Faq Sections
The composition of the Black Berkey® elements used in Berkey® water purifiers is a unique formulation protected by a patent. It is based on the mix of six different and specific types of media, which includes high-quality activated carbon. Compiled in a very compact matrix containing millions of microscopic pores, they create a "tortuous path" through which water can pass, but contaminants cannot. These channels are so thin that all undesirable elements are inevitably trapped. With a process of absorption and adsorption, submicron viruses are also blocked, something other water filters cannot do without the use of chemicals.
The cylinder of activated carbon is impregnated with an ion-exchange resin. The activated carbon adsorbs or chemically binds to organic compounds, such as solvents and petroleum-based fuels, a large number of pesticides, and numerous pharmaceuticals. The ion-exchange resin eliminates many dissolved metals from the water by exchanging toxic heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and cadmium) for lighter and inoffensive metals (like sodium, the main component of table salt). All this enables a comprehensive and highly efficient filtration.
Additionally, the manufacturer Berkey® New Millennium Concept Ltd. confirms that graphene oxide is not used in the composition of Black Berkey® filters.
More details can be found on the page explaining the functioning of Berkey® water filters.
That's correct! Silver is used as an antimicrobial agent allowing each Black Berkey® element to self-sterilize. Analysis were conducted by an independent laboratory to guarantee that the silver used does not dissolve into the purified water, and this is precisely the case. The analysis concluded: "All control samples, including stock samples, positive and negative analytical controls, and the begative control collected prior to seeding yeilded appropriate results and were accepted. The results of the leaching control samples (effluent sample spiked with MS2 and R.nterrigena and analyzed at two time points) were quite similar, suggesting that no active antimicrobial agent is leaching into the treated water."
You can view the complete report results (in English).
Yes, and it is the same for all Berkey products, including the Berkey® Light and
Berkey® Sport. No BPA is present in any part.
This is true, water that filters through the Black Berkey™ elements tends to be more basic than before being filtered. Its pH increases. And in reality, this is a good thing... Pathogenic bacteria and viruses thrive in acidic environments and struggle to survive in alkaline environments. The higher the pH, the greater the alkalinity.
However, it is important to remember that the final pH level of the treated water can depend on other factors, like the pH level of the water before being filtered.
It is important to distinguish between plastics that dissolve in water and present a health risk and those that exist as miniscule solid particles.
In the first group, among the plastics that are dangerous to health and can dissolve in water, the most widespread are Bisphenol A (BPA) and 1,1-Dichloroethane (11-DCA). We are pleased tp say, the Black Berkey™ filters can remove these two harmful plastics.
Additionally, thanks to the filtration capability ranging from 24 to 26 nanometers, solid microplastics are also eliminated. These measure approximately 2.5 microns (2500 nanometers), which is significantly bigger than the 24 nanometers of the filter.
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During the assembly, handling, and shipping of the filter elements, they may acquire a small amount of dust or fine harmless particles. This is why we recommend priming the Berkey® PF-2™ filter elements at both ends to remove the dust before installing them in your Berkey® system. If this procedure is not done correctly, there may be turbidity issues during the first few water cycles.
Priming the filtration elements should be done for approximately 30 seconds at both ends. It may be necessary to repeat this process up to ten times to remove all the dust. An analysis was conducted to determine how turbidity decreases based on the number of washes. A summary of the results is available below:
- One wash: turbidity reduced by a value > 94%
- Two washes: turbidity reduced by a value > 96%
- Three washes: turbidity reduced by a value > 98%
You can view the complete test results here (document in English).
Turbidity will continue to decrease with each filling cycle of your Berkey® system. Although turbidity may be unsightly, it poses no health risks.
The Berkey® PF-2™ water filters reduce fluoride and arsenic from water using aluminum oxide (activated alumina). It is important to know that pure aluminum and aluminum oxide have very different characteristics. Pure aluminum is soluble in water, highly reactive, and has adverse health effects. In contrast, aluminum oxide is not soluble in water, inert, very stable, and has no adverse health effects.
It should also be noted that this aluminum oxide is not treated with cyanuric acid.
Learn all about aluminum oxide (document in English).
