Lead poses a significant health risk, especially to children. While cases of lead-related illness in children have dropped significantly since the 1980s thanks to tightened legislation, the threat hasn’t been fully eliminated – even today.

This raises an important question: does Berkey filter lead effectively enough to make a real difference in everyday use?

Fortunately, the answer is yes.

Independent lab tests have demonstrated that Black Berkey Elements reduce lead concentrations by over 99.9%, even at contamination levels significantly higher than the EPA's action level.

That’s why we continue to recommend Berkey systems in areas where lead contamination is still a risk.

Keep reading to learn more about:

• How does lead get into drinking water?
• What are the health impacts of lead exposure?
• What to do if you suspect lead in your water
• What makes Berkey water filter effective against lead?
• Which Berkey filters remove lead?
• Do Berkey ceramic filters remove lead?
• Agency's advice on lead in drinking water
• Washington DC lead crisis
• Is Berkey the best filter for lead removal?

How Does Lead Get Into Drinking Water?

Dozens of U.S. cities have lead pipes running throughout their aging drinking water systems. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes, fixtures, or solder.

When water flows through these materials, especially corrosive ones, lead can leach into the water supply. Municipal systems with old lead service lines further exacerbate the risk. A change in water chemistry, partial replacement of lead pipes, or general wear and tear can cause lead levels to spike.

Overall the EPA estimates that 40 million Americans are exposed to drinking water lead concentrations that it considers to be a health risk. And the Centers for Disease Control has found a correlation between lead in drinking water and the blood lead levels of affected household members.

What Are the Health Impacts of Lead Exposure?

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe exposure level. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Health risks include:

• Children: Exposure to lead at a young age can affect brain development, resulting in developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, behavioral problems, and anemia.
• Adults: High blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, memory issues, mood disorders, and fertility problems. Chronic exposure can lead to kidney damage and reproductive issues.

What to Do If You Suspect Lead in Your Water

If you're concerned about lead in your water supply, here are steps to identify signs of lead in water and limit your exposure effectively:

1. Test your water: Your water utility may be able to test your household lead level for you. If not, there are many tests available from mail-order labs, and test kits are often sold at local hardware stores. Take a sample of your water and send it to a certified lab for testing.
2. Inspect plumbing: Check for lead pipes or solder, especially in older homes.
3. Use cold water: Always use cold water for drinking or cooking, as hot water can leach more lead. Never mix infant formula using hot water from the tap.
4. Flush taps: Make it a standard practice to run the water at each tap before use, especially if the water has been standing in the pipes for some time. Do not consume water that has sat in your home’s plumbing for more than six hours. First, make sure to run the water until you feel the temperature change before cooking, drinking, or brushing your teeth, unless otherwise instructed by your utility.
5. Use certified filters: Use filters like Berkey systems that have been independently tested and are proven to remove lead according to NSF testing standards.

What Makes Berkey Water Filters Effective Against Lead?

Berkey's Black Berkey Elements utilize a multi-technology filtration process that effectively removes a wide range of contaminants, including lead:

• Microfiltration: Removes particles down to 0.2-0.3 microns and lower.
• Adsorption: Attracts and traps contaminants smaller than the filter pores.
• Ion exchange: Swaps harmful lead ions with harmless ones, effectively removing them.

This combination ensures over 99.9% lead removal, even at high contamination levels, giving you the peace-of-mind that your drinking water is safe to drink and won’t pose a health risk to your family.

Which Berkey Filters Remove Lead?

All Berkey systems equipped with Black Berkey filter elements effectively remove lead.

• Travel Berkey: 1.5 gallons; ideal for individuals or small families.
• Big Berkey: 2.25 gallons; suitable for small to medium-sized families.
• Berkey Light: 2.75 gallons; lightweight option for small to medium families.
• Royal Berkey: 3.25 gallons; perfect for medium to large families.
• Imperial Berkey: 4.5 gallons; designed for large families or groups.
• Crown Berkey: 6 gallons; best for large groups or emergency preparedness.

Do Berkey Ceramic Filters Remove Lead?

Berkey Ultra Sterasyl Ceramic filters reduce heavy metals, including lead, by more than 99%, making them a valuable alternative to the Black Berkey filter elements. While slightly less effective than the Black Berkey’s 99.99% lead reduction, the ceramic filters are a formidable option to consider when the Black Berkey filters are unavailable.

Agency's Advice on Lead in Drinking Water

The EPA recommends taking action if lead levels exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb). However, no level of lead is considered safe, especially for children and pregnant women. Using certified water filters and replacing lead-containing plumbing are key steps in reducing exposure.

Washington DC Lead Crisis Alerts Nation to Health Risks

In the early 2000s, prior to the infamous Flint, MI water crisis, Washington DC faced a significant lead contamination crisis, with thousands exposed to elevated lead levels due to changes in water treatment. This event highlighted the importance of vigilant water quality monitoring and infrastructure maintenance.

In 2004, The Washington Post revealed that the city water authority had been aware of dangerous levels of lead in the water of many District homes for more than 2 years without warning residents. DC health officials responded to the revelation by warning residents to flush their water pipes and filter water for drinking and cooking. Unfortunately for many kids, the damage may already have been done.

"In some high-risk neighbourhoods, the number of toddlers and infants with blood-lead concentrations that can cause irreversible IQ loss and developmental delays more than doubled after harmful levels of lead began leaching into the city's drinking water in 2001," reported the Post.

Subsequent investigations determined that a change in city water treatment the prior year had caused lead levels in homes served by lead pipes to skyrocket as the new disinfectant corroded old pipes. (Same story as Flint, MI) By failing to adequately assess the risk and inform the public of the danger, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority had needlessly exposed DC citizens to unsafe levels of lead, including thousands of children and pregnant women for whom exposure is most dangerous.

Is Berkey the Best Filter for Lead Removal?

Black Berkey filters, with their proven ability to remove over 99.9% of lead, validated by independent lab test reports, stand out as one of the top choices for lead removal. Their gravity-fed design requires no electricity, making them versatile for various settings.

Ready to protect your family from lead exposure? Explore our range of Berkey Water filter systems.

FAQs

Does Berkey remove lead from drinking water?

Yes, Black Berkey filters remove over 99.9% of lead from drinking water.

Has Berkey been tested for lead removal by independent labs?

Yes, independent lab tests confirm Berkey's lead removal efficiency exceeds 99.9%.

Which Berkey filter is best for lead removal?

All Berkey systems fitted with Black Berkey Elements are effective; choose a system that best meets your capacity needs.

Can Berkey filters remove lead from well water?

Yes, Berkey filters can effectively remove lead from well water.

How long do Berkey filters last when filtering lead?

Black Berkey Elements typically last up to 3,000 gallons per filter element (6,000 gallons per pair).

Is it safe to use Berkey for baby formula if there's lead in the water?

Yes, Berkey-filtered water is safe for preparing baby formula, effectively removing lead.

Can I test my water for lead at home?

Yes, home test kits are available, but for precise results, consider lab testing.

Does boiling water remove lead?

No, boiling water does not remove lead and may concentrate it further.

What other heavy metals do Berkey filters remove?

Berkey filters also remove mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and more.

Why are children more vulnerable to lead poisoning?

Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure due to their developing nervous systems. Even low levels can result in cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and developmental delays. Ensuring lead-free drinking water is crucial for their health and development.

Are U.S. lead poisoning standards effectively protecting kids?

While regulations have reduced lead exposure, challenges remain. Aging infrastructure, inconsistent enforcement, and limited funding hinder progress. Continuous updates to standards and increased investment in replacing outdated infrastructure are necessary to ensure children's safety.