Bad News about Berkey water filter and other filters

[finch]

Thanks for finding this,Laura. We haven't been able to get replacement filters and now I know why.These agencies never take a break!

 

[Honzap]

Alright, with new water filer in place we ran a simple test bought on Amazon.

On the left is water treated with Berkey filter (base one no extra fluoride filter attached). On the right is our new 3 stage whole house filter. Anybody can draw their own conclusions.

 

[Goemon_]

Alright, with new water filer in place we ran a simple test bought on Amazon.

On the left is water treated with Berkey filter (base one no extra fluoride filter attached). On the right is our new 3 stage whole house filter. Anybody can draw their own conclusions.

May I ask what is your conclusion ?
I would have made a third test for unfiltered water.

 

[hlat]

The fact that the EPA is going after Berkey tends to confirm that Berkey filters work.

 

[Honzap]

May I ask what is your conclusion ?
I would have made a third test for unfiltered water.

Sure, I can do a test on unfiltered spring water. Even without a test, it doesn`t look as clear so particle/sediment content is pretty high.

For us, the Berkey filters water as good as our new whole house filter. But it can be used for drinkable water. Put it on the counter top and it will shine there (I just remembered they also make a small shower head filter). It does not change the water hardness, which may or may not be an issue depending on your needs. It does better job in removing carbon and alkali and that way achieving better pH. Overall, we have been using this filter for several years, so test results did not come as a surprise.

New house filter is a 3 stage, so achieving the same results as Berkey is a simple matter of replacing one of the filters for carbon based one - easy deal. Reducing water hardness and literally removing scaling is a big deal for longevity of our appliances and my wife also noticed difference in water feel in the shower and tub.

 

[Jefferson]

This is not directly related to the Berkey or possibly not the water filtration that has been talked about, but have any of you heard of these ozone systems? Are they something to explore that would provide decent water without a filter?

Cashido OzoneOn 10 Second Machine Ozone Water System

It does say "No need to replace filters" in the specifications section, but there is nothing about removal of metals or fluoride or anything like that.

This unit could be something that could be used with the Berkey filters, but I just don't know much about it.

Food safety issues, outbreaks of bacteria, excessive pesticides, and odors are frequent problems in the kitchen, bath, and around houses and businesses. Natural ozone is one of the most effective ways to neutralize these problems for a healthier body and environment.

This system does not require a vast array of accessories – simply hook it up to a faucet and you will have ozonated water on demand. A steady stream of ozone is injected into your tap water the moment the faucet is turned on. Turning off the faucet turns off the system. Here are just some of the uses of this premium product:

Remove Pesticides: Ozone easily breaks down and destroys pesticides on fruits, vegetables and surfaces. SGS certified. Since tap water won’t remove these chemicals by itself, the Cashido provides powerful cleaning action, even on hard to clean foods like strawberries.

Kill Bacteria: Ozone kills bacteria on surfaces and foods. Foods will last longer and surfaces will be free of harmful contaminates. Bodycote certified. You can wash your hands, toys, meats, baby bottles, dishes and more. Use ozonated water to mop the floor and wash clothing to remove bacteria from the items with which you spend the most time in close contact.

Remove Odors: Ozone breaks down odors without leaving unwanted chemicals on the surface or in the air. You can brush your teeth, clean your pets, and wash skin with this water for odor-destroying power. You can even install the system on some showers.

Keep Food Fresher Longer: By removing contaminates, you can extend the shelf life of many foods two to three times.

 

[hlat]

For all of you who are bummed out about not being able to get Berkey water filters here's good news! They have reconfigured their business after the EPA hassle and the filters are now available under the name Boroux.

I'm going to buy it.

Where did all the Berkey filters go?

The truth is, the formulation of the filter is still in use, but from a new unrelated company named BOROUX.
...
As a result of major business impediment, JEI and Clearbrook worked together to create EPA-compliant filters, using the same formulation, and adding new patent pending innovations to improve the functionality.
...
BOROUX is not in any way affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Berkey.

