The exclusive design of the Black Berkey® filtration and purification elements compensates for the amazingly small pore size by using an exponentially greater number of micropores in each element. It is for this reason that Black Berkey® water filters produce about 8 times more water per hour than other rival elements. Even though some surface pores may become clogged by contaminants, it is very difficult to clog all the pores and therefore block the filter completely. Towards the end, you may see a slowdown in the filtration rate, but never a total blockage. If this occurs, the filter can be cleaned by simply scrubbing the exterior of the element with a ScotchBrite® pad or a toothbrush. This will remove the particles clogging the surface pores of the filter.

In conclusion, even though the filters have very fine micropores, the filter will not block prematurely.