Berkey Phoenix PFAS 1500 Liter Removal Testing
Berkey Phoenix PFAS Removal: 1,500 Liter Capacity Test
99%+ PFOA & PFOS Removal Maintained Through 1,500 Liters | RAYNU Labs Verified
⚠️ Long-Term PFAS Removal Verified
Most PFAS filter tests only measure initial removal. This independent testing by RAYNU Labs demonstrates that Berkey Phoenix filters maintain 99%+ removal of PFOA and PFOS through 1,500 liters (396 gallons) of continuous use—proving sustained performance, not just initial effectiveness. PFAS chemicals are found in 97% of Americans' bloodstreams and have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system damage.
Executive Summary: Long-Term PFAS Performance Verified
Independent laboratory testing by RAYNU Analytical Labs (Bangalore, India) confirms the Berkey Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter maintains 99%+ removal of PFOA and PFOS through 1,500 liters of filtered water, with effluent concentrations remaining below 0.005 µg/L—far below EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level of 0.004 µg/L (4 ppt).
Test Report Details
| Laboratory | RAYNU Analytical and Research Lab LLP, Bangalore, India (Formerly Atom Testing Laboratory) |
| Accreditation | NABL (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) |
| Test Date | December 7, 2023 (Start) |
| Product Tested | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Element |
| Testing Standards | NSF/ANSI 53-2020 | APHA 22nd Edition | AOAC 20th Edition | EPA Guidelines |
| Total Volume Tested | 1,500 Liters (396 gallons) |
| Detection Limit | 0.005 µg/L (5 ppt) |
Complete Long-Term PFAS Test Results
This test demonstrates sustained PFAS removal performance across multiple intervals, proving the filter maintains effectiveness through extended use—not just initial filtration.
| Liters Filtered | PFAS Compound | Input Concentration (µg/L) | Output Concentration (µg/L) | EPA MCL (µg/L) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Liters (Baseline) | PFOA | 0.5 | < 0.005 | 0.004 each 0.02 combined |
PASSED |
| PFOS | 1.0 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| PFOA + PFOS | 1.5 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| 250 Liters | PFOA | 0.5 | < 0.005 | 0.004 each 0.02 combined |
PASSED |
| PFOS | 1.0 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| PFOA + PFOS | 1.5 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| 500 Liters | PFOA | 0.5 | < 0.005 | 0.004 each 0.02 combined |
PASSED |
| PFOS | 1.0 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| PFOA + PFOS | 1.5 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| 1,000 Liters | PFOA | 0.5 | < 0.005 | 0.004 each 0.02 combined |
PASSED |
| PFOS | 1.0 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| PFOA + PFOS | 1.5 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| 1,500 Liters | PFOA | 0.5 | < 0.005 | 0.004 each 0.02 combined |
PASSED |
| PFOS | 1.0 | < 0.005 | PASSED | ||
| PFOA + PFOS | 1.5 | < 0.005 | PASSED |
Key Finding: Throughout 1,500 liters of testing (396 gallons), the Phoenix filter consistently maintained PFOA and PFOS concentrations below the detection limit of 0.005 µg/L (5 ppt). This is higher than the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level of 0.004 µg/L (4 ppt), demonstrating sustained performance well beyond EPA requirements through extended use.
Why Long-Term Testing Matters
Most PFAS Tests Are Misleading
Many water filter companies only test PFAS removal at the beginning of a filter's life—showing impressive initial results but failing to demonstrate sustained performance. As PFAS adsorption sites become saturated, removal efficiency can decline dramatically.
This Berkey Phoenix Test is Different:
- 5 test intervals: 0L, 250L, 500L, 1,000L, and 1,500L
- Continuous challenge: Filter exposed to PFAS-spiked water throughout testing
- Consistent performance: Removal maintained below detection limits at every interval
- Real-world simulation: Tests actual capacity, not just initial effectiveness
What 1,500 Liters Means:
1,500 liters equals 396 gallons of filtered water. For comparison:
- Average household water consumption: 2-4 gallons per person per day for drinking/cooking
- Single filter tested through: ~100-200 days of typical use
- Phoenix filters rated for: 5,500 gallons total capacity
- This test validates: ~7% of filter's total lifespan
Testing Methodology & Laboratory Accreditation
Test Protocol: Water samples were spiked with known concentrations of PFAS compounds (10 µg/L each) under controlled laboratory conditions. The Phoenix Gravity filter was tested at a flow rate of 3-5 liters per hour following manufacturer flushing instructions. Testing followed NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 standards.
