Question About Water Purifier

calliemoonbeam · #1 04/05/08, 04:11 AM

Okay, I've been working to get the money for a Berkey filter, and I'm ready to make the big purchase, but I have a dilemma. I just moved into this house three months ago, and I've discovered that there's an enormously high amount of sodium in the water. It's a rural water system, not well water.

I have a heart condition, and in three months I've gained 40 pounds!!

I was pretty sure, and my doctor has backed me up, that it's all excess fluid. We've been racking our brains to figure out why I can't get rid of it even with massive medications, which I've never needed before. Then my son mentioned how I always swell up after spending much time at their house...they have a water softening system that uses sodium, and suddenly a light dawned. So I took a water sample to my doctor, and they had it tested...eureka! So now I just have to figure out if I can purify the water or if I'm doomed to buying bottled water from now on, sure hope not.

I have one of those small water filters that attaches to your sink faucet, and it hasn't done anything to get rid of the sodium. I started using nothing but bottled water early this morning (Friday), and I bet I've already "eliminated" 10-15 pounds, lol. So will a Berkey, or any other brand for that matter, get rid of the sodium?? I've read everything I could find and can't see where they even mention sodium.

I sent an e-mail to the Berkey company, but thought I'd ask if anyone here knows, or if I should write to other companies and if so what your recommendations would be. Sorry this is so long, I can just never seem to say what I need to succinctly, lol.

Dutch 106 · #2 04/05/08, 08:30 AM

Hi,
Uhm. I'm far from an expert but I think you may need to find one of the distilling system. It just might be that a RO undercabinet system might do it. A trip to your nearest lumber yard or plumbing suply should get you the information you need.
Good luck
Dutch

Ohio Rusty · #3 04/05/08, 10:41 AM

I would do some internet searches about desalination of water. There may be something available for home use.
Ohio Rusty ><>

calliemoonbeam · #4 04/05/08, 07:50 PM

Okay, thanks guys! I'll try those ideas.

fireliteca · #5 04/05/08, 09:28 PM

I called the "pur" filter people and they said that their filter didn't take out the sodium.Thats all the help i can be for now .I am looking for the same answer. firelite

calliemoonbeam · #6 04/05/08, 09:36 PM

Thanks firelite! If I find out anything, I'll let you know.

halfpint · #7 04/05/08, 10:25 PM

I have a water softener for our house, plus a reverse osmosis system in our kitchen. We've done some home school experiments with evaporating water from different places to see what was left in it, and the water from the reverse osmosis had very little deposits of anything in it - pretty much negligible. The water from the tap had quite a bit of deposits left in it - most looked like salt. When we purchased our water softener, we were told that the reverse osmosis would get the majority of the salt out.

Dawn

calliemoonbeam · #8 04/05/08, 11:34 PM

Yes, that looks like it may be my solution. I was really hoping to get a Berkey so I could use it on the house water in the meantime, but have it for a SHTF situation also. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I may just have to go with the reverse osmosis system for now and keep saving for the Berkey. Thanks again everyone!

Goody 2 Shoes · #9 04/06/08, 12:42 AM

May I suggest a work-around?

You can buy the black Berkey purifier elements and install them in two stacked 5-gallon food-grade buckets. If you go to the blog in THIS LINK then scroll down to the item titled, "Where there's a will . . ." it will show pictures of what I'm referring to.

BTW I bought my black Berkey elements from the ALERT STORE for $72/pair.

HTH

Goody

calliemoonbeam · #10 04/07/08, 12:13 AM

Thanks Goody, I'll keep that in mind. Right now my priority is getting rid of the sodium though, and I don't think that's going to do it. Still hoping for a reply from the Berkey company...

countrymouse2b · #11 04/07/08, 02:17 PM

I hope you hear back from them soon! We are going to purchase one as well. I never even *thought* about sodium!

mightybooboo · #12 04/08/08, 07:23 PM

Looks like you need a special sodium filter or a reverse osmosis system.

http://www.thewaterexchange.net/sodi...er-filters.htm

Or this distiller as some folks like...
http://www.waterwise-distillers.com/...model-9000.htm

As far as I know (FWIW),neither Berkey or Aquarain removes sodium,but there are plenty options to do so available to you.

This guy has a lot to say about water,scroll down to page 8 to read it,its pretty good.

http://members.fortunecity.com/elijah_web/ehtn002.htm

calliemoonbeam · #13 04/08/08, 11:22 PM

Sorry, still no reply from Berkey. What a poor way to do business, in my opinion. I was potentially going to spend over $500 with their company, and they can't even be bothered to answer my question? I can only assume it's because their filter doesn't take out the sodium and they know I won't buy in that case, but it's still extremely rude not to at least answer my e-mail.

BooBoo, thanks for the input. It looks like reverse osmosis is in my future. I've been reading a lot and checking out different places.

puddlejumper007 · #14 04/10/08, 11:06 AM

Calliemoonbeam...i just recived a berkey this week, looking at the info with it i do not see sodium listed as one of the things it filters out. here is a phone # 1800 321 1073 says let it ring at least ten times,, hope this helps pat.

calliemoonbeam · #15 04/10/08, 02:29 PM

Thanks Pat! I'll try calling them, but I don't hold out much hope at this point, lol. Good luck with yours though!