’t taste as good. The ceramic portion will continue to work.
What if water filter wears-out or gets broken?
You can buy a couple extra domes as backups.
After a LONG absence, I'm back in the saddle and ready to bring a new preparedness challenge to you this month.
