Berkey Phoenix VOC Pesticide Metals
Berkey Phoenix Filter Elements VOC, Pesticide, Heavy Metals Independent Lab Test Results
100% Contaminant Removal Verified by CVR Labs
Executive Summary: Complete Contaminant Removal
Independent laboratory testing conducted by CVR Labs (Chennai, India) confirms the Berkey Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Element achieves 100% removal efficiency across all tested categories including volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Test Report Details
| Report Number | 25030011.01 |
| Laboratory | CVR Labs (P) Limited, Chennai, India |
| Accreditation | NABL (TC-7618) | BIS, FSSAI, MoEF Recognized | ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 Certified |
| Test Date | March 3-12, 2025 |
| Product Tested | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Element |
| Sample Condition | Good |
Complete Test Results
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 55 Tested
All volatile organic compounds tested showed complete removal from water after filtration through the Berkey Phoenix filter element.
| Contaminant | Before Filtration (mg/l) | Spike Level (mg/l) | After Filtration (mg/l) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,1-Dichloroethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,1-Dichloropropane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2-Dibromoethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,2-Dichloropropane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,3-Dichlorobenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,3-Dichloropropane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 1,4-Dichlorobenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 2,2-Dichloropropane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 2-Chlorotoluene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| 4-Chlorotoluene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Benzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Benzene,1,2,3-trimethyl | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Bromobenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Bromochloromethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Butylbenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Carbontetrachloride | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Chlorobenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Chloroform | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Cis-1,2-Dichloroethene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| cis-1,3-Dichloropropene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Diethyl ether | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Dibromomethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Ethylbenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Isopropylbenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Methylene chloride | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| m-Xylene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Naphthalene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| n-Propylbenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| n-Propyltoluene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| o-Cymene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| o-Xylene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| p-Cymene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| p-Xylene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| sec-Butylbenzene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Styrene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Toluene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Trans-1,2-Dichloroethene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Tribromomethane | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
| Trichloroethylene | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.025) | 100% |
BDL: Below Detection Limit | DL: Detection Limit
Pesticides - 15 Tested
All agricultural pesticides tested were completely removed by the Berkey Phoenix filter element.
| Pesticide | Before Filtration (mg/l) | Spike Level (mg/l) | After Filtration (mg/l) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achlor | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Aldrin | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Alpha - Endosulfan | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Alpha HCH | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Beta - Endosulfan | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Beta HCH | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Dieldrin | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Endosulfan (Alpha, beta and sulfate) | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| Gamma HCH | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| o,p - DDD | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| o,p - DDE | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| o,p - DDT | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| p,p - DDD | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| p,p - DDE | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
| p,p - DDT | 0 | 0.1 | BDL (DL: 0.00001) | 100% |
Heavy Metal Contaminants - 6 Tested
All toxic heavy metals tested, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium, were completely removed by the Berkey Phoenix filter element.
| Heavy Metal | Before Filtration (mg/l) | Spike Level (mg/l) | After Filtration (mg/l) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic (As) | 0 | 0.2 | BDL (DL: 0.001) | 100% |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 0 | 0.2 | BDL (DL: 0.001) | 100% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0 | 0.2 | BDL (DL: 0.001) | 100% |
| Lead (Pb) | 0 | 0.2 | BDL (DL: 0.001) | 100% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0 | 0.2 | BDL (DL: 0.001) | 100% |
| Selenium (Se) | 0 | 0.2 | BDL (DL: 0.001) | 100% |
Testing Methodology
Test Protocol: Water samples were intentionally spiked with known concentrations of contaminants (0.1 mg/l for VOCs and pesticides, 0.2 mg/l for heavy metals) to simulate contaminated water conditions. The water was then filtered through the Berkey Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Element under standard operating conditions.
Analysis Methods:
- VOCs: CVR/INS/SOP GCMSMS/016 (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
- Pesticides: CVR/INS/SOP GCMSMS/003 (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
- Heavy Metals: CVR/SOP/ENV1228 (Inductively Coupled Plasma spectrometry)
Laboratory Accreditation: CVR Labs (P) Limited is accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) under certificate TC-7618, recognized by BIS, FSSAI, and MoEF, and certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards.
What These Results Mean for Your Water
Complete Protection Against Common Water Contaminants
The Berkey Phoenix filter has been independently verified to remove 100% of the most dangerous water contaminants found in municipal water supplies, well water, and natural water sources. This includes:
- Chlorination byproducts like chloroform and trihalomethanes that form when chlorine reacts with organic matter
- Industrial chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and tetrachloroethylene from manufacturing and petroleum activities
- Agricultural pesticides including DDT, endosulfan, and aldrin that leach into groundwater from farming operations
- Heavy metals like lead (from old pipes), arsenic (naturally occurring), and cadmium (from industrial pollution)
Unlike many water filters that only reduce contaminants to "acceptable levels," the Berkey Phoenix achieves complete removal—bringing contamination levels below the detection limit of laboratory equipment.
Protect Your Family with Proven Performance
Independent lab results confirm what Berkey owners have trusted for decades: complete contaminant removal you can verify.
Shop Berkey Phoenix Filters →Free shipping on orders over $99 | Ships same/next-day
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 100% removal important?
Many filters only reduce contaminants to levels deemed "safe" by regulatory agencies. However, no amount of lead, pesticides, or industrial chemicals is truly safe—especially for children and pregnant women. Complete removal means zero exposure to these harmful substances.
How does this compare to other gravity filters?
Most gravity filters have not been tested against this comprehensive range of contaminants. The Berkey Phoenix filter is independently tested against 76 separate contaminants, providing verifiable proof of performance rather than relying on material claims alone.
How long do Berkey Phoenix filters last?
Each set of Berkey Phoenix filter element has a lifespan of approximately 5,500 gallons, which translates to several years of use for an average household. The actual lifespan depends on the quality of your source water.
Is the testing laboratory credible?
CVR Labs is NABL-accredited (India's national accreditation body), recognized by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), and MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests), and certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 quality standards. Their test methods follow internationally recognized protocols.
Can I download the full lab report?
Yes, the complete CVR Labs test report is available for download. Simply provide your email address and we'll send you the PDF along with additional filter care and maintenance guides.
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About Big Berkey Water Filters
Big Berkey Water Filters is the leading authorized dealer of Berkey water filtration systems in the United States. We provide independent laboratory test results, expert guidance, and comprehensive support to help families access clean, safe drinking water through proven gravity filtration technology.
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How Berkey Filters Work | Berkey vs. Other Gravity Filters
Disclaimer: Test results shown represent performance under laboratory conditions using water intentionally spiked with contaminants. Actual performance may vary based on water quality, flow rate, and filter age. These results are specific to the tested filter element and do not constitute an endorsement or certification by CVR Labs. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for filter replacement and maintenance.