If the filters have already been used:
The Berkey® PF-2™ elements can be stored in a refrigerator for a short period of up to 10 days (but not in a freezer). Remove the filters from the system, place them in a sealed plastic bag, and place them in the least cold part of the refrigerator to prevent them from freezing. They can be stored this way for up to a week.
If you store them in the refrigerator, we recommend priming them for at least one minute, running water through both ends, before using them again.
Berkey PF-2™ elements should not be left exposed to air to avoid the potential development of bacteria on the media.
If you have never used your filters:
If the elements are still in their original packaging and have not been opened, make sure to store them in a place that does not emit strong odors, such as a laundry room or garage. The elements contain carbon, among other materials, which could absorb odors from the storage area, such as soap or detergent.
The lifespan is 3,800 liters of water or 1 year, whichever comes first. To determine when to change the filters, simply perform the following calculation:
- Assuming the use of a Big Berkey® model equipped with 2 Black Berkey® filters and 2 PF-2 filters, filled once a day, the calculation will be as follows: 3800 / 7.3 / 365 = 1.42 years. In this case, you should change your PF-2 filters after 1 year.
- Assuming 2 filtrations per day, you adapt the above calculation: 3800 / 7.3x2 / 365 = 0.71 years or 8.5 months. In this case, you should change your PF-2 filters after 8.5 months.
This calculation should be adjusted according to the model used and the frequency of refills.
No. On the one hand, the positions of each filter are not interchangeable, and on the other hand, they do not serve the same purpose. They are complementary. When the Berkey® PF-2™ water filters are installed, the water first flows from the upper chamber through the Black Berkey® purification elements, then into the Berkey PF-2™ filters, and finally into the lower chamber.
The former have a purification role by removing all harmful elements from the water, while the latter are specialized in retaining fluoride and arsenic.
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All plastics used in the Sport Berkey® Filter Bottle are food-grade and BPA-free.
- The bottle is made of low-density polyethylene
- The cap is made of high-density polyethylene
- The straw is made of polypropylene.
To refresh the water in your Sport Berkey® Filter Bottle, you might think of placing it in the freezer for about twenty minutes. DON'T DO IT!!!
We strongly advise against letting the filtration elements freeze. We also advise against storing the elements (even unused ones) in very cold climates. Very cold or frozen water can expand inside the filter and consequently enlarge the pores, rendering the filtration ineffective. Whether the elements are unused or used and completely dried, a small amount of moisture could still remain inside the filter, especially in predominantly humid climates. This moisture could expand inside the element and render it unusable.
This recommendation applies to ALL our Berkey® filtration elements. Freezing your element and making it unusable will void your warranty coverage.
In certain situations, your Sport Berkey® Filter Bottle may be exposed to high temperatures. For example, if it remains in the trunk of your car in direct sunlight...
Therefore, you should remember that your filter bottle should not be subjected to temperatures above 46°C (115°F).
Yes, it is possible to put your Sport Berkey® Filter Bottle in the refrigerator, but under no circumstances should you let it freeze. The expansion of water within the filter could enlarge the pores and compromise its integrity, rendering it inoperative and voiding the warranty.
Your Sport Berkey® Filter Bottle has a lifespan of 50 years! When not using it for an extended period, remove the filter and fill the bottle with bleach at a ratio of one-quarter teaspoon per 2 liters of water, or a 50/50 mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse. Allow the parts to dry completely with the cap removed. Reassemble the bottle and, if possible, store it in an airtight bag. Do not allow the filter to freeze, do not place it in the microwave, and do not run hot water through it.
No, there are no phthalates in the chambers of the Berkey Light® system. Berkey® plastics are made from copolyester and are guaranteed BPA-free.
Additionally, the Black Berkey® purification element reduces certain phthalates, including butylbenzyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate.
Find the detailed test results for the Black Berkey® purification elements.
Since 2008, the Berkey Light® has no longer been made from polycarbonate as it was before, but from a copolyester (thermoplastic polyester elastomers) that does not contain Bisphenol A. It is also very strong, resistant to scratches, stains, shocks, and odors.
The Berkey Light®, like all other Berkey® water purification systems, requires minimal maintenance.
It primarily involves occasional cleaning: we suggest washing the lower chamber once a month with soapy water (dishwashing liquid). In areas with hard water, lime deposits may accumulate on various parts of the system after prolonged use. To remove them, soak the affected parts in vinegar or a 50-50% mixture of vinegar and water for about 15 minutes. Finish by cleaning with soapy dishwater, then rinse.
After prolonged use, the flow rate of your system may decrease. To remedy this, simply scrub the outside of each Black Berkey® purification element with a stiff brush or ScotchBrite® pad and reprime the elements*.
Additionally, we recommend keeping the Berkey Light® out of direct sunlight.
(*): original documentation in English, provided in French at the time of purchase or upon request.
The Berkey Light® water filter is very popular because it is portable, lightweight, and transparent. The Berkey Light® also has the advantage of having a large storage capacity of over 10 liters of filtered water. Its base, which elevates the system, allows the spout to be naturally higher than on other systems, making it easy to place a glass underneath.
Refer to the assembly document* for a diagram and precise instructions on how to assemble your stainless steel Berkey® water purifier.
This documentation also contains instructions for setting up the filtration elements.
For more details, you can refer to the specific document on priming the Black Berkey® elements*
(*) : original documentation in English, provided in French at the time of purchase or upon request.
Whether it's the Black Berkey™ filters or the Berkey® PF-2™ filters, it is necessary to prime them before their first use or after a long period of storage.
You can refer to the Black Berkey® filter priming document and also the PF-2™ filter priming document (documents in English, provided in French at the time of purchase or upon request).
To facilitate the priming of the Black Berkey® filters, and if the space under your faucet is limited, there is also a priming pump, which is very practical and allows you to prime the Black Berkey® filters anytime, anywhere.
Black Berkey Primer™ is a manual pump that allows for easy priming of Black Berkey™ filter elements without the need for faucet pressure or when there is limited space under the faucet.
Priming the Black Berkey® purification elements is essential to expel air and saturate the filters with water before use.
The Primer™ pump also allows you to purge the Black Berkey® purification elements with air to clean the filter pores if necessary and to dry the filters for long-term storage (see information on storing Black Berkey® filters for details).
The Primer pump therefore allows you to:
1- Eliminate debris that can accumulate in the filter pores during use,
2- Reduce the time and effort required to dry the filters before storage,
3- Facilitate the priming of the elements when water pressure is not accessible or when space under the faucet is limited, such as with a small sink.
4- Black Berkey® filters should never be primed with contaminated water. This is the case, for example, if you only have access to reclaimed water such as rainwater, borehole water, well water, etc. You must prime them with the Black Berkey® Primer pump. It is an essential tool in these conditions.
The Black Berkey Primer™ is specifically designed for use with Black Berkey® purification elements.
Find the instructions for using the Black Berkey Primer™. To complement this information, you can watch a video on using the Black Berkey Primer™.
Black Berkey® water filters are so effective that they can remove red food coloring from water. This is a foolproof way to test your system and ensure it is functioning correctly.
The purpose of this test is to confirm that the system has been assembled correctly and that there are no internal leaks in your system. We recommend performing this test after the initial assembly of our systems, after removing or replacing Black Berkey® elements, or during the first use after drying and storing the elements for an extended period.
The dye test is designed only for Black Berkey® purification elements. It should not be performed for the Sport Berkey® bottle or the PF-2 filters.
The food coloring must be RED and LIQUID. Red food coloring (unlike other colors) does not contain minerals, so your filter will treat it as a contaminant and filter it out.
You can find this food coloring in small bottles at specialty or arts and crafts stores. You must use a liquid coloring, not gel, and check its composition: it should not contain glucose, E330, or thickeners. The coloring should not be E120 Carmine (cochineal) or E162 Betanin (beetroot).
Therefore, ensure that the food coloring used contains either E122 (carmoisine), E123 (amaranth), E124 (Ponceau), E127 (Erythrosine), E129 (Allura Red), or E180 (Rubine).
Be aware that some red colorings also contain E102 (Tartrazine yellow) in their composition, which is also not suitable for the test.
The red food coloring test should be performed after priming your Black Berkey® purification elements and WITHOUT THE PF-2 FILTERS™.
TO PERFORM THE TEST:
- Start by removing all Berkey PF-2™ filters (if installed). If they remain in place, the warranty on these filters will no longer be valid.
