Berkey Water Filter Vs Reverse Osmosis

Berkey Water Filter Vs Reverse Osmosis

By Dan DeBaun

Berkey Water Filter Vs Reverse Osmosis - Frequently we have customers who ask us to explain some of the key differences between reverse osmosis systems and the berkey water filter systems. While there are many reverse osmosis systems on the market, in general they are similar in results and quality. Below we've broken out some comparison points between the two.

Beneficial Minerals in the Water

Reverse Osmosis systems strip out the beneficial minerals from the water making it an acidic, "hypotonic" solution. A hypotonic solution is a de-mineralized solution. This ultimately has impact on the body because when a hypotonic solution comes in contact with a hypertonic (mineralized) solution, equilibrium is sought. The hypertonic solution in this case is your body's fluids which are full of minerals. Continuous drinking of a hypotonic solution results in minerals being transferred from your body's blood and lymphatic system to this de-mineralized water and being flushed from your body. Over time, in an effort to re-mineralize itself, your body will begin to rob it's organs and bones of these minerals. This continuous cycle will have a negative impact on bodily function unless there is sufficient minerals being taken in through food and supplements to counterbalance.

Diagram of a reverse osmosis system with basic components. Berkey Water Filter Vs Reverse Osmosis

Diagram of a reverse osmosis system with basic components. Berkey Water Filter Vs Reverse Osmosis

The black berkey filters that come standard with all our berkey water filter systems are purposefully designed to leave the beneficial minerals in the water to avoid this dangerous cycle of body demineralization.

The flagship Black Berkey Filter Elements

The flagship Black Berkey Filter Elements

On a related note, the large majority of the population does not get sufficient minerals from their food because it is nutritionally depleted. No matter what your source of water, or filtration choice, we recommend a high quality multi-vitamin and/or mineral formula on a daily basis. We stress high quality because many supplements on the market are created with low quality ingredients and are not designed synergistically, and thus are not absorbed or utilized by the body beneficially.

Pathogenic Bacteria Removal

Some reverse osmosis systems DO NOT remove pathogenic bacteria like e-coli and giardia. This is the reason why many reverse osmosis systems include an ultraviolet (UV) light designed to kill the bacteria, or they employ the use of a carbon post filter to handle the bacteria removal. Sometimes in a UV environment however, if the water has a high turbidity, shaded spots in the water can prevent some of the bacteria from being exposed and killed. Also, if the UV light is installed prior to the bladder tank, it can allow for bacteria to colonize in the bladder tank itself. If this tank is not sterilized often, it becomes a source of bacterial contamination. One other important note is that the remains of dead bacteria remain in the filtered water of RO systems that use a UV light.

The berkey water filter removes the pathogenic bacteria to a log 7 degree and keeps it out of your drinking water. Log 7 equates to a 99.99999% bacteria removal rate.

Installation

The installation of a reverse osmosis system is not terribly difficult, but you would want someone relatively handy or with some plumbing knowledge performing the job. Some companies will do this free of charge, and some RO systems are DIY. It will depend on the size of the system, the company, and any contract that is signed.

The Berkey system DOES NOT require any expertise and is meant for the lamen. Upon receipt of a Berkey, total priming and assembly time is approx 10-15 minutes. The Berkey is standalone and works independently of your plumbing, so you can setup and move the system where you desire.

A Big Berkey sitting on a kitchen countertop

A Big Berkey sitting on a kitchen countertop

Cleaning and Maintenance

Reverse Osmosis systems typically have up to four filter elements, with each needing to be changed at differing intervals from four months up to two years. This replacement requires that the water pressure be shut off and part or all of the system be disassembled for maintenance. Additionally, the bladder tank should be washed with a chlorine solution at no longer than six-month intervals to kill any colonizing bacteria.

The black berkey water filters last 6000 gallons per set of 2 and typically 5 years or more before replacement is needed. The fluoride filter needs to be replaced every 1000 gallons every set of 2. As for maintenance, we recommend washing the lower chamber of the system with soap and water once per month.

Power Needs

An RO systems needs power to operate and filter your water.

A Berkey works via gravity, and DOES NOT need a power source. This is critical in times of an emergency or disaster situation.

Efficiency

A RO system requires approx one gallon of water for every gallon of water that is filtered.

A Berkey DOES NOT waste any water as part of the filtration process. What's poured into the upper Berkey chamber, is filtered into the lower chamber for consumption.

Cost

A typical reverse osmosis system costs 20-65 cents per gallon.

The berkey water filter costs less than 2 cents per gallon and since it does not require electricity, berkey filters do not have added energy costs.

Taste

Typically, the taste for the reverse osmosis systems can vary depending on if the specific systems re-mineralizes the water or not. So, it can range from almost no taste if the water is not re-mineralized, to the taste of the minerals that is being put back into the water.

The taste of berkey water tends to be very good unless there is an abundance of ionized minerals in the source water as the Berkey will not remove these. This is why we cannot guarantee a taste because not all source water is created equal and Berkey cannot control this. However, we hear daily from our customers about how much they enjoy the taste of their berkey water.

