Berkey gravity filtration systems reduce lead, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, PFAS, and 200+ other contaminants from drinking water, independently lab-tested with no plumbing, no electricity, and no installation required. Reverse osmosis systems deliver strong TDS reduction but require plumbing connections, produce 2 to 4 gallons of wastewater per gallon filtered, and remove minerals along with contaminants. For households prioritizing broad contaminant reduction, portability, and long-term cost efficiency, Berkey's practical advantages are substantial. For those who need near-zero TDS or maximum fluoride reduction without any add-on filters, reverse osmosis is the stronger fit. This comparison covers both.
This comparison covers contaminant reduction for heavy metals, fluoride, and PFAS; how each system works; independent testing and certifications; infrastructure and maintenance requirements; water waste; and five-year total cost for both systems.
Best For and Not For: Berkey vs Reverse Osmosis
Berkey Is Best For
- Broad contaminant reduction: PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, VOCs, and more
- Renters and households that cannot modify plumbing
- Emergency preparedness: no electricity or water pressure needed
- Retaining beneficial minerals naturally present in water
- Long-term cost efficiency at roughly $0.02 per gallon
- Portable use: travel, camping, off-grid, temporary locations
- Adding fluoride and arsenic reduction via PF-2 filters as a direct add-on
Reverse Osmosis May Be Preferred If You Need
- Maximum dissolved-solids (TDS) reduction across the board
- Fluoride reduction without any add-on filters
- High-volume instant on-demand flow from a pressurized storage tank
- You own the home, have plumbing access, and installation cost is acceptable
How We Evaluated These Systems
- Reviewed publicly available, downloadable lab reports for both Berkey filter element lines
- Verified NSF certifications via the nsf.org certified products database
- Referenced EWG's independent multi-system PFAS testing results
- Calculated five-year total cost of ownership including system, filter replacement, and RO water waste
- Cross-referenced RO performance claims against NSF/ANSI 58 certification standards and peer-reviewed research
- Verified third-party media coverage from EWG, Food Network, CBS News, and LA Times
How Each System Works
Berkey systems use gravity to draw water through dense filter elements containing multiple filtration media. The process uses four mechanisms working together: microfiltration through a tortuous-path pore structure that physically traps sediment and non-dissolved contaminants; adsorption by activated carbon that bonds to organic contaminants; absorption; and ion exchange specifically designed for heavy metal contaminants. Because gravity rather than pressure drives the flow, water maintains extended contact time with the filter media, which supports contaminant reduction. No electricity, water pressure, or plumbing connection is required at any stage.
Reverse osmosis forces water through a semipermeable membrane under pressure from the home water supply. The membrane physically rejects dissolved contaminants, routing them to a wastewater stream. Most under-sink RO systems include a pressurized storage tank and a dedicated faucet. Countertop RO units do not require permanent plumbing installation but do need electricity and still produce wastewater. The membrane is highly effective at reducing dissolved solids but removes dissolved minerals along with contaminants; many systems include or add a remineralization stage to address this.
Contaminant Reduction at a Glance
Swipe right to see full comparison table.
| Feature |
Berkey (Black Berkey Elements) |
Reverse Osmosis |
| Contaminants Tested |
200+, with downloadable lab reports from independent accredited labs |
Varies by system; membrane targets dissolved solids; pre and post carbon filters address organics |
| Heavy Metals |
Reduced via ion exchange and adsorption; Black Berkey and Phoenix Elements both tested for lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and others |
High rejection rates for most heavy metals via membrane; performance varies by membrane quality and source water |
| Fluoride |
Add PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters: up to 99.75% fluoride reduction; replace every 1,000 gallons or 1 year, whichever comes first; compatible with both filter element lines |
90 to 99% reduction without add-on filters; strong on fluoride as a dissolved solid |
| PFAS |
99%+ reduction; EWG rated Travel Berkey Best Overall across 10 systems tested; 25 compounds to below detectable limits |
Effective; typically 90 to 99%+ depending on membrane and system design |
| Beneficial Minerals |
Retained: calcium, magnesium, and potassium pass through the filter media |
Removed: membrane rejects minerals along with contaminants; many users add a remineralization stage at extra cost |
| Certifications |
Phoenix Elements: formally NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 certified. Black Berkey Elements: tested to NSF/ANSI protocols by independent EPA and NSF-accredited labs. Both with downloadable public lab reports |
NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems (full system testing); varies by manufacturer |
| Filter Lifespan |
Black Berkey Elements: 6,000 gallons per pair. Phoenix Elements: 5,500 gallons per pair |
Sediment: 6 to 12 months. Carbon: 6 to 12 months. Membrane: 2 to 3 years. Post-carbon: 12 months |
| Water Waste |
Zero: gravity fed, no wastewater stream |
2 to 4 gallons wasted per gallon of filtered water produced |
| Electricity Required |
No |
Under-sink: no (uses line pressure). Countertop units: yes |
| Plumbing Required |
No |
Under-sink: yes. Countertop units: no, but electricity required |
| Cost Per Gallon |
~$0.02 |
$0.05 to $0.15+ when accounting for system, filters, installation, and wasted water |
Heavy Metals Reduction: Both Systems Tested
Both Black Berkey Elements and Berkey Phoenix Elements reduce heavy metals from drinking water. This is not a single-mechanism result. Berkey filter elements use ion exchange specifically targeting dissolved heavy metal contaminants, working alongside adsorption, absorption, and microfiltration in a multi-stage process. Lab results covering lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and other heavy metals are publicly available and downloadable from our test results page. Black Berkey Elements are tested by independent, EPA and NSF-accredited third-party laboratories. Phoenix Elements are tested by NABL-accredited third-party laboratories, with results available on the Phoenix lab results page.
Tested Heavy Metals Reduction: Both Filter Element Lines vs Reverse Osmosis
Black Berkey Elements (ships standard with all systems): Lead >99.9% • Arsenic >99.9% • Mercury >99.9% • Chromium >99.9% • Chromium VI >99.8% • Cadmium >99.7% • Copper, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Nickel >99.9% each. Range across all metals tested: 99.1% to 99.9%+. Tested by Envirotek Laboratories and LA County ETL.
