Berkey Water Filter Faqs For Quick Answers

Welcome to our Berkey Water Filter FAQ page! We've compiled answers to the most common questions to help you understand how Berkey systems work, what they remove, and how to get the best performance from your filter. Whether you're a new user or a long-time Berkey owner, this page will provide clear, reliable information to ensure you enjoy clean, filtered water every day. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out—we're here to help!

What is a Berkey Water Filter?

A Berkey water filter is a gravity-fed filtration system that removes chlorine, PFAS, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants from water. Using powerful Black Berkey elements, it provides long-lasting filtration without electricity or plumbing. Berkey systems are ideal for homes, travel, and emergencies, filtering water from sources like taps and wells while retaining essential minerals. Available in various sizes, they accommodate individuals, families, and groups. Known for efficiency and durability, Berkey filters deliver clean, great-tasting water, making them a trusted choice for everyday use and preparedness.

How do the Berkey Filters work to eliminate toxins?

The Black Berkey filtration elements combine the age-old process of micro-porous filtration coupled with modern state-of-the-art technology and the highest quality materials to bring you the finest water filtration elements available. The micro-pores within the self-sterilizing and re-cleanable Black Berkey filtration elements are so small that contaminants are simply not able to pass through them. The elements incorporate proprietary "adsorption" media, which results from the molecular attraction of substances to the surface of the media. Black Berkey filtration elements also incorporate proprietary "absorbing" media that promote IONIC "absorption" of pollutants within the micro-porous elements.

Why is Berkey better than other, less expensive water filters?

Like no other gravity filter available, the Berkey water filters remove 100% of all trihalomethanes, radiologicals and inorganic minerals. The Black Berkey filters are also re-cleanable and last for up to 6,000 gallons. These aren't your typical disposable filters.

How big are the Berkey water filters?

The Berkey water filters range in height from 18" to 30". They can range in diameter from 7.5" to 11". You can literally place them on your kitchen counter with no problems.

Will it really benefit my health to use a Berkey filter?

Using a Berkey filter will absolutely benefit your health by providing the cleanest water possible. They remove harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents, radon 222 and trihalomethanes. These filters also reduce nitrates and unhealthy minerals such as lead and mercury.

Why do I need fluoride filters? I thought fluoride was good for me.

This is by far one of the most asked Berkey water filter faqs. Many experts say that fluoride in the drinking water is not effective as a dental supplement. Studies have been done on mice, with the fluoride causing neurotoxicity. Studies on children showed that fluoride had direct effects on the brain, causing them to have lower I.Q. levels. There are numerous studies showing a connection between fluoride and cancer. Research has shown elevated cancer rates in cities with fluoridated water, cancerous changes in liver cells and unscheduled DNA synthesis. It is also shown that fluorosis is a direct result of over consumption of fluoride.

How is chlorine harmful to my body?

In a shower or bath, chlorine can either be in liquid or gas state. At higher water temperatures in an enclosed shower stall, free-chlorine moves from the liquid to the gas state, where it vaporizes and then is inhaled. Chlorine is a potential carcinogen.

How long do the filters last?

The Black Berkey filtration elements last for up to 3,000 gallons, or 6,000 gallons per set of two. The PF-2 fluoride filters last up to 1,000 gallons.

Isn't bottled water just as clean and healthy?

Bottled water across the country contains a wide variety of toxic substances, according to laboratory tests conducted by the Environment Working Group (EWG). In this lab test, 38 toxic pollutants were detected including fluoride, byproducts of chlorine-based disinfection, caffeine, pharmaceutical drugs, fertilizer residue, plasticizers, solvents, fuel propellants, arsenic, heavy metals and radioactive isotopes. Source: NaturalNews.com

How much water does the Sport Berkey hold?

The Sport Berkey portable water filter hold 22 oz. of water and can be refilled up to 160 times with raw untreated water and 640 times with treated water.

Why is the filtration flow rate slow, and how can I improve it?

A slow filtration flow rate in your Berkey system is often caused by clogged filters, air pockets, or high water contaminants. Over time, sediment and impurities can reduce the efficiency of the Black Berkey elements.

To improve the flow rate, start by priming the filters to remove trapped air, ensuring proper water flow. Regularly clean the Black Berkey elements with a Scotch-Brite pad under running water to remove buildup. Also, check that the system is properly assembled and that no blockage is restricting water movement.

With proper maintenance, your Berkey system will continue to perform efficiently.

Learn more here.

Isn't reverse osmosis the best way to filter water?

Many health experts are no longer recommending drinking reverse osmosis or distilled water on a long-term basis because these methods take out all of the beneficial minerals from the water making it an acidic "hypotonic" solution. Berkey^® purification systems do not remove the beneficial minerals from the water.

Where can I find the index for all the content from BerkeyCleanWater.com?

You can see the index of our site by viewing the BerkeyCleanWater.com sitemap.

Where can I find Berkey water filter fact sheets?

This is the last of the Berkey water filter faqs for us to examine.

If you have any other questions you'd like to add to my Berkey water filter faqs list, please let me know.

If you have any additional inquiries you can contact our Berkey customer service.