- Take only the upper chamber (with the Black Berkey® elements installed) and place it on containers (glasses, cups, vases...) of similar size so that there is a container under each filter. This will isolate any defective or leaking filters.
- In a separate container filled with water, add the food coloring according to the proportions indicated below. Mix well. DO NOT pour the coloring directly into the tank.
Prepare a mixture with the volume indicated below:
COLORING DOSAGE for standard European brands
3-5 drops of red food coloring per 4 liters of water.
MCCORMICK COLORING DOSAGE recommended by Berkey®
10 drops per 4 liters of water, as follows:
- Travel Berkey® - 4 liters of water, 10 drops
- Big Berkey® - 8 liters, 20 drops
- Royal Berkey® - 8 liters, 20 drops
- Imperial Berkey® - 8 liters, 20 drops
- Crown Berkey® - 8 liters, 20 drops
It is not necessary to completely fill the upper chamber for larger models, as long as the filters are fully submerged.
- Let the water flow into the containers.
If no red food coloring appears in any of your containers, your purification system is working correctly.
If the water in any of the containers is red or has a pink tint, the filter in question is either defective, nearing the end of its life, or not sealed properly, allowing water to flow between the seal and the tank.
IF YOU NOTICE COLORING IN ANY OF THE CONTAINERS, PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING:
- Are the nuts properly tightened? Do not use tools to tighten them. They should be hand-tightened for a perfect fit. Over-tightening the nuts could deform the threads, preventing a proper seal.
- Have you used "red food coloring"? Red food coloring is the only type recommended for this test.
- Is the washer on the stem properly placed inside the upper chamber with the nut fixed underneath? If the washer is outside the chamber with the nut, you will not have a proper seal, causing your system to malfunction. Place the washer inside the upper chamber and retest.
- Are the blocking plugs properly sealing the unused holes (without filtering elements)? Are the plugs installed and tightened with a washer on each side? If the plugs are leaking, the test will fail. Tighten the plugs more firmly and retest.
- If you are testing an element that has already failed, rinse and re-prime it. Retest.
If, despite all these precautions, a filter fails the dye test, please contact customer service.
When performing the test a second time, consider taking a video of your actions (mixing the dye, filling the upper tank, filtering into separate containers). Proof is required in case of a positive test and a claim.
Most people use a carafe or jug to pour water into the upper chamber. If you have a tap with a pull-out spray hose on your sink, this can also be a good solution.
The upper chamber, which only temporarily holds water, will need to be cleaned less frequently than the lower chamber where water stagnates for longer periods. We recommend cleaning the lower chamber once a month.
The stainless steel chambers can be cleaned with soapy water.
In areas with hard water, lime deposits may accumulate on the spigots and chambers after prolonged use. To remove them, you can use pure vinegar or a 50-50% mixture of vinegar and water that you spray and let sit for about 15 minutes. Then wipe with a ScotchBrite pad or a soft brush, wash with soapy water, and rinse.
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The lifespan of Berkey® filters has been calculated based on laboratory tests. It varies depending on the type of filter.
- For Black Berkey® filters, see this link: How long do Black Berkey® water filters last?
- For PF-2™ filters, see the following link: How long do Berkey PF-2™ water filters last?
- For shower filters, the filtration capacity is 113 400 liters of water, which is approximately 1890 showers.
The PF-2™ filters are optional placed under the Black Berkey® filters in the lower chamber and are used to filter arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metals in the water. Enev though the Black Berkey® filters are effective against these pollutants, a high levels of these contaminants can saturate them before their normal lifespan. To determine if you need these filters in your system, check the analysis of the water you will be filtering.
More details on these filters can be found by consulting the product sheet.
Black Berkey® filters work "mechanically" by trapping contaminents in the millions of microscopic channels they contain, and also thanks to other layers, such as the ion exchange membrane and activated carbon. Solely for the mechanical part, the filtration fineness is estimated to be under 24 nanometers (0.024 microns), which corresponds to the size of some viruses efficiently filtered, such as MS2 or Fr Coliphage.
Due to industrial secret, it is impossible to provide the exact composition of the filters. However, what can be disclosed is detailed by following this link: What is the composition of Black Berkey® water filters?