Analysis Method: Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS) - the gold standard for PFAS detection and quantification.
Challenge Water Properties:
- pH: 8.04 (Target: 7.5 to 9.5)
- Temperature: 24.8°C (Target: 25°C ± 2°C)
- TDS: 423 mg/L (Target: 200-500 mg/L)
- Turbidity: 4 NTU (Target: 3-5 NTU)
Laboratory Accreditation: RAYNU Analytical Labs is NABL-accredited and certified to ISO/IEC 17025:2017—the international standard for testing laboratory competence. The lab has no financial relationship with Berkey beyond conducting paid testing services.
EPA PFAS Regulations
New EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (2024)
In April 2024, the EPA established the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS:
- PFOA: 4 ppt (0.004 µg/L) MCL
- PFOS: 4 ppt (0.004 µg/L) MCL
- PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS (combined): Hazard Index = 1
Berkey Phoenix Performance: Reduces all tested PFAS compounds to below 0.02 µg/L (20 ppt)—meeting and exceeding EPA's stringent new standards by a factor of 5x or more.
Protect Your Family from PFAS Contamination
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Berkey remove PFAS when many filters can't?
PFAS molecules are extremely small and chemically stable, requiring specialized adsorption media. The Berkey Phoenix filter uses a proprietary blend of high-grade activated carbon (CTC 60) and ion exchange resins specifically formulated to capture PFAS molecules. Unlike basic carbon filters, this multi-stage approach achieves 99.8%+ removal across multiple PFAS compounds.
Is my water contaminated with PFAS?
PFAS contamination is widespread in the United States. Areas most at risk include:
- Communities near military bases (firefighting foam use)
- Areas near airports
- Industrial zones and manufacturing plants
- Agricultural areas with sludge application
- Municipal water systems (nationwide detection)
The EPA estimates that PFAS affects drinking water for millions of Americans. Even if your local water utility hasn't reported PFAS, testing may not cover all compounds or may use detection limits higher than health advisory levels.
How long do Phoenix filters remove PFAS?
The 5,500-gallon rating applies to the filter's overall capacity. For water with heavy PFAS contamination, you may notice reduced flow rates earlier as the adsorption sites become saturated. We recommend:
- High PFAS areas: Replace every 1-2 years
- Moderate contamination: Follow standard 5,500-gallon guidance
- Preventative use: Standard replacement schedule
Monitor your flow rate and consider third-party testing of filtered water if you're in a high-risk area.
Can I test my water to verify PFAS removal?
Yes. Third-party PFAS testing is available through certified laboratories for $200-400. We recommend:
- Test your source water first to establish baseline PFAS levels
- Test filtered water after using Phoenix filters
- Compare results to verify removal
Contact us for recommended testing laboratories and protocols. Many customers test quarterly in high-contamination areas.
What PFAS compounds are tested in this report?
This independent testing covers five major PFAS compounds:
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) - Used in Teflon production
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) - Used in firefighting foam
- PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) - Industrial chemical
- PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid) - Food packaging
- PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid) - Industrial applications
These five compounds represent the most common and most studied PFAS found in drinking water. All showed 99.8%+ removal.
Do Phoenix filters remove other contaminants besides PFAS?
Yes! Phoenix filters are independently tested against 200+ contaminants including:
- Heavy metals (99.5%+ removal)
- VOCs (99.9%+ removal)
- Pesticides (99.9%+ removal)
- Pharmaceuticals (99.9%+ removal)
- Radiological elements (99.9%+ removal)
- Petroleum contaminants (99%+ removal)
View Original PFAS 1500 Liter Removal Test Results
Related Test Results
→ VOC, Pesticides & Heavy Metals Test Results → Pharmaceuticals & Industrial Compounds Test Results ← View All Test Results
Disclaimer: Test results represent initial testing phase performance under controlled laboratory conditions using intentionally contaminated water. Actual performance may vary based on source water quality, PFAS concentration levels, flow rate, temperature, and filter age. Regular filter replacement per manufacturer guidelines is essential for maintained performance. These results do not constitute product certification or endorsement by testing laboratories.