Berkey Phoenix Elements (current replacement option, $120/pair): Heavy metals including lead, mercury, and arsenic: >99.5% reduction. Tested by NABL-accredited third-party laboratories. View Phoenix lab results
Both element lines reduce heavy metals at rates comparable to or exceeding documented RO membrane rejection rates for the same contaminants.
Reverse osmosis also reduces heavy metals effectively. The semipermeable membrane rejects dissolved metal ions, and peer-reviewed research documents rejection rates for arsenic, lead, chromium, and cadmium in the high 90-percent range under controlled conditions. The difference between the two systems is not whether heavy metals are reduced: it is the infrastructure required to achieve that reduction. Berkey does it with gravity and no installation. RO requires plumbing, a dedicated faucet, and a storage tank, and sends 2 to 4 gallons of water down the drain for every gallon delivered.
Key Takeaway
Both Black Berkey Elements and Berkey Phoenix Elements reduce heavy metals through independently tested, downloadable lab-documented performance, with no plumbing and no water waste. Reverse osmosis achieves similar heavy metals reduction through membrane rejection, but requires plumbing installation, produces wastewater, and removes dissolved minerals in the process.
Fluoride Reduction: The PF-2 Solution
Standard Berkey filter elements are not primarily designed for fluoride reduction. Fluoride is a dissolved ion that requires a dedicated fluoride-reduction media to target effectively. Berkey addresses this directly with PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters. Each PF-2 filter screws onto the bottom of one gravity filter element and is compatible with both Black Berkey Elements and Berkey Phoenix Elements. PF-2 filters reduce fluoride by up to 99.75% and require replacement every 1,000 gallons or 1 year, whichever comes first. At typical household use of around one gallon per day, the one-year time limit is the practical replacement trigger. Priming takes 5 to 10 minutes before first use.
With PF-2 filters installed, Berkey directly targets both fluoride and arsenic, the two dissolved contaminants most commonly cited as gaps in standard gravity filtration. This is a purpose-built solution, not a workaround.
Reverse osmosis performs well on fluoride without any add-on filters. The membrane rejects fluoride as a dissolved solid, and NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems are specifically tested for this type of performance. If fluoride reduction without an add-on component is a hard requirement, RO does have a structural advantage. For households willing to add PF-2 filters, Berkey achieves up to 99.75% fluoride reduction. The honest cost comparison for fluoride-focused buyers is covered in the cost section below.
PFAS and Emerging Contaminants
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is where Berkey has the strongest independently validated third-party coverage. The Environmental Working Group independently tested 10 pitcher and countertop filtration systems for PFAS reduction and rated the Travel Berkey Best Overall. In that testing, Black Berkey Elements reduced all 25 PFAS compounds to below detectable limits in that test. Both Black Berkey and Phoenix Elements reduce PFAS by 99%+ as confirmed by independent laboratory testing. Full documentation is available on our test results page and Phoenix lab results page.
Reverse osmosis is also effective for PFAS, typically achieving 90 to 99%+ reduction depending on membrane quality and system design. Both systems are viable for households with PFAS concerns. Berkey's advantage is the depth of published, third-party-validated test data, including EWG's independent testing recognized by CBS News and other publications. See our Media Coverage page for verified source links.
Independent Testing and Certifications
The two Berkey filter element lines have distinct but complementary validation. Berkey Phoenix Elements hold formal NSF/ANSI 42 certification (aesthetic contaminants, including chlorine taste and odor) and NSF/ANSI 372 certification (confirming lead-free materials throughout the filter), tested by NABL-accredited third-party laboratories. Full Phoenix lab reports are available on the Phoenix lab results page. Black Berkey Elements are not formally NSF certified, but are tested to NSF/ANSI contaminant-reduction protocols by independent, EPA and NSF-accredited third-party laboratories against 200+ contaminants, with publicly downloadable lab reports on our test results page. Both element lines provide transparent, publicly accessible lab documentation. Neither should be conflated with the other's certification status.
Reverse osmosis systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 are tested as complete systems for contaminant reduction performance. The certification covers the membrane and pre and post filters as a unit. NSF/ANSI 58 certifies the full RO system, while NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 for Phoenix Elements apply to specific performance categories: aesthetic contaminants and lead-free material safety. These are different certification scopes and are not directly comparable. Performance varies meaningfully by manufacturer and membrane type. When evaluating any RO system, verify its NSF/ANSI 58 certification at nsf.org before purchasing.
Media Recognition: Verified Coverage
Berkey's third-party recognition comes from verified, linkable published sources:
-
EWG: Rated Travel Berkey Best Overall across 10 water filter systems in independent PFAS testing
-
Food Network: Called Berkey the "pack leader" in their water filter review for quality and long-term value
-
CBS News: Covered EWG's independent PFAS filtration testing results featuring Berkey
-
LA Times: Referenced Berkey as a premium gravity filtration option
-
The Prepared: Named Berkey a top gravity filter pick for home and emergency use
Every source links to the original article on our Media Coverage page.
Long-Term Cost: Five-Year Total Comparison
The true cost comparison only makes sense over multiple years. Upfront price is not the right metric: filter lifespan, replacement frequency, installation, and for RO, the ongoing cost of wasted water all affect the total picture significantly.
System (Black Berkey Elements included)$367
Black Berkey Element replacement (5 yr)None needed
Electricity cost$0
Wasted water cost$0
Add PF-2 for fluoride: ~$103/yr x 5 yrs+$515 = ~$882 total
Cost per gallon (without PF-2)~$0.02
System plus installation$350 to $1,000+
Annual filter replacement$50 to $150/year
Wasted water added to utility bill~1,400 to 1,500 gal/year
Optional remineralization filter~$30 to $60/year
Cost per gallon$0.05 to $0.15+
Cost estimates below assume approximately one gallon of filtered water per day for a typical household. The Berkey five-year cost of ~$367 includes the system and Black Berkey Elements with no filter replacement needed within that window. For households who do not need fluoride reduction, that is the complete cost. For those who add PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters, PF-2 requires replacement every 1,000 gallons or 1 year, whichever comes first. At the assumed usage rate, the one-year interval applies, making PF-2 an annual cost of $103. Over five years that adds $515, bringing the Berkey total to approximately $882 with fluoride reduction included. That is still competitive with an under-sink RO system when installation cost and annual filter replacement are factored in, and Berkey produces zero wasted water throughout. At a typical ratio of 2 to 4 gallons wasted per gallon filtered, an RO system discards approximately 1,400 to 1,500 additional gallons per year added to the utility bill.
Setup, Infrastructure, and Maintenance
Berkey systems require no installation. Assembly takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes: prime the filter elements, seat them in the upper chamber, stack the chambers, and add water. No plumbing connections. No dedicated faucet. No electrician or plumber required. The system can be relocated, stored, or taken on trips without modification. Routine maintenance is minimal: wash the lower chamber with mild soap and water monthly. Filter elements require cleaning only when flow rate slows noticeably, using the Scotch-Brite scrub method. For most households on municipal tap water this is infrequent. For households on well water or water with high sediment loads, slow flow may occur more often, which should be factored into the convenience comparison. Filtering sediment-heavy water does not affect the 6,000-gallon lifespan rating, but it does mean more frequent scrubbing intervals.
Under-sink reverse osmosis systems require connecting to the cold-water supply line, running a drain line for the wastewater stream, and mounting a dedicated faucet through the countertop. Most households hire a plumber for installation. Countertop RO units simplify this by connecting to the sink faucet without permanent installation, but they still require an electrical outlet and produce wastewater. Membrane replacement every 2 to 3 years and pre and post filter replacement every 6 to 12 months are standard maintenance tasks for any RO system. For high-sediment source water, RO pre-filters clog faster and require more frequent cartridge changes, compressing the filter replacement schedule and adding to annual cost.
For renters, under-sink RO installation is typically not an option. Berkey requires no landlord permission and no modification to any fixture.
Water Waste and Environmental Impact
Reverse osmosis produces 2 to 4 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of filtered water it delivers. This is built into how membrane rejection works: contaminants are concentrated and flushed away in a waste stream rather than absorbed into filter media. For a household filtering one gallon per day, that is approximately 1,400 to 1,500 gallons of additional water consumed annually with no usable output, added directly to the water utility bill.
Berkey produces no wastewater. Water poured into the upper chamber moves through the filter elements by gravity and collects as filtered water below. There is no reject stream. For households in drought-prone areas, on private wells with limited yield, or mindful of utility costs and environmental impact, this is a practical and meaningful difference.
When Each System Makes Sense
Choose Berkey if you want broad contaminant reduction including PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and VOCs. You rent, cannot modify plumbing, or want a system that works without electricity or water pressure during outages. You want to retain beneficial minerals. You are comparing five-year total costs and want the lowest cost per gallon. You need portability for travel, camping, or a second location. Your water source is municipal tap or low-sediment well water, where filter scrubbing remains infrequent.
Factor in higher maintenance if your source water has high sediment or turbidity. Berkey filter elements in those conditions may require more frequent scrubbing when flow slows. This does not change the 6,000-gallon lifespan rating, but it is a real convenience variable for well-water or surface-water households. RO systems with high-sediment source water face the same issue in a different form: pre-filters clog faster and require more frequent cartridge replacements, which adds to the annual cost.
Add PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters to your Berkey if fluoride or arsenic is a specific concern. PF-2 filters are compatible with both Black Berkey Elements and Phoenix Elements and are the direct product solution for this contaminant category.
Choose reverse osmosis if maximum dissolved-solids reduction is your primary goal. You have very high TDS source water and need near-zero dissolved contaminants. You own your home, have plumbing access, and are comfortable with installation cost and ongoing maintenance. You do not mind adding a remineralization stage to address the minerals the membrane removes.
For a full breakdown of what Berkey addresses and where specific limitations apply, see our guide: Berkey limitations explained. For detail on how gravity filtration handles minerals versus RO and distillation, see Do Berkey filters remove beneficial minerals?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Berkey remove heavy metals from drinking water?
Yes. Both Black Berkey Elements and Berkey Phoenix Elements reduce heavy metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. The ion exchange mechanism in Berkey filter elements is specifically designed for dissolved heavy metal contaminants, working alongside adsorption and microfiltration as part of a multi-stage process. Downloadable lab reports are available on the test results page and the Phoenix lab results page.
Does Berkey remove fluoride?
Standard Berkey filter elements are not designed as primary fluoride-reduction media. For fluoride and arsenic reduction, Berkey offers PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters, which screw onto the bottom of each filter element and are compatible with both Black Berkey and Berkey Phoenix Elements. PF-2 filters reduce fluoride by up to 99.75% and require replacement every 1,000 gallons or 1 year, whichever comes first. At typical household use, the one-year time limit is the practical trigger. With PF-2 installed, Berkey directly addresses fluoride without switching to a different system.
How does Berkey compare to reverse osmosis for PFAS removal?
Both systems reduce PFAS effectively. The Environmental Working Group independently tested 10 water filtration systems for PFAS and rated the Travel Berkey Best Overall, with Black Berkey Elements reducing all 25 compounds tested to below detectable limits. RO systems typically achieve 90 to 99%+ PFAS reduction depending on membrane quality. Berkey has the advantage of published, third-party-validated test data and requires no plumbing or electricity to operate.
Does reverse osmosis remove beneficial minerals from water?
Yes. The RO membrane rejects dissolved minerals along with contaminants because it does not distinguish between them. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are removed in the same process that removes heavy metals and other dissolved contaminants. Many RO system owners add a remineralization filter at additional cost to address this. Berkey gravity filtration retains beneficial minerals while reducing harmful contaminants.
Is Berkey cheaper than reverse osmosis over five years?
For most households without a fluoride concern, yes. The Big Berkey five-year total cost is approximately $367 with no filter replacement needed within that window. A comparable under-sink RO system typically costs $700 or more over five years, not including wasted water utility costs. For households who need fluoride reduction, PF-2 filters cost $103 per year (replaced annually at typical use), adding $515 over five years and bringing the Berkey total to approximately $882. That is still competitive with under-sink RO when installation is included, and Berkey produces zero wasted water.
How much water does a reverse osmosis system waste?
Reverse osmosis systems produce 2 to 4 gallons of wastewater per gallon of filtered water delivered. For a household filtering one gallon per day, that equals approximately 1,400 to 1,500 gallons of wasted water per year, which is added to the utility bill. Berkey produces zero wastewater: all water poured into the upper chamber either passes through the filter elements as filtered water or remains in the upper chamber.
Can Berkey be used without electricity or plumbing?
Yes. Berkey systems are gravity-fed and require no electricity, no water pressure, and no plumbing connections of any kind. This makes them suitable for renters, for use during power outages and emergencies, for off-grid locations, and for travel and camping. Reverse osmosis systems require water pressure to operate, and countertop RO units additionally require an electrical outlet.
Is Berkey or reverse osmosis better for well water?
It depends on what the well water contains. For broad-spectrum contaminant reduction including PFAS, heavy metals, organics, and pharmaceuticals, Berkey with PF-2 filters is a practical well-water solution that requires no plumbing modifications. If the well water has very high TDS or elevated dissolved minerals and near-zero dissolved solids is the goal, reverse osmosis provides more aggressive TDS reduction. A certified lab test of the well water is the best starting point before choosing either system.
Which filter system has better long-term value?
Berkey delivers better long-term value for most household use cases. At approximately $0.02 per gallon with no installation cost, no electricity cost, and no wastewater added to the utility bill, the five-year total cost is consistently lower than comparable RO systems. Black Berkey Elements last 6,000 gallons per pair; Phoenix Elements last 5,500 gallons per pair. Most households go three to five or more years between filter replacements.
Do both Berkey filter element types address heavy metals?
Yes. Black Berkey Elements (6,000 gallons per pair, tested by independent EPA and NSF-accredited labs) and Berkey Phoenix Elements (5,500 gallons per pair, tested by NABL-accredited third-party laboratories) both include heavy metals reduction in their independently verified lab data. Lab reports for both are publicly downloadable from our test results and Phoenix lab results pages.
Verdict: Berkey vs Reverse Osmosis
Most households do not need near-zero TDS. They need broad contaminant reduction, long-term cost efficiency, and a system that works without a plumber or an electrician. On those criteria, Berkey wins clearly. Both Black Berkey Elements and Berkey Phoenix Elements reduce heavy metals and PFAS independently tested and lab-documented, with zero water waste, no infrastructure, and retained beneficial minerals at roughly $0.02 per gallon. Add PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters for up to 99.75% fluoride reduction: at $103 per year, the five-year add-on cost is $515, bringing the total to approximately $882 with fluoride reduction included, still competitive with under-sink RO once installation is factored in.
Reverse osmosis is the more suitable choice for households with very high dissolved solids, a need for near-zero TDS, or those who prefer fluoride reduction without an add-on filter and are comfortable with plumbing installation and ongoing maintenance.
Reverse osmosis has a legitimate edge for households with very high dissolved solids, specific TDS-reduction requirements, or those fully committed to the installation and ongoing maintenance. For everyone else, Berkey with PF-2 covers the same contaminant priorities without the plumbing, the wastewater, the electricity dependency, or the higher total cost of ownership.
Ready to See the Full Berkey Line?
Every system ships with Black Berkey Elements included. Add PF-2 filters for fluoride and arsenic reduction.
By
Dan DeBaun
Hey there, looking at Berkey with 2 black filters and flouride filters but study I just saw from Duke shows increase in GenX, pfba,pfba and pfhxa can you assist me in decistion thank you
Hi Don -
Yes, the filters are effective at removing PFOA's and testing can be found here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/black-berkey-perfluorinated-chemical-reduction-test
The expectation is that the Black Berkey® Elements would reduce GenX in water. However, it is important to note that Berley does not have actual testing for this particular contaminant, yet. Without specific testing we cannot make any claim on this specific chemical, but the data suggest that we would likely be very efficient at removing GenX, given that it is a fluoropolymer resin similar to PFOA.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Don -
Yes, the filters are effective at removing PFOA's and testing can be found here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/black-berkey-perfluorinated-chemical-reduction-test
The expectation is that the Black Berkey® Elements would reduce GenX in water. However, it is important to note that Berley does not have actual testing for this particular contaminant, yet. Without specific testing we cannot make any claim on this specific chemical, but the data suggest that we would likely be very efficient at removing GenX, given that it is a fluoropolymer resin similar to PFOA.
Thanks
Dan
I am interested in the Berkey Sport water bottle for its filtration abilities and convenience. However, I prefer a stainless steel bottle. Are there any plans that you know of to produce the Sport bottle in other materials besides plastic?
Thanks!!
Hi Arielle -
At this point there is not.
Thanks
Dan
Does the Shower filter remove PFOS and PFAS? If not any plans to make one that does?
Hi Kathleen -
No, the current shower filters do not remove PFAS/OS. There are not currently plans for one.
Thanks
Dan
What about PFOS and PFAS? I grew up and still live near a navy base. What testing has been done on these chemicals and their cousins?
Hi Katheleen -
Yes, the black berkey filters remove PFOA/AS. <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/perfluorochemicals/what-are-pfas-chemicals-does-the-berkey-remove-pfoa-and-pfos-and-other-faqs/" rel="nofollow">This article on Berkey and PFOA's is helpful.
</a>
Thanks
Dan
Does the Berkey water system remove Gen X from the water? I live in Wilmington, NC where Chemours released Gen X in our water supply, the Cape Fear River for over a decade.
Thank you,
Kristen
Hi Kristen -
GenX is addressed at the end of this <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/perfluorochemicals/what-are-pfas-chemicals-does-the-berkey-remove-pfoa-and-pfos-and-other-faqs/" rel="nofollow">blog post on PFAS</a>.
Thanks
Dan
Bravo Dan and Berkey for including the radionuclides in your testing!!!
Dan,
RO filters usually have at least one carbon post filter. That filter will filter out giardia and bacteria. It would be good to insert that info when discussing RO’s, as very few RO filters are only a membrane.
Thanks Jo, we will note that!
Joel, rainwater has a pH of 6.5, not 7. It is not just pure H2O, there are also nitrogen and carbon compounds in it, creating the slight negative charge. Google rainwater constituents to see that.
Since rainwater is slightly acidic by nature (assuming no acid rain pollution), I am personally of the opinion that alkaline water is not necessary for health.
On the other side, spring water (again, uncontaminated) is mostly, at least slightly alkaline due to ground mineral exposure.
My conclusion to these two natural water sources that have been used since the beginning of animal including human life, is that the pH of water that is drunk is not very important, as long as the pH is not too extreme either way—too acidic or too alkaline.
Most of the minerals in unpolluted water are not easily absorbed either, according to studies.
This makes one’s diet and the salts we eat very much more important.
Another piece of this puzzle is that human blood pH is slightly acidic as well.
All in all, it’s important to drink clean water and eat a rich and varied fresh, clean diet, full of greens, fats and proteins; and natural salts too— that is where wild animals get their minerals from. (Have you ever seen wild deer or bighorn sheep licking dry white salt patches? It’s common in the wild).
The pH of the water one drinks is much less important than how clean and unpolluted it is.
I'm reading these comments from 2011, so how about now in 2019? Has it been tested for chromium 6?
Hi April -
Yes, the filters were tested since then and do remove chromium 6 from the water. Here's an updated article with a link to the test results.
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/chromium/how-to-remove-chromium-6-from-water/
Thanks
Dan
Hi there,
I spent some time reading through the comments looking for fluoride information, and I did see some but I still have some thoughts. Here are my questions: how *much* fluoride is removed with the fluoride filter, and is there a difference in the mineral content before and after the fluoride filter? I was looking at another similar filter system, and they advertise that the minerals stay in the water until you put in the separate fluoride, and which point the mineral content drops because the fluoride filter is a “finer” filter that also removes some minerals. Is your system the same? Thank you.
Hi Leah -
The amount of fluoride removed will be dependent on how much is in the water to begin with. So, the testing provides percentage removal rates. The fluoride filters can remove up to 99.75% of the fluoride.
The PF-2 fluoride filters DO NOT remove any minerals from the water.
Thanks
Dan
To be honest, the article should have mentioned that pretty much every reverse osmosis system you are going to put in your house will have a remineralization stage to add healthy minerals back into the filtered water and bring the pH back to a healthy level. The bad part in my opinion is that R/O at best wastes a gallon of water for every gallon it provides. A gravity filter like Berkey gives you all the water back that you put in. Also, if you ever got into a situation where you had no power and maybe no available running water, R/O is useless.
Hi Theo -
Thanks for the input! The wasting of water and the need for power are both good points we did not mention in this article. We will add these in.
Unfortunately the re-mineralization stage is still not offered in many RO standards. We've also have read some articles that claim that the minerals are not put back into the water as well as the RO companies would like the customer to believe. Food for thought.
Thanks
Dan
How could I buy a Berkey filter and ship it to Santiago de Chile? And if I want to be an official distributor on Latin America?
Saludos!
Hi Anibel -
Due to unreliable shipping conditions, we are unable to ship to Chile. To be a distributor, please contact us at customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com for additional info.
Thanks
Dan
Hello- I have a question. We are installing a UV light and sediment filter for lake water at a vacation property. If we then put this water through a Berkey filter for drinking won’t the Berkey filter get clogged with dead bacteria? Also, will the Berkey filter take out any boat gas line or oil that gets into the lake? Will the Berkey water be safe to drink? Thanks!
Hi Eric -
No, we have not heard of the filters ever getting clogged with bacteria of any type, so we would not be concerned with this. And yes, the filters will remove any type of boat contaminants that may be in the lake.
Thanks
Dan
your answer doesn't make any sense. does it take out nitrates and nitrates or not?
Hi Judy -
The filters will address and remove nitrites to greater that 95%. It does not remove nitrates.
Thanks
Dan
Does the Berkey filter remove chlorine?
Hi Jane -
Yes, it does. A listing of the contaminants removed by the black berkeys can be found here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/black-berkey-filters-2.html
Thanks
Dan
I would like a list of all of the contaminants that the berkey filters out. I am considering buying a berkeyfilter .Right now I have a RO filter system.
Thanks, Andy
I read the 10/15/2014 report on pesticide contamination and don't see glyphosate listed (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine or 2-[(phosphonomethyl)amino]acetic acid).
I also don't see neonicotinoids (like Acetamiprid Clothianidin Dinotefuran Imidacloprid Nitenpyram Thiocloprid Thiamethoxam) listed either. Since recent studies have found them in tap water, I assume that "clean" spring water contamination can't be too far behind.
I want a Berkey --- very much!
Just wondering if there's a more recent report that addresses these contaminants.
THANKS - learned a lot already by reading all your answers, Dan.
Hi Bea -
A complete list of what the black berkey filters remove can be found here: (Glysophate is listed)
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/black-berkey-filters-2.html
For the other contaminants you mention, if you do not see them listed, it means they have yet to be tested for. With so many contaminants out there, the company is continually trying to get new test results to address them, but as you are probably well aware, it can be hard to keep up. :)
Thanks
Dan
We live in an area that has very hard water, therefore, we have a water softner installed in our home. Does salt actually end up in our water from this and is our new Berkey going to filter it out if it does?
Thanks!!
Hi Melody -
If your softener uses salt, then it would be in your water posts softening. The berkey does not remove salt from the water, so it would still be there post filtration.
Thanks
Dan
Which filter (if any) reduces nitrates? Testing to back this up? My city water was just found to be high and the private company choose not to notify the residents over two months of elevated levels. Have not backed up their claims that it is now safe with any proof. Won't talk to the media about it. I'm horrified. Hoping berky will be a good alternative....
Hi Ashlee -
Unfortunately, nitrates is one of the only contaminants that the Berkey does not remove. Sorry we are not able to assist.
Thanks
Dan
Hello. I'm new to learning about Berkeys and appreciate your being here Dan. I have read that if you don't use the Berkey for more than 3 days, you need to take it apart to dry out. But what do you do when you don't use the Berkey for 1 or 2 days? Should the lid be opened to air out, or wiped out, or just left alone with no water inside it? What is best?
Hi Samone -
There are guidelines we recommend for system use, but there are no hard and fast rules. You do not need to take apart and dry out the system if not used for a few days. However, what can happen is that calcium build-up on the black berkeys can harden on the outside of the filteers if the system is not used for some time. This can help to clog the filters and may require some maintenance once the system is put back into use. We would not overthink this though as most folks will leave for vacation, and start the system up with a fresh filtered batch once they return, and the system is good to go without any special attention. The only thing we would say is that if leaving for extended periods (more than a few days), to place the fluoride filters in the fridge until they're ready to be used again.
Thanks
Dan
it is not true that the black berkey filter removes glyphosate. i work in a food safety testing lab and can show you my own drinking water results, via LCMS/MS testing for glyphosate in water, pre and post berkey filtration.
Hi Chelle -
Yes, the black berkey filters do remove glyphosate from the water.
Thanks
Dan
There's no fking way you had a lab test over 100 known contaminates and didn't include radium in the test panel. There are millions of wells that are contaminated with radium in America. How could you not test for it's removal? This is the main reason reverse osmosis is the only type of filter system recommended for wells.
I suspect that you found it to not remove enough and simply deleted it from the results so you could claim ignorance but either way, not testing for it's removal is just plain irresponsible on the part of Berkley.
Hi Jeff -
There is no need for hostility. In that round of testing, radium was not tested for. Since then, radium, along with other radiologicals, have been tested for. <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/index.php/black-berkey-radiation-testing-alpha-reduction" rel="nofollow">Radium test results are as found as part of this more decent testing round</a>.
Thanks
Dan
Hi,
Do Berkshire filters remove ECDs ( endocrine )?
Thanks.
Hi Nagib -
Yes, they do.
Thanks
Dan
Do the ceramic filters take out the minerals?
What about bromide?
Hi Tyler -
The filters have not yet been tested for bromide.
Thanks
Dan
This may be a silly question and not the right place to ask, but right now my biggest obstical with water filtering is that I need to have filtered water for my automatic ice maker in my fridge and I need to have a source of running water from my sink for doing dishes and such. Are the ways I can do that with the Berkey system??
Hi Kellie -
We only provide 2 types of filtering.
1) A shower filter that goes in between your pipe in the wall and the shower head itself.
2) Gravity water filter that sits on a counter top to be used for drinking and cooking water.
We do not have in line filters that could fit into an ice maker or under the sink. Let us know if we can help with anything else.
Thanks
Dan
So much to learn!
1-When I called I was told I would not need a PF filter as it was for fluoride. We have no fluoride added to our city water so thought no concern. Yet I read here that PF filters are necessary for arsenic. Now I am confused
2-Understand reverse osmosis is not good, but what about ionized water? Read this is a good thing. Is it?
Is there ionization with the Berkeys?
Thank you for so sharing so much information, just having trouble getting through it all so apologize if I missed these questions somehow/somewhere.
Hi Char -
1) The black berkeys have been tested to reduce arsenic now also, so they will address this.
2) Ionized water over the short term has shown some benefits, but there is much debate as to whether drinking ionized water over the long term periods is as beneficial for the body as makers would claim. We would recommend researching this more.
3) The Berkeys do not Ionize the water.
Thanks
Dan
Does the Berkey eliminate chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone and organotins from the water? Thanks!
Hi Christina -
A listing of all the contaminants removed by the black berkey filters can be found on this page:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/black-berkey-filters-2.html
Thanks
Dan
I am curious to see the studies you have showing glyphosate removal. I do groundwater research and the latest studies that I find say that glyphosate is not easily removed from drinking water except by treatment with chlorine. Please show me the research/ results so I can help advertise.
Hi Annie
Here you go:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/studies/la-lab-results-organic/
Thanks
Dan
I will challenge your comment. No, it's not enough to get plenty of minerals elsewhere. Drinking "empty" water (with nothing in it--good or bad) will rob your body of minerals through the process of osmosis. Check any chemistry text for this. Osmosis is the process by which solute levels equalize on each side of a semi-permeable membrane. And your GI tract is a semi-permeable membrane. This is not just theoretical--I have seen patients who have severe osteoporosis at a young age, and in every case, they had been drinking reverse osmosis or distilled water for years. And this is not a plug for Berkey--I normally recommend drinking clean spring water, which contains none of the bad, and all of the good.
My little town in So. IL. just found Radium in our water system. How do I find out the results for radium with my Burkey system? I bought my Burkey two months ago because our water tasted funny. Shortly after my purchase these test results came out. I called the company but the young man could not answer my question. I can not find any results with my Burkey and radium.
Hi Balleto -
The filters have yet to be tested for Radium, so we do not know the filter removal efficiency for this contaminant.
Update 10/11/12 - Testing has now been done and the <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/index.php/black-berkey-radiation-testing-alpha-reduction" rel="nofollow">results are found here</a>.
Thanks
Dan
I have been seeing a lot of press lately regarding pharmaceuticals in our drinking water. Can you please comment at the effectiveness of the Berkey filters removing some / all of these? Do RO systems remove these?
Hi Rick -
Yes, the berkey was recently tested for pharma removal. Test results found here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/chloramine-pharmaceutical-pesticide-etc-results/
As for RO systems, we've heard varying answers so would not want to make a blanket statement. We would contact the RO company you are considering and ask them for test results on this.
Thanks
Dan
Hello,
Does your water filtration system eliminate glyphosate--that is the main ingredient in Roundup? We live in a rural area, our water well is located on a neighbor's land, who uses Roundup to kill stubborn brush, and have serious concerns about the pollution with glyphosate, which has been proven to be linked to Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Your answer would be highly appreciated, thank you.
Hi Corina -
Yes, the black berkey filters remove glyphosate to below detectable lab limits.
Thanks
Dan
First question: Does the Berkey remove Monochloramine, dichloramine (NHCl2) and trichloramine (NCl3) from drinking water. This is a dangerous product of mixing chlorine and ammonia as noted by the WHO below and is sometimes contained in source water.
Second question: How does the 'good minerals' remain after using the Berkey is your test results show removal of 99.9% of contaminants and minerals?
Thanks
John
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/en/monochloramine.pdf
Hi Jet -
Yes, the filters have been tested for Chloramines. Test results here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/chloramine-pharmaceutical-pesticide-etc-results/
As for the minerals, the filtration media that is used in the black berkeys does not have an attraction to minerals, so the filtration media simply doesn't have an affect on those minerals, and thus they pass through.
