A Berkey water filter is a high quality countertop water filter system used primarily in homes, however also used to filter untreated water in times of emergency or natural disaster.

We get this question often and we would argue that our Berkey systems rank among the best in terms of high level filtration results at a reasonable price.

Pricing for a Berkey water filter starts at $345 for the smallest 1.5 gallon Travel Berkey and goes up to $504 for the largest Crown Berkey. Extra filters and add-on accessories will increase this price.

Absolutely! The Berkey has EPA/NSF certified lab testing to back up all removal rate claims. In addition, Berkey systems have been used in the field by missionaries and NGO's for decades bringing potable water to those who otherwise would not have access to clean water.

The exterior chambers are made of high-grade polished 304 stainless steel making them rugged enough to handle camping trips and college dorms yet elegant enough to complement your finest décor. The Berkey Light system is made of a non-BPA copolyster.

Carbon block, paper and certain resin based filters:

• Most commonly used filters are not re-cleanable
• There is no feedback mechanism for filter replacement
• Most do not remove pathogenic bacteria
• Most popular systems provide only 40-700 gallons (150-2,660 liters) before the filter must be replaced

Distillation:

• Removes beneficial minerals from water
• Does not remove VOCs (chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers)

Reverse Osmosis:

• Removes beneficial minerals from water
• Does not remove pathogenic bacteria
• Filter is not re-cleanable
• There is no feedback mechanism for filter replacement and reservoir tank can become a breeding ground for bacteria

Downsides to These Other Systems: Virtually all of these systems become useless during emergencies when power and or water pressure is lost.

Bottled Water: Tap water is considered an acceptable source; many bottled waters contain high levels of bacteria and the industry is virtually unregulated.

The most popular small family (3 people) model is the Big Berkey system. The most popular medium (4 people) to large family model (6 people) is the Royal Berkey system. The Imperial Berkey model is designed for small to medium sized groups (6-12 people) and the Crown Berkey model is more useful for medium to large groups (12 people and up) and can service from 75 up to 150 people per day.

The Berkey Light system is designed for outdoor use therefore it is about three pounds lighter in weight than the equivalent capacity of our stainless steel system. The Travel Berkey system is also designed for outdoor use and is the smallest of the stainless steel systems. It is compact enough to fit within a suitcase because unlike the Berkey Light system, the upper chamber nests within the lower chamber during travel. This is the preferred system when mobility is a big issue.

The four multi-use systems are designed for indoor everyday use so they are of a heavier construction than the above systems but these systems can also be used outdoors or during unexpected emergencies when a source of potable water may not be available.

• The Royal household in England
• Tens of thousands of US and Canadian citizens
• Populations in over 140 countries worldwide
• Relief Organizations such as UNICEF, the Peace Corps, Missionary organizations and Red Cross Societies Internationally.
• Hunters, campers, adventurers and explorers.

Yes, anytime you plan on taking your system out of the country we advise that you always perform the following test prior to leaving. You should test your filters by filling the upper chamber with water then add a tablespoon of food coloring for every gallon of water within your upper chamber. If the food coloring is removed entirely, your filtration system is working properly. If not, check to make sure that the wing nuts on your elements are securely tightened then re-run the test.

By the way, always prime new Berkey elements before leaving the country, as you may not have enough water pressure to be able to prime the elements at your destination.

No, the system will leave in beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium