Cheapest water filtration system?

[decessus]

I live in a small apartment....I was thinking about getting a water filter and be as "mustachian" as possible about the purchase.  I saw the Zero system and Brita - is Brita the most cost effective way to go?  I'm thinking about the prices of the replacement filters as well....I realize just drinking straight out of the tap is the "cheapest" but I have to admit I really like the taste of filtered...

[ketchup]

We have a Brita pitcher, and had a ZeroWater pitcher in the past. In terms of real world usage, the Brita filter cartridges are about half the price, and last about four times as long. We replace our Brita filter cartridge every few months with one member of the household drinking out of it regularly, plus guests. I still drink straight tap water myself, because it's easierand I think it tastes better.

Get the smaller pitcher or else it takes up too much room in the fridge.

It still feels ridiculous to be buying those filters, but as they say: happy wife, happy life (or happy spouse, happy house). And still beats the hell out of the insanity of buying bottled water.

[FeelingRosie]

We have a Berkey water filter. It's truly amazing. It uses carbon block filters that filter so good, it's considered a water purifier rather than just a filter. It's one of the most economical water filters on the market. You can also get additional filters that filter out fluoride if your water is fluoridated. Just google Berkey Water filters. It's pretty pricey up front cost though.

[abhe8]

I love our berkey...but it cost was a factor, I would just buy the berkey replacement filters and make one with 5 gallon buckets, that I get free at the bakery. Google diy berkey.

[FeelingRosie]

I love our berkey...but it cost was a factor, I would just buy the berkey replacement filters and make one with 5 gallon buckets, that I get free at the bakery. Google diy berkey.

I never thought to make a diy Berkey! That's such a good idea, since it's just gravity fed. Although I don't like how plastic can leach into food and drinks. So, I really like the stainless steel of the Berkey

[JAYSLOL]

We use a Berkey filter in our place also, we have frequent boil water advisories in my area and I got sick of turning on the tap and seeing (and actually smelling) the yellow water pouring into my glass.  I've only had to replace the Berkey filter once so far, it lasted almost 2 years.  Would have gone through a couple packs of brita filters in that time while not doing as good a job.  It isn't cheap, but clean water is one luxury I don't feel too guilty about having.

[decessus]

Thanks, so then everyone has found that the long term cost of ownership of the Berkey is lower than going the Brita route?

Apparently, Berkey costs 1.8 cents per gallon (source: http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/helpful-resources/compare/)...This site says Berkey is cheaper than Brita http://www.consciouswater.ca/berkey-water-purifiers/ but I'm looking for real world confirmation.

[mohawkbrah]

home-made slow flow sand filter

[brokescientist]

We buy our replacement filters at Target.  I believe they make their own brand that fits our Britta.  They are much cheaper.

[Conjou]

Thanks, so then everyone has found that the long term cost of ownership of the Berkey is lower than going the Brita route?

Apparently, Berkey costs 1.8 cents per gallon (source: http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/helpful-resources/compare/)...This site says Berkey is cheaper than Brita http://www.consciouswater.ca/berkey-water-purifiers/ but I'm looking for real world confirmation.

It is particularly cheaper than Brita if you use the diy method suggested for a Berkey.