Thanks
Dan
Hi, I have been using your black filters since 12January2015. Before that was using the ceramic filters for 2years. There really is no comparison, the Black filters wins, hands down. I wanted the black filters, 2 years ago, after all my research and finally someone got the stock in Australia.
The water is so nice, absolutely love it, and regarding this water tasting different after RO water, yes it would, because RO water has everything taken out of it, even all the minerals, and I was using RO water for about 2years and my health went downhill. As stated it leaches minerals from your body and it is acidic. Dr Mercola mentions this in one of his youtube videos.
I am feeling better after buying the black filters, as I am chemically sensitive and I could still slightly taste the chlorine with the ceramic filters. My mum has rain water and the berky water does not taste that much different to her water, a little but very close indeed.
Yum I love it, and honestly I love drinking it and I crave berky water and I feel hydrated and feel better, and to last for 22,000 litres for 2 filters, WHAT A BARGAIN !!!
What is the main difference between the Big Berkey and the Royal Berkey?
Is it that the Royal contains the arsenic/flouride cartridges alreay installed?
Hi Ken -
Only the size is different. Big is 2.1 gallons and Royal is 3.1 gallons.
PF-filters are add-ons for both systems.
Thanks
Dan
We recently purchased a Royal Berkey. Family members claim the water tastes a bit metallic, I just think the taste is a little off. We are used to r/o water so could this taste be from the minerals or do we have a filter problem?
Hi Debbie -
The stainless does not add any metallic taste to the water, so this may be the change in mineral content they are tasting. Water many times will taste substantially different with minerals versus no mineral especially if the levels are high. To make sure your filters are working as designed, you can also perform a red food coloring test shown here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/berkey-water-filter/the-black-berkey-red-food-coloring-test
Thanks
Dan
Dan, I'm with you and your reasoning. Until I see some unbiased evidence, I can't go along with them. I understand how osmosis works, and what they claim is counter-intuitive.
Hi,
I just purchased the Berkey Royal and the water tastes fine. I have been putting in my plastic bottled Spring water to get rid of the Anatomy from the plastic bottles. I did discover something interesting. I tested the alkaline of the Poland Spring plastic bottled water before putting it through the Berkey and it was on the acidic side, but after I put it through the Berkey, it tested as high Alkaline. Is this an artificial method of making the water less acidic? And is the water now a healthy Alkaline for drinking everyday.? I know that There are unhealthy methods of creating Alaklaine water with electricity for example, but I wanted to know if the water produced by the Berkey is healthy Alkaline water since it clearly changes acidic water to Alkaline water.
Thanks, Deni
Hi Deni -
We are not familiar with healthy vs unhealthy alkaline water. Alkaline is simply the definition of PH 7+. With that being said, the black berkeys can make the water alkaline as the remove acidic chemicals from the water, leaving a more alkaline solution. The berkey systems do not add anything to water that may influence the PH. However, not all berkey filtered water is guaranteed to become alkaline because it will be dependent on the source water makeup, which can vary greatly.
Thanks
Dan
I would like to know , if i already have a reverse osmosis system with a separate drinking spout on the sink. Can I use your filters to make my water more pure?
Hi Deedee -
If you RO system does not use UV light, then the Berkey filters would remove bacteria such as e-coli and giardia from your water if it was in there.
Thanks
Dan
Wondering about glyphosate. Can ANY filter get this stuff out? My home is surrounded by crops.
Hi Terry -
Yes, the black berkey filters will remove glyphosate from the water.
Thanks
Dan
Does your filter system remove bromine?
Hi Rebecca -
The filters have not been tested for Bromine, so we do not know at this point.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan,
I wanted to be absolutely certain that your filters take out uranium, as well as arsenic, out of the water. And if so, which filter would that be that does this. Since uranium is radioactive (although I think this radioactivity has a short live span), how does it not affect the water if the filters never have to be changed for so long, etc.
Linda
Hi Linda -
Yes, the filters will remove arsenic, however they have yet to be tested for Uranium, so we do not know whether they remove this or not.
Thanks
Dan
I live in Ontario and have been looking into $1500 basic house R/O filtration systems. Just came aross your filter and seems too good to be true. Iys a fraction of the price, removes the same if not more impurities AND unlike the R/O systems it leaves the minerals in the water. And all without additional electricity or plumbing! I love what I read but a few questions please:
Is/does your filter have to be approved by ANSI like the other name brands or did you just test the cartridges through them?
What is your return policy if I were to take my filtered water for testing and potentially not add up to your claims?
What is the warranty on the filter and its components and what it the availability of the parts?
Thanks
Hi Raymond -
All tests on the filters are performed by State & EPA accredited laboratories to exceed EPA 7 ANSI / NSF regulations. These test results can be viewed here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/helpful-resources/test-results
Shipping, return, and warranty information is found here in this link below, and parts are always available for replacement if required.
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/shipping-returns
Thanks
Dan
We have moved to the country with lots of farmland around us. The ground water here is high in Nitrates. I have read the previous posts about nitrates. You state that the black berkey filters reduce nitrates but does not remove them. Would you say that after filtering my water with the berkey that my 18 month old son could drink the water? We have had our filter for about six years and love it so far!
Hi Jeremy -
Without testing on your water, pre and post filtration, we cannot speak to whether it is removed to safe levels or not. We recommend taking the filtered water to a local testing facility to ensure it's removed to safe levels.
Thanks
Dan
Thanks
Dan
Hi- I am wondering if you can keep the Berkey in the refridgerator? Will it damage it in any way?
Hi Angela -
No, this is fine as long as the black berkey filters are not exposed to freezing temperatures.
Thanks
Dan
Hello,
I am contemplating buying one of your filtration systems. My well water has a very high level of DISSOLVED iron in it. I understand that the iron must be converted to particulates prior to filtration, then filtered with a "sand trap" type of filter. How can your system be used to filter water such as this? If it cannot, can you give some guidance on where I might go for information on how I might accomplish this using NON-electrical means?
Thanks!
Hi Betsy -
The berkey systems will reduce iron in your water, but may not eliminate it.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan
Just wondering in a situation where you do not have pressurized water from the tap, what would be the best way to prime the elements? Example of being in the field and not having primed the elements before hand.