Conclusion

Obviously we are partial, but for the money spent, the Berkey filter is hard to beat. If you have the space for the Berkey in your kitchen, etc, we think it's a no-brainer for those who want the highest quality of filtered water at a low lifetime of use cost.

Dan DeBaun

Dan DeBaun

Dan DeBaun is the owner and operator of Big Berkey Water Filters. Prior to Berkey, Dan was an asset manager for a major telecommunications company. He graduated from Rutgers with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering, followed by an MBA in finance from Rutgers as well. Dan enjoys biohacking, exercising, meditation, beach life, and spending time with family and friends.

~ The Owner of Big Berkey Water Filters

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  • Avatar of Don Ball Don Ball 2024-02-22 20:36:25

    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

  • Avatar of Dan DeBaun Dan DeBaun 2024-02-27 02:09:59

    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

  • Avatar of Dan DeBaun Dan DeBaun 2024-02-27 02:11:19

    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

  • Avatar of Arielle Arielle 2020-08-04 06:31:55

    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!!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-09-16 22:13:25

    Hi Arielle -

    At this point there is not.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Kathleen Kathleen 2020-02-09 14:02:11

    Does the Shower filter remove PFOS and PFAS? If not any plans to make one that does?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-02-09 17:26:29

    Hi Kathleen -

    No, the current shower filters do not remove PFAS/OS. There are not currently plans for one.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Kathleen Kathleen 2020-02-09 13:59:46

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-02-09 17:30:27

    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

  • Avatar of Kristen Kristen 2020-02-07 14:58:46

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-02-07 15:44:10

    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

  • Avatar of Jo Jo 2019-10-05 18:51:26

    Bravo Dan and Berkey for including the radionuclides in your testing!!!

  • Avatar of Jo Jo 2019-10-05 08:15:08

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2019-10-05 15:42:40

    Thanks Jo, we will note that!

  • Avatar of Jo Jo 2019-10-05 07:54:19

    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.

  • Avatar of April Ashton April Ashton 2019-04-26 06:00:29

    I'm reading these comments from 2011, so how about now in 2019? Has it been tested for chromium 6?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2019-04-26 12:57:22

    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

  • Avatar of Leah M. Leah M. 2018-11-11 01:06:31

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-11-11 03:37:12

    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

  • Avatar of Theo Theo 2018-10-31 07:23:12

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-10-31 17:42:05

    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

  • Avatar of Aníbal M Aníbal M 2018-04-18 04:33:27

    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!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-04-18 17:51:58

    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

  • Avatar of Eric Eric 2018-03-27 14:09:12

    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!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-03-27 14:13:06

    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

  • Avatar of judy judy 2018-02-07 00:19:21

    your answer doesn't make any sense. does it take out nitrates and nitrates or not?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-02-07 01:24:12

    Hi Judy -

    The filters will address and remove nitrites to greater that 95%. It does not remove nitrates.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Jane Bogle Jane Bogle 2017-12-10 18:42:35

    Does the Berkey filter remove chlorine?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-12-10 18:44:48

    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

  • Avatar of Douglas Douglas 2017-07-29 16:01:37

    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

  • Avatar of Bea Bea 2017-04-06 18:13:49

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-04-07 13:49:02

    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

  • Avatar of Melody Melody 2017-01-13 02:58:59

    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!!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-01-16 00:40:18

    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

  • Avatar of Ashlee Ashlee 2016-12-03 14:45:24

    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....

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-12-04 00:09:22

    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

  • Avatar of Samone Samone 2016-12-03 10:44:32

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-12-04 00:16:39

    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

  • Avatar of chelle chelle 2016-12-03 01:45:11

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-12-03 01:53:23

    Hi Chelle -

    Yes, the black berkey filters do remove glyphosate from the water.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Jeff Jeff 2016-10-12 01:41:04

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-10-12 02:09:42

    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

  • Avatar of Nagib Nagib 2016-08-22 11:02:33

    Hi,
    Do Berkshire filters remove ECDs ( endocrine )?
    Thanks.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-08-23 17:37:19

    Hi Nagib -

    Yes, they do.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Jessica Jessica 2016-06-17 05:29:56

    Do the ceramic filters take out the minerals?

  • Avatar of Tyler Tyler 2016-05-24 20:25:37

    What about bromide?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-05-26 15:03:22

    Hi Tyler -

    The filters have not yet been tested for bromide.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Kellie Kellie 2016-03-04 19:01:33

    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??

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-03-04 19:08:45

    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

  • Avatar of Charlene Charlene 2016-02-28 19:51:15

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-02-29 15:31:19

    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

  • Avatar of Christina Christina 2016-01-25 18:53:13

    Does the Berkey eliminate chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone and organotins from the water? Thanks!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-01-26 00:37:43

    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

  • Avatar of Annie Annie 2015-10-07 19:57:54

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2015-10-07 20:16:11

    Hi Annie

    Here you go:

    https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/studies/la-lab-results-organic/

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Crystal Crystal 2015-09-30 23:29:46

    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.

