Post updated May 2025 due to this:
“Since 2022, a legal tug-of-war has been taking place between Berkey®, a recognised manufacturer of water filtration systems, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At the heart of the dispute is the EPA's decision to reclassify Berkey® filters as ‘pesticides’ requiring specific approval. This new classification has resulted in major trade restrictions for the company, jeopardising the availability of its products worldwide.” (Source)
How much water do I need to store / have access to?
US Gov safety recommendations say minimum 1 gallon per person per day. Most sites recommend 3-5 gallons per person per day, when you factor in drinking + cooking + hygiene, etc.
Given the above-mentioned situation between Berkey Filters and the EPA, I’ve updated this post to include additional products.
Let’s dive in.
Gravity-fed water filtration
Options:
Berkey filters are still around, but the Black Berkey Filters are hard to find. Probably the best bet is to buy from a brick-and-mortar retail store that might still have them in stock. (Note: be aware of fake Berkey filters available online.)
Boroux (developed by a former major distributor of Berkey) is another option. Notably, their black Foundation filters also fit Berkey canisters.
Which gravity filter system is the best? That depends…
The website WaterFilterGuru.com tested Alexapure vs. ProOne, with Alexapure coming out slightly ahead in the results.
The same site also tested Alexapure vs. Berkey, with Alexapure nudging out Berkey as well, based on their specific evaluation criteria.
If you want or need certified virus removal, your best options might be Lifestraw’s Community or Family options, or ProOne. Both officially meet NSF/ANSI P231 certification standards.
But then there’s also capacity (number of gallons that can be filtered before the filter element is no longer effective).
Berkey claims each Black Berkey element can filter up to 3,000 gallons.
Lifestraw claims 26,000 gallons per filter for their Community purifier.
Alexapure says 200 gallons.
ProOne does not provide many specifics, but this page indicates 1200 gallons per filter for a discontinued model.
Boroux claims 6000 gallons per filter, however, please watch this video for a deconstruction of what’s covered by that claim.
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This video from the Water Filter Guru YouTube channel offers a good overview of the uncertainties surrounding the claims made by these companies.
So, yeah…lots to consider. My suggestion is to reflect on your priorities in terms of capacity, price point, and other factors and go with your gut take on which one is right for your needs.
Water storage
Best option (imho) for home water storage: WaterPrepared
They have 55 gallon and 160 gallon stackable large capacity storage tanks.
They also sell WaterBrick 3.5 gallon stackable bricks. (I have these - easier to handle.) WaterBricks are made from food grade material and are BPA-free.
They sell silver/copper ion drops to put in the water to prevent bacterial growth (preferable to chlorine)
They recommend rotating the water stored in the tanks as often as possible. I try to refresh at least every 6 months.
Another possibility: rainwater harvesting
Involves some set up, such as connecting a tank to a roof gutter system
If it's illegal in your area, you can get around that by creating a rain diversion system and still use the water for garden irrigation
Well water testing
If you have a well, you can test your water regularly using home test kits: you collect the water and send it out for analysis. I like TapScore.
Cyclopure specializes in PFAS testing. Their kit is much less expensive than TapScore’s PFAS kit.
Hand pumps!
Most water wells use an electric pump. If electricity goes out, the pump won't work -- meaning no water. This is one reason to consider a home electricity backup option like a gas or solar generator (more on this in a future post!)
You could consider installing a hand pump somewhere on the property -- or in your house next to the water heater.
Two often mentioned higher end manufacturers of stainless steel hand pumps are Simple Pump and Bison. (note: you can find pumps in the $100-$500 range, but they're often made from materials that react to the minerals in well water, introducing a risk of corrosion. These particular pumps are more likely to last longer without corrosion.)
I'm thinking of doing this -- I'll update this as I learn more!
If you don't have a well
You can get one installed, space and zoning regulations permitting.
Not cheap, alas: https://homeguide.com/costs/well-drilling-cost
BUT, if you live in a rural area in the US and meet certain income requirements, you could get funding from Water Well Trust (also funds septic systems, btw)
Other areas may have similar funding available -- worth investigating!
Other storage options
You could stock up on a couple 3- or 5-gallon water bottles like the ones found at most grocery stores.
If you don't like plastic for water storage (understandable), you can find 3- and 5-gallon glass jugs (also called a "carboy" or "growler," which makes me lol) at many brewing supply stores.
Bug out water options
If you need to make a getaway, or just for travel, consider gravity filters:
This Lifestraw Peak Series is a good option. Filters most things including viruses to 99.99%. 1 filter cartridge lasts up to 4,755 gal / 18,000 litres.
MSR Guardian Gravity purifier is another option, slightly more expensive than Lifestraw. Also filters viruses. Filter lasts for 3,000 litres.
Grayl has somewhat cornered the market on being the must-have portable option for dude-who-has-it-all style folks who can afford a higher price point. Their filter lasts for 40 gallons / 150 litres.
Water purification tablets
Aquatabs have been around for ages. They're cheap and very portable.
Water tablets are chemical-based - Aquatabs use Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (not sure i could pronounce that...)
Probably good to have some on hand for worst-worst-case scenarios, could also be used as a barter item in post-SHTF situations
Replacement filters and parts
Recommendation: For ALL of the above purifier options, I'd recommend stocking up on additional replacement filters (at least 1 set, ideally 2+). They have decent shelf lives—Berkey says their filters literally have an indefinite shelf life.
Also maintenance kits, and replacement parts (for example). The $25 you spend on replacement parts could extend the life of your emergency water filtration system by a couple years. (I’m going to do that right now, actually…)
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An observation: prepping is smart, can be fun, but can also be expensive if you’re starting from scratch and aiming for a pretty comprehensive level of preparedness. There are a couple creative approaches you could take:
For entrepreneurial types: become a reseller, get your own gear wholesale
Find used gear online (see Part 1)
Check your local/regional gov sustainability programs for rebates — there are more programs like this than you might expect
Organize several people in a community to do a group purchase and get a bulk discount (I’ve seen this a couple places)
Start small (e.g. stock up on a couple 5-gallon water jugs) and work your way incrementally towards a more comprehensive solution
Do a fundraiser or crowdfunding campaign for more expensive projects (you get the well installed, then you provide emergency water to everyone who helped fund the installation)
If you live in a rural area, work with your town to have a town-wide emergency water solution in place (e.g. a town well with a hand pump, old skool style)
Another trick that works: Create an account on the website, add the items you want to your cart, and then leave them there without completing the sale. Many vendors will send emails saying: "Hey, we noticed you left this in your cart. Here's a coupon..." I tried this with Berkey Filters and got a 15% off coupon code by email. :)
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Previously on The Thoughtful Prepper...
Part 1 – Sell your stuff!