Black Berkey filter elements reduced lead by 99.9% or more in independent laboratory testing, maintaining that performance through 160 gallons at an influent concentration of 1,000 µg/L, which is 67 times the EPA action level. By 200 gallons, reduction remained at 99%+, with post-filter levels still meeting EPA requirements throughout the full test. The full lab report is available as a downloadable PDF below.
Laboratory: Envirotek Laboratories, Inc., Bordentown, NJ
Accreditation: EPA ID #NJ01298, NJ DEP ID #03048, NY ELAP ID #12044
Report Number: 16-101-Pb
Report Date: April 18, 2016
Method: EPA Method 200.9
Commissioned by: New Millennium Concepts, Ltd.
Lead Reduction Test Results
The test ran 200 gallons through a Black Berkey filter element spiked at approximately 1,000 µg/L of lead, more than 67 times the EPA action level of 15 µg/L. Results were measured at 10-gallon intervals.
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| Accumulated Volume |
Influent Lead (µg/L) |
Filtered Result (µg/L) |
% Reduction |
vs. EPA Limit (15 µg/L) |
| 10 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 20 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 30 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 40 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 50 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 60 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 70 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 80 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 90 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 100 gallons |
949 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 110 gallons |
1,010 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 120 gallons |
1,010 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 130 gallons |
1,010 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 140 gallons |
1,010 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 150 gallons |
1,010 |
<0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 160 gallons |
1,010 |
0.5 |
99.9%+ |
Below limit |
| 170 gallons |
1,010 |
6.1 |
99.4% |
Below limit |
| 180 gallons |
1,010 |
10.1 |
99.0% |
At EPA limit |
| 190 gallons |
1,010 |
10.1 |
99.0% |
At EPA limit |
| 200 gallons |
1,010 |
8.7 |
99.1% |
Below limit |
Context on the test conditions: The 1,000 µg/L influent concentration used in this test is extremely high, far above what any residential water supply would contain. In real-world conditions where lead levels are at or near the EPA action level of 15 µg/L, the filter would maintain 99.9%+ reduction for far longer. The test was designed to stress-test the filter under worst-case conditions, not to simulate typical household use. Replace filter elements on schedule per the rated lifespan to maintain consistent performance.
Sources of Lead in Drinking Water
Most lead contamination in drinking water originates from lead pipes and plumbing fittings installed in buildings constructed before 1986, when the use of lead in construction was federally restricted. As water flows through aging lead pipes, lead can leach into the water supply, particularly if the water is acidic and therefore more corrosive. Additional sources include lead-based paint used in older homes, which can chip or flake over time and introduce lead into household water, and lead-rich soils that leach into groundwater before it reaches distribution systems.
Lead is tasteless, colorless, and odorless in water. It cannot be detected without testing.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
The EPA's recommended level for lead in drinking water is zero. No safe level of exposure has been established, particularly for children. Documented health effects include:
- Irreversible neurological damage in infants and young children
- Behavioral, developmental, and learning problems
- Impaired hearing and stunted growth in children
- Immune system compromise
- Premature birth and developmental issues (pregnant women)
- Kidney, cardiovascular, and reproductive problems in adults
Young children face a disproportionate risk due to higher absorption rates and hand-to-mouth behavior. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also a high-risk group, as lead can transfer to infants through the placenta and breast milk.
How to Test Your Water for Lead
If you suspect lead in your water supply, these are your options:
-
Send a sample to a certified lab. This provides the most comprehensive analysis, including the actual concentration of lead present.
-
Use a home testing kit. These can confirm presence or absence of lead but typically do not quantify exact levels. If lead is detected, follow up with lab testing.
-
Contact your water utility. Many municipal water suppliers will test your water at no charge. Contact your local utility directly.
-
Request a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). All public water utilities are required to publish annual water quality reports. These are available on the EPA's CCR website or directly from your utility.
If Your Water Tests Positive for Lead
Do
- Run the tap for 30 to 60 seconds before using water to flush standing water from lead pipes
- Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. Lead leaches more readily from pipes when hot water flows through them
- Filter your drinking water with an independently tested filter confirmed to reduce lead
- Provide children with filtered water at home and in filtered water bottles at school
Do Not
- Boil water to reduce lead. Boiling does not reduce lead and actually concentrates it as water evaporates
- Assume bottled water is lead-free. Bottled water is regulated at 5 ppb by the FDA, but testing is not performed at point of sale
- Delay action if children or pregnant women are in the household. Lead exposure has no safe threshold for these groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Black Berkey reduce lead?
Yes. Independent testing by Envirotek Laboratories confirmed Black Berkey elements reduce lead by 99.9%+ through 160 gallons at a concentration of 1,000 µg/L, which is 67 times the EPA action level. Reduction remained at 99%+ through 200 gallons, with post-filter results meeting EPA requirements throughout the full test. The full lab report is available as a downloadable PDF at bigberkeywaterfilters.com/pages/helpful-resources-test-results.
What is the EPA limit for lead in drinking water?
The EPA action level for lead in drinking water is 15 µg/L (parts per billion). If more than 10% of tap water samples from a water system exceed this level, the utility is required to notify consumers and take corrective action. The EPA's long-term goal is zero, as no safe level of lead exposure has been established. For bottled water, the FDA limit is 5 ppb.
Does boiling water reduce lead?
No. Boiling does not reduce lead. Lead is not destroyed by heat. Boiling actually concentrates lead in water as some water evaporates as steam, increasing the parts-per-billion level in what remains. Effective lead reduction requires filtration with elements independently tested and confirmed to reduce lead.
Can lead be absorbed through the skin while showering?
No. Lead is not absorbed through intact skin, so showering or bathing in water containing lead does not present a direct absorption risk. The primary exposure route is ingestion. Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while showering if lead contamination is suspected.
Are Black Berkey filters still available?
Black Berkey elements are temporarily unavailable due to an EPA regulatory matter. The current in-stock replacement is the Berkey Phoenix New Millennium Edition, made by the same manufacturer, NMCL. Phoenix elements are a direct drop-in replacement for any existing Berkey system. Lead reduction testing for Phoenix elements is available on the Phoenix lab results page.
Where can I see all Berkey filter test results?
All independent laboratory reports for Black Berkey and Phoenix filter elements are available on the Berkey Test Results page, covering inorganic contaminants, VOCs, PFAS, radiological contaminants, and more.
By
Dan DeBaun