  • Avatar of balleto balleto 2015-06-30 07:19:50

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2015-06-30 16:55:31

    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

  • Avatar of Rick Rick 2015-06-10 14:02:05

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2015-06-10 14:34:30

    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

  • Avatar of corina corina 2015-05-28 15:13:57

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2015-05-28 15:18:39

    Hi Corina -

    Yes, the black berkey filters remove glyphosate to below detectable lab limits.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of JET JET 2015-03-16 14:35:18

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2015-03-16 14:43:27

    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

  • Avatar of Deni Deni 2015-03-02 09:43:53

    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 !!!

  • Avatar of Ken Ken 2014-10-23 21:35:01

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2014-10-24 02:47:10

    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

  • Avatar of Debbie Debbie 2014-08-27 00:04:42

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2014-08-27 16:03:25

    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

  • Avatar of Troy Troy 2014-08-25 22:49:49

    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.

  • Avatar of Deni Deni 2014-04-26 22:43:53

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2014-04-27 18:33:44

    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

  • Avatar of Deedee Burke Deedee Burke 2014-02-10 16:23:08

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2014-02-10 19:42:52

    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

  • Avatar of Terry Terry 2014-02-02 19:59:09

    Wondering about glyphosate. Can ANY filter get this stuff out? My home is surrounded by crops.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2014-02-04 00:49:05

    Hi Terry -

    Yes, the black berkey filters will remove glyphosate from the water.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Rebecca Cody Rebecca Cody 2013-11-30 05:01:48

    Does your filter system remove bromine?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-12-01 00:52:10

    Hi Rebecca -

    The filters have not been tested for Bromine, so we do not know at this point.

    Thanks
    Dan

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  • Avatar of Linda Linda 2013-11-19 02:46:40

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-11-19 03:10:21

    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

  • Avatar of raymond raymond 2013-10-16 09:36:05

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-10-16 13:26:44

    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

  • Avatar of Jeremy Morris Jeremy Morris 2013-10-02 16:41:20

    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!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-10-02 17:23:15

    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

  • Avatar of Angela Angela 2013-08-29 05:05:24

    Hi- I am wondering if you can keep the Berkey in the refridgerator? Will it damage it in any way?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-08-29 15:24:52

    Hi Angela -

    No, this is fine as long as the black berkey filters are not exposed to freezing temperatures.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Betsy Jenkins Betsy Jenkins 2013-07-01 12:57:05

    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!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-07-03 19:58:20

    Hi Betsy -

    The berkey systems will reduce iron in your water, but may not eliminate it.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of nicholas nicholas 2012-12-02 02:41:51

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2012-12-04 15:58:21

    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

  • Avatar of db db 2012-06-13 01:31:29

    What about radioactive nuclear isotopes?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2012-06-13 04:18:45

    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

  • Avatar of John Smith John Smith 2012-04-11 02:52:17

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2012-04-11 03:30:38

    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

  • Avatar of jesse jesse 2012-01-21 03:21:22

    Does berkey have a way to remove nitrates which is our biggest obstacle/ JESSE

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2012-01-23 09:57:02

    Hi Jesse -

    The black berkey filters that come standard with the berkey systems will only remove nitrites, not nitrates.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Steve P. Steve P. 2011-11-07 15:51:29

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-11-07 18:24:23

    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

  • Avatar of Steve Steve 2011-10-27 17:48:18

    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

  • Avatar of Richard Richard 2011-09-15 13:05:18

    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.

  • Avatar of Leonard Leonard 2011-09-06 09:49:57

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-09-14 17:05:16

    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

  • Avatar of darrell darrell 2011-08-31 22:41:14

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-09-14 17:03:21

    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

  • Avatar of Rose Rose 2011-08-21 01:26:01

    Hi Dan,

    It's been helpful to read the above comments & responses. I was wondering, why is it that your system has not been certified by california? Thanks,

    Rose

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-08-23 15:08:23

    Hi Rose -

    Details can be found here:

    https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/wordpress/berkey/berkey-water-filters-cannot-be-shipped-to-california/

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of chie chie 2011-07-16 19:18:04

    MY QUESTION, OF ALL THE MODELS YOU HAVE FOR WATER FILTERS WHICH DO YOU SUGGEST IS THE BEST FOR EVERYTHING!!!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-07-20 17:04:54

    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

  • Avatar of joel joel 2011-01-08 03:42:19

    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.

  • Avatar of joel joel 2011-01-08 03:40:22

    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?

  • Avatar of Cody Cody 2011-01-03 05:11:56

    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?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-01-09 16:19:09

    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

  • Avatar of Annike Annike 2010-12-01 03:38:04

    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

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2010-12-01 15:58:05

    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

  • Avatar of Candice Blake Candice Blake 2010-11-03 21:27:23

    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.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2010-11-04 21:43:16

    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

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