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Nifty Thrifty:  What do you do about water?  |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 6:00:39 PM
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I have a question - what do you do about drinking water when you live in the city ? I live in a 6 million to 7 million population (in Houston Texas) in the middle of the thick of it (not like I LOVE this but I have to right now) ... I refuse to drink the tap water.. Especially after I saw what came out of it the other day(!)... So far, for the last several years, we've been buying the big things of spring water from the store... I get two each usually. I hate doing this. I'd rather do some other way. I have been wondering if the Brita filter thingies are worth it but it seems to me the filters are more expensive after you buy the decanter or the sink filter.... I wish it were different..
It seems there surely is better ways of getting water.... !! ?
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 6:15:13 PM
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Not to mention the brita filters only last a month or two? I can't afford that.
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 8:24:38 PM
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Well, we rent a condo here so that wouldn't work either. I really just want well water someday ...someday...*sighs resignedly* lol
I guess I'm doing what I can then!
I turned on the faucets the other day and the water was yellow. *BLINK* AND ...it was also that color in the toilet. *BLINKS*
But ahem.. the toilet was flushed....
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 8:32:11 PM
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That happens in the building where I work. Early mornings are worst because the water has sat in the pipe all night. The building is an old one for Anchorage and the pipes are corroded and rusty. You may have the same problem some where in the system. Either the building or the feeder pipes. I haul the smaller 3 gallon bottles easier for me although I do have a well. The guy who drilled it would not tell me how deep it is and it think that it is a bit shallow every now and then I get silt. So I still haul drinking water.
CMF |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 9:20:31 PM
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I use the 3 gallon water bottles and a Brita pitcher too I tried to have a filter on the faucet but it would clog up to fast. I have all the parts and pieces for a whole water softner and filter unit for my house and can't afford to have it put in. But that said my neighbors killed all their indoor plants with the water softened water so I can't think it is that good for you and might never put it in. I love the water 3 gallons dispenser as it also has hot and can make a cup of tea right now.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2899 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2899 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 9:27:16 PM
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I have a Berkey water filter. I love it. YOu do not need to hook it to your tap; it is freestanding & requires no electricity. It is used to filter sludge into drinking water in the worst of conditions
The filters will last about 3 yrs for an average household.
Here is a link http://www.berkeyfilters.com/
THis is to their home page, but you can possibly find it cheaper elsewhere.
I became thoroughly convinced when I did their experiment of putting water with some food coloring in the top reservoir, & when it filters to the drinking reservoir, the color is gone!!
Plus, if you lose your water source in the winter, you can filter snow, ice, wahtever!! |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 10:10:11 PM
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I use the PUR water filter that attaches right on the faucet. You replace the filters only every 3-4 months. I does a good job. Another option that is very inexpensive that you might consider is boiling your water. It takes time, but if you've already the jugs from the Spring water, you can fill those with the water to store it once you've boiled it. We are on city water and we boiled before we got the filter.
hope you find something that works for you.
hugs
Jessie
"Wonder Woman hasn't got a cape, she just turned her apron around"
Farmgirl Sister #235 |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2010 : 8:46:05 PM
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Jessie - So boiling water really does work okay to drink tap water? That might sound goofy to ask... I've thought about it but didn't know if it really worked... lol.....
Lisa, I'm going to bookmark that berkey water filter... when I have the money, I just might invest ....!
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 08:32:14 AM
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Boiling water works for almost everything as far as killing germs but coffee tastes terrible when made with preboiled water. I have no idea why.
CMF |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 08:33:08 AM
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Cherime, I was wondering about the taste..though I know I shouldn't be picky ... lol
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9398 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9398 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 09:04:24 AM
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We have a filter under the sink. It has its own container for storing after it is filtered. It uses reverse osmosis which next to distilling is the purest water you can get. It cost us 200. at the start but we have had the same one since 1998. We do have to replace the filters but it has a light on it that flashes when it is time to change them. The spigot for it just goes through a hole you have to make in your sink like where the sprayer goes. If you don't have a sprayer you could always put it there.
We got it at Home Depot. It has been well worth the money. Stores a lot so I can use that water for cooking also.
farmgirl sister#43
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 1:59:03 PM
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Cherime, just fyi the reason the coffee tastes bad made with pre-boiled water is that you are boiling part of the oxygen out of it. I learned that when I started drinking tea in the UK. Tea tastes funny too if you boil the water to long.
Brooke, I live in Houston too as you know and I have a fridge with a water filter in it. It lasts nearly 6 months for each filter and it give you a signal when the filter needs changing. I know you aren't going to run out and buy a new fridge but it is an option for the future.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 3:00:17 PM
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Beth... Yeah, I can't afford to get a fridge or I would...This one came with the condo .... But that is a good thought...
My husband reminded me... I'm concerned about chlorine and all that and I can't get that out with boiling..Argh!
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9398 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9398 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 3:28:03 PM
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Brooke,
My husband is a chemist and has told me that if you leave water that has chlorine in it just sitting on the counter the chlorine will evaporate. If you stir the water it evaporates quicker and if you heat it is even a faster method to get it out. The length of time that it takes depends on the concentration of chlorine, and the temperature of your water.
Not boiling as that evaporates the water and therefore concentrates the impurities. And he corrected me that reverse osmosis systems are the best. Distillation is susceptible to carrying over the impurities if the water boils violently.
Without a filtering system you won't get rid of impurities only the gases. But to get rid of the gases, chlorine, etc., the best thing would be to heat the water, not to a boil but to around 150 degrees.
Also, you won't get the impurities completely out unless you filter it or distill it.
hope this helps.
farmgirl sister#43
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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Edited by - levisgrammy on Oct 10 2010 3:41:47 PM |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 5:03:55 PM
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OH yes! Boiling water works--ABSOLUTELY!! I didn't really think about it until I had my babies. Even the hospital recommended boiling the water and letting it cool so it would be safe for the babies.
I hope it helps. Its a lot of work, but its much yummier (And WAAAAY safer) than city tap water :)
hugs
Jessie
"Wonder Woman hasn't got a cape, she just turned her apron around"
Farmgirl Sister #235 |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 5:06:55 PM
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Well, I guess I stand corrected ;) I think though, that boiling is as close as I can get to pure on my kind of budget. I'd rather that than paying for bottled water or Spring water. I have to watch my nickles and dimes.
hugs
Jessie
"Wonder Woman hasn't got a cape, she just turned her apron around"
Farmgirl Sister #235 |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2010 : 5:13:13 PM
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Wow. You even get a science lesson here! LOL!
Jessie, That's why I am trying to figure out the best way. I'm tired of spending 5 dollars a week on water in the plastic jugs. I know that, on one hand, isn't so much, but on the OTHER hand, that's 20 extra bucks in our pockets each month.. and to think it's WATER! Argh! lol. I know what you mean.
Maybe I will still do the boiling (or get it to 150 degrees) water thing and let it stand out....if I understood that correctly. I never was very good at chemistry. lol...and hope when we finally move it will be good well water (like my mother-in-law's) or filtered refridgerator... :D
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Oct 17 2010 : 5:52:41 PM
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Do you have any of the water windmills around? We have 4 big glass 5 gallon jugs we take each week and fill up for about $6.00. The filtration system they use is amazing and the water is wonderful. We use the glass because of the harmful chems released from the plastic. I don't know where they are located in each state, but it might be worth checking into till you can get a home filtration system set up...
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
Say to them, may the Lord bless you and protect you, May the Lord smile upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace. (Numbers 6:23-26)
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Fiddlermom
Farmgirl in Training
47 Posts
Melissa
Logan
AL
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2010 : 11:44:52 AM
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I would suggest the Berkey systems. They run around $200 or more. I don't have one myself, but several friends have them and LOVE them! (I'm asking for one for Christmas!)They also sell a shower head and a sport bottle I want too! They are supposed to even filter "raw" water from streams or lakes. The bulkherbstore.com and morethanalive.com sell them usually with no shipping cost! Good luck!
Melissa :-) Farmgirl Sister #885 |
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Mama Jewel
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Jewel
Sweet Peas Farmette,
Bend, OR
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2010 : 1:43:08 PM
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Brooke, this site is from Environmental Working Group (EWG) & is a .org organization where you can input your zip & name of your water company & see the report on how healthy your water system is: http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/whats-in-yourwater
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette
"Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14
http://www.piecemama.etsy.com |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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spierce
Farmgirl at Heart
1 Posts
Sharon
Hamlin
New York
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2010 : 4:09:01 PM
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| I have a Big Berkey water filter and love it. I feel good about the fact that I can filter my tap water and have fresh, clean water but I also I have peace of mind knowing that in an emergency I could use it with water collected from almost any source. I bought a couple of the water bottles also and have them stored away for emergencies. No, I am not paranoid, just working on being prepared for unforseen circumstances. |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2010 : 5:01:51 PM
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I think when I have the money to spare, I will probably be getting the berkey filter too. I'd really like to do something about it.
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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Mama Jewel
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Jewel
Sweet Peas Farmette,
Bend, OR
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2010 : 8:38:44 PM
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Brooke, yeah, your water system's report doesn't look very good. However, the report was dated to 2007, so possibly it's improved since then? I hope you can get a good filter soon. As the saying goes, you can go a week without food, but you can't go a day without water.
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette
"Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14
http://www.piecemama.etsy.com |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2010 : 8:40:55 PM
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Mama Jewel, My guess it has become worse though I am not trying to be negative. Things haven't got much better (maybe worse) around these parts. :-| I will be doing what I can for sure!
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Proud Farmgirl #775
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Nifty Thrifty: What do you do about water? |
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What do you do about water?