Berkey® systems are not just simple water filters. They are efficient water purifiers that remove a significant number of pollutants, viruses, and bacteria. The list of these contaminants is published and available through analyses conducted by an independent laboratory following NSF protocol standards. These results are available to the public and can be found here: list of pollutants removed by Berkey® filters
When you want to filter water but composition is totally unidentified, and if do not have the choice (such as in an emergency situation), we recommend performing an initial analysis to ensure that there is no specific contamination that the Berkey® system may not be able to filter properly. This could be particular industrial pollution, resurfacing of old pollution, significant radioactive contamination, etc. The risk is indeed low, but the manufacturer Berkey® itself advises filtering the safest water possible or conducting tests beforehand. This does not take away from the exceptional performance of Berkey® filters and their actual ability to purify water. It is simply a precautionary procedure.
If you have or have not decided to perform preliminary water analysis, two points must be verified:
- Ensure that the seal is perfect from the first filtration. The wing nuts and blocking plugs must be sufficiently tightened so that the filtered water exits only through the ends of the threaded rods and not around the nuts or plugs. To do this, you must lift the upper chamber and visually check that everything is functioning properly.
- It is also recommended to perform the red dye test from the second filtration.
- None of the elements except the inside of the upper chamber and the top part of the filters should come into contact with contaminated water.
- Pay attention not to wash your hands with this water, if not you will contaminate any parts you touch: tap, filters, lower chamber.
- Under these conditions, Black Berkey® filters should not be primed with the contaminated water. They must be primed with the Black Berkey® Primer pump. This is a compulsory tool for these conditions.
- Throw away the first 2 filtrations.
You can also refer to this topic for more information on filtering rainwater.
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Upon receiving your order, take the delivery note and check that you have all the items you ordered. In case of any omission or error, immediately contact us via the contact form so that we can correct this as soon as possible.
Your package always includes an invoice as well as all necessary manuals in your language.
You have received your order under normal conditions and the parcel was perfectly intact, but upon unpacking, you find that one of the items is damaged!
You must contact our customer service straight away via our contact form, detailing the issue and attaching a photo. We will resolve your problem as quickly as possible.
DO NOT ASSEMBLE YOUR SYSTEM
WITHOUT READING ALL THE INSTRUCTION MANUALS FIRST.
Installation and maintenance manuals are provided in your language for all orders from our store. Read them carefully and keep them safe; they will be useful for assembly and also contain information for the maintenance of your system.
It is important to read them, as they contain important information on steps that must be followed in a certain order to ensure the proper setup of your system. Assembling or using without reading these manuals may result in malfunction or damage to your Berkey® system. Video s to aide assembly are also available on following this link: Assembly Videos
When confirming your payment on our site, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to you within a few minutes. If you do not receive this email, please check the following:
- Check your spam folder to ensure it has not been filtered out by your email provider.
- Verify the email address you entered in your customer account by logging into your account. If you are unable to log into your account, contact us through the contact form so we can resend your order confirmation.
- If none of the above helps in finding the reason for not receiving your order confirmation, please contact us via the contact form, and we will respond as soon as possible.
If you experience a problem while paying for your order by credit card through the E-transactions platform, we invite you to contact us via the contact form, stating the error encountered as well as your name. We will be able to guide you on how to resolve your issue.
If it is a PayPal payment, please contact PayPal customer service.
If you change your mind and wish to withdraw the order you have placed with us. This option is available to you within 14 days of receipt. Several conditions are necessary and are detailed in our return policy (Return Policy) which we invite you to read carefully.
Please note that Berkey® systems are classed as sanitary and hygiene equipment and, therefore, they are eligible for return only if they have not been assembled and/or used. This rule is from a European directive and is applied to all certified Berkey® resellers, even if it is not always explicitly detailed.
Your request must be made by email to our customer service departement. No return will be accepted without prior approval.
Make sure your return package is well packed and protected so as not to damage the product during transport, otherwise your return may be declined.
A product cannot be returned if it has been opened, handled, or used. Each return is checked by an after sales team. If a seal was present on your product it must be intact.
- If your package is delivered damaged, you must open it in front of the delivery person to check the damage to the goods, and also make a note of the damage on the delivery slip before signing.
- If the entire contents are damaged, you must refuse the package.
- If only one accessory is damaged, it must be noted on the delivery slip. Please keep this item and contact our customer service.