Water Quality: Filters vs Purifiers

[Carl]

Hello.

Where I live, all the water is from above ground sources and that means in summer the lakes tend to 'turn over' adding some interesting but not very pleasant flavors to the tap water. I've read the posts on various filters and think that is most likely the way to go to get that exceptional cuppa. Right now I use the filtered water from the refridgerator, but that has issues with taste as well.

In looking at various brands of 'filters', I came across 'purifiers'. I didn't know the difference and googled some more. The purifier systems seem to have additional advantages in terms of detoxing water to the n'th degree. The Berkey reviews caught my attention (stainless steel freak) and it seems to be the leading contender for my problem.



Has anyone any experience with a Berkey? I hadn't heard of them until this week and it's a bit of jingle to purchase even the smaller ones. I'd like some perspective and advice from the tea drinking community before 'comitting'.

Thanks!

[Victoria]

Well that certainly is a beauty. I love the look of SS too. But lots of people here just use a Britta or the Adagio one:
http://www.adagio.com/teaware/graviTEA. ... f448493ee9

Much more simple and less space.

[Carl]

Thank you, Victoria! It's always a struggle for me to distinguish between whether I really need the form or the function! I appreciate the link...and having measured the counter space already for the Berkey (lack thereof), your solution is certainly the wisest! One side says function , the other says form, and then turns aside and smiling, says 'what happens if they drop the bomb and you need to purify muddy, contaminated water'.
Sigh...

[Seeker]

Hey Carl,
I can't recommend an RO (reverse osmosis) system more. Initially I tried the filtered from the fridge spigot, then britta, then pur, none produced a good cuppa. Always subtle chlorine and other 'off' flavors in the tea.
Until I put in an RO system (system cost about $250, put in under kitchen sink, had plumber put it in for me to avoid the intense levels of frustration I experience with most mechanical jobs - plumber cost about $100 more). I've had it for 2+ years now, and love, love, love it. Pure, clean, tasty water.
So, anyway, now there's a beautiful RO spigot right next to the kitchen faucet. Excellent.
I find that tea, especially greens and whites are very, very prone to off flavors from water - so, since tea is an investment, might as well complete the investment?
Cheers.

[Dreamer]

Hi Carl,

I have a Berkey and I LOVE it!
I also purchased the additional filters to remove flouride.
We have really good tasting water here, but the Berkey makes it even better...I can definitely taste the difference, I can even smell the difference!

Happy shopping,
Dreamer

[Carl]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I appreciate the insights and comments. It really helps to have your advice. I haven't made a decision yet, but I have a better understanding of my choices based on your feedback.

Thank you!