Black Berkey Filters are No Longer Being Made: Here’s Why

More to the Story There’s a following for the popular water filter brand, Berkey. Recently though, it’s nearly impossible to find replacement filters. It begs the question, why would such a successful product, Black Berkey Filters, dry up and practically vanish overnight? Where did all the...

boroux.com

 

[Gwenllian]

Interestingly, the black Berkey filters are still available in Europe:

Black Berkey Water Filter

Black Berkey Water Filters from Berkey Water Filters Europe, re-cleanable and self-sterilizing, purifies 22,700 litres of water, lasts longer than 10 years

www.berkeywaterfilterseurope.com

Added: I am not certain whether they are still operational. Will report back later.

 

[Gwenllian]

The EU company that sells Black Berkey Filters resides in the Netherlands and is operational. They have free delivery in the UK and the EU. Don't understand what happened in the US, though.

 

[SummerLite]

I'm going to buy it.

Black Berkey Filters are No Longer Being Made: Here’s Why

More to the Story There’s a following for the popular water filter brand, Berkey. Recently though, it’s nearly impossible to find replacement filters. It begs the question, why would such a successful product, Black Berkey Filters, dry up and practically vanish overnight? Where did all the...

boroux.com

Thanks for posting this here. I intended an up date and didn't get around to it.

Interestingly, the black Berkey filters are still available in Europe:

Black Berkey Water Filter

Black Berkey Water Filters from Berkey Water Filters Europe, re-cleanable and self-sterilizing, purifies 22,700 litres of water, lasts longer than 10 years

www.berkeywaterfilterseurope.com

Added: I am not certain whether they are still operational. Will report back later.

Are you sure these are authentic Berkey's? The US has had an influx of fakes claiming to be Berkey's with all the same info from the original. It seems like the original manufactures are in the US from this latest from Boroux. The fakes are on Amazon.

 

[FM258]

I bought a large Berkey in 2007 and haven't used it yet...5 or 6 internal filters. Ill take some pics when I get home.

Assuming never used filters don't go bad...don't want to get them wet till I need it.

Need to spend more time researching filtering water and make my own...and then spread the knowledge to family and friends.

Only one thing more important than water....air.

 

[SummerLite]

I'm good with these filters formally known as Berkey and have been using them for about 9 years. I ordered the Legacy model from Bouroux recently for a family member and I was very pleased with the response. It arrived quickly and the packaging is well done with the SS container inside of a nice canvas bag with nylon carry straps. The fluoride filters will be available soon.

They don't have the wide selection like they once had but the basics are there. There is a sale on, 2 filters for $140 usually $160 right now. They seem like good people to me and are thoughtful of these times where their products are needed.

 

[Yupo]

I bought a large Berkey in 2007 and haven't used it yet...5 or 6 internal filters. Ill take some pics when I get home.

Assuming never used filters don't go bad...don't want to get them wet till I need it.

Need to spend more time researching filtering water and make my own...and then spread the knowledge to family and friends.

Only one thing more important than water....air.

You can plug most of the holes with their available screw caps and use just one (or 1 set if using 2 stages) filter at a time so at to always have new ones available. That's what I've always done. I got a "travel" Berkey about 12 years ago, perfect size for 1-2 people. Couple of years ago my sister gave me their (largest) 6 gallon model. I gave my smaller one to my daughter. Even with just 1 filter, the water is processed pretty quickly. I also have one of their quart sized units, which stays in my car emergency bag.
In spite of the recent bad press, I consider these to be good investments and so will continue to use them.
Maybe there's something in muni water that the livestock need to be consuming? I do wonder.
My sister was turned on to this system when I was visiting, and had taken along my Travel Berkey for personal use while there. She used some of my water to brew tea, and was shocked at the difference in the color and flavor of her tea. I've never known such a tightwad as my sister, but she immediately ordered a 6 gallon unit for herself.
The big one she later gave me was picked up at an estate sale. I replaced its old filter units with new ones.

 

[Gwenllian]

Are you sure these are authentic Berkey's? The US has had an influx of fakes claiming to be Berkey's with all the same info