Would be interesting to see empirical evidence of actual health/unhealth results of drinking boiled water in Yunnan, though it might be hard to come up with it because of health conditions that people may have from other sources (e.g.: hepatitis, which proper boiling should not lead to; and food sources contaminated by crap in the soil/ground water). I'm not suggesting that there is no threat from drinking boiled water, there's plenty of evidence that there is (as the OP has pointed out), but analysis of probabilities is no substitute for clear, quantifiable empirical evidence.
@alexkmg I paid 1200 for the aquasana 4100 counter top system on Taoboa .... Prefilters are about 150 for 6 monthes and replacement filters 700 every 6 months or so. As I said started using it beijing and when I moved here I immediately bought another. I live in dali and contrary to what we were told, the drinking water is definitely suspect.
@Kernalpanx- You illustrate my point exactly concerning the cost to use such a system. Like a printer, you need to keep buying filters regularly.
You are paying 1700 RMB per year buying filters? How much water are you processing in a year? I would guess approx 800 gallons (2 gallons a day). If 800, your cost is 2.1 RMB per gallon. That is $$$ to get safe water!
My system will cost you .2 RMB per gallon and it's filters (2) will process 6000 gallons before replacement. That's 7.5 years of use. Then a set of filters will cost you APPROX 1280 RMB for a set.
Just sayin.....
@Kernalpanx. thanks for the info.
@bucko. the upfront cost is lower and it's available and he's field tested in Yunnan already. Also, not everyone may stay 7.5 years. But, I can wait.
Just had some google-time and as i'm natural sceptical and also interested in the Berkey system, would like to hear your thoughts:
www.paleohacks.com/[...]
harrychickpea.blogspot.com/[...]
@bb4178....
Great job on you doing your research. I strongly encourage everyone to do so.
In response to this article. (Note it is dated 2012). Quote "Reports of black Berkey filters breaking or becoming unglued at the base keep coming in across the net. This is an acknowledged defect by the manufacturer.' The manufacturer of the Black Berkey changed it's glue formulation which resulted in the filters seperating. Immediately customers reported this to New MIllennium, where they recalled this factory run, and replaced all the filters to the customer. This issue was resolved quickly and has never resurfaced again. Case closed.
Quote 'This company (British Berkfeld) also makes the "Doulton" brand filters.' I want to point out that this filter IS NOT the same as a Black Berkey, other than in appearance. You can Google test results on this filter and see it is rated well below the Berkey. I believe it is marketed in the UK.
The Black Berkey is a proprietary formulation and it's internal components are far superior (and different) to the Doulton. Do not compare the two.
@AlexKMG- Sorry, I don't understand your comment "Also, not everyone may stay 7.5 years. But, I can wait."
@bucko
Thanks for the fast response and explanation!
Did you make progress getting the Berkey's to Kunming so far?
Even for companies with proper import/export license the chinese customs become a pain-in-the...
Actually the flow is 1500 us gallons. This leaves the minerals that are good for you in the water.... Actually has the highest rating from consumer reports.... I could buy the full house unit for 10000 rmb and 8 years but may or may not still next year. Undecided about staying in Dali and or china.
@bucko. My 7.5 years comment was that depending on how long one plans on staying in China, some systems that might cost more to run but less upfront would be ok.
Also, how does the Berkey compare to ceradyn or other ceramic silver filters?
At this point my initial shipment has been released and is on it's way to Kunming. The import/export regs here have been more than troublesome! I must now re-register my company, pay an independent import agent, and secure relations with a 100% owned Chinese import company with which to actually ship to in China. Nothing $$$ won't cure. So now I am much closer to getting set up for future imports.
Kernalpanx-I already did my first condo in Kunming "whole house". It was more like 25,000 to do it. Now I am selling my condo and this systems stays as it is built in. Total waste of $$. All you need is the Berkey. NO INSTALL NEEDED. When you move, it goes with you. (Weighs around 7.5 lbs), is half the cost, requires no power. This is really a no-brainer.
ALexKMG- Don't overthink this. The Berkey goes with you wherever you live. I can supply ceramic filters with the Berkey, but they in no way match the ability of the black berkey filters. Google and see for yourself the specs.
In a few days I will post pricing. Almost ready