Thanks
Nick
Hi Nick -
A sport bottle would probably be your best method and soaking can work also, but is less efficient. Your best bet would be to prime the black berkeys upon receipt and then store them for when you need them. If it happens to be at a time when water pressure is not available, this is not an issue as they've already been primed.
Thanks
Dan
What about radioactive nuclear isotopes?
Hi db -
The filters have yet to be tested for such, so we cannot comment as to their effectiveness. We are just as curious regarding this also as we know there has been concern for some time, and it only continues to grow. The moment we are notified of updated testing in this regard, we will make the information known on our site and our facebook page.
Thanks
Dan
I've been reading some good reviews about the black filter system, however I've also read many that say the filters fell apart after a short while.
Has this problem been resolved?
Hi John -
This occurred with 3-6% of a batch of filters produced in November 2010. It did not happen prior to that, and since the issue with that batch, they now use a stronger food safe glue and machine the filters onto the base so that even if the glue were to fail, they would not break off. Some dealers held onto inventory throughout 2011 and did not swap out their inventory. Thus this is why this one isolated batch issue seems like it was reoccurring.
Thanks
Dan DeBaun
Thanks
Dan
Does berkey have a way to remove nitrates which is our biggest obstacle/ JESSE
Hi Jesse -
The black berkey filters that come standard with the berkey systems will only remove nitrites, not nitrates.
Thanks
Dan
We've got slightly Salty tasting Well water.Will the Black Berky Filters take out the salty taste? Would adding the Extra filters on the Bottom Help?
Hi Steve -
I'm sorry, but no. Neither the black berkeys, nor the PF-2 filters remove salt from the water and actually none of the berkey filters will remove salt.
Thanks
Dan
We live on a 12 acre farm that was a proffessional chicken farm and grass seed. I have been told that my well water is high in nitrates and that a reverse osmosis system is the only way to remove them. Your comparison does not cover this, do you have any information pertaining to the treatment of water with nitrates?
Thanks
Steve
Why can't we purchase a Berkey in California for the purpose of filtering our fish tank water? I would like to order a a Royal Berkey "goldfish filter" please.
Hi would like to know if the taste of the berkey water is the same as a normal r.o. supply. I currently own a canford unit, will the berkey give me good tasting water too?
Hi Leonard -
Yes, the water should taste good since the berkey water filter will leave in the beneficial minerals in the water, and this is where the taste is primarily based upon.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan, I live part time on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our water source is catchment, that is, rainwater. Over the past few years the island's volcano has been putting stuff in the air that my neighbors have said is resulting in acid rain (SO4, I believe is what the chemical is). I've been drinking city water, which is a pain to lug an hour from town out to our avocado farm. What effect, if any would acid rain water have on the filter and are you are aware of any downside to people from filtered acid water (most of my neighbors drink this water, after some kind of filtering). Thanks, Darrell
Hi Darrel -
We are unaware of any negative effects that the acid rain will have on the berkey filters. However, the manufacturer has not done any specific testing under these conditions so we cannot comment to how well they would perform.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan,
It's been helpful to read the above comments &amp; responses. I was wondering, why is it that your system has not been certified by california? Thanks,
Rose
Hi Rose -
Details can be found here:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/wordpress/berkey/berkey-water-filters-cannot-be-shipped-to-california/
Thanks
Dan
MY QUESTION, OF ALL THE MODELS YOU HAVE FOR WATER FILTERS WHICH DO YOU SUGGEST IS THE BEST FOR EVERYTHING!!!
Hi Chie -
The quality across the systems is the same and the "best" for you will depend on how many folks you will be supporting so you can choose the proper size. The most popular systems are the berkey light, big berkey, and royal berkey equipped with the black berkey filters.
Thanks
Dan
oh, and rainwater is probably pretty pure - devoid of minerals for sure. I challenge anyone who says you should not drink rainwater (assuming it did not fall through heavy pollution and/or nuclear fallout).
Peace. Blessings. Joy.
all due respect, I keep hearing about how dangerous it is to drink de-mineralized water long term. I wholeheartedly disagree, but have no solid study to back up my claim - just logical rational thought. Here's my reasoning:
Pure water is not acidic - it is pH neutral.
It cannot possibly be harmful unless you inject it into your veins.
Minerals that your body needs are PLENTIFUL in all vegetables and fruits, especially leafy green vegetables. The roots of these plants extract minerals from the soil in the natural proportions required by the body. Minerals found in tap water, on the other hand, come from ??? Pipes? reservoir sediment?
So, drink pure H2O and eat your vegetables and you will be fine.
anyone care to challenge this?
I have owned a Berkey Light with the fluoride filters for a few months now and am very pleased. However, I do have a new concern. There has been a recent report in my city and others about Chromium-6, the "Erin Brockovich chemical". My town just so happens to be on the top of the list of cities whose water supplies are contaminated. Does my system properly filter this or do i need to upgrade?
Hi Cody -
The black berkeys have been tested for Chromium removal and remove this up to 95%. However, the filters have not undergone testing for Chromium 6 (Hexavalent Chromium) specifically, and as a result we cannot comment as to their effectiveness as this point in time.
Thanks
Dan
From the response above I got a little confused. If I add the PF-2 fluoride filter to the system, does it mean that other good minerals will be filtered out of the water too. How does the PF-2 filter out only fluoride?
Thanks,
Annike
Hi Annike -
No, the Pf-2 filters only remove fluoride and arsenic with the media pellets that are used. The beneficial minerals remain in the water.
Thanks
Dan
Hi, I am very interested in the Berkey but must work through my skepticism. How pray tell does it leave in the good stuff (minerals) and filter out the bad stuff (fluoride), other than being "purposely designed". No disrespect intended, just need to know. Thank you.
Hi Candice -
The black berkeys do not remove minerals, however they do not remove fluoride either. The black berkeys are composed of various media that will not remove the minerals. Without exposing too many details of the formula, it's similar to the well known fact that carbon does not remove minerals and salts. To remove the fluoride, you need the add-on <a href="https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/berkey-filter-replacements-c-67/pf-2-arsenic-and-fluoride-water-filters-2-p-188" rel="nofollow">PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters</a> that hook onto the black berkey and go in the lower chamber.
Thanks
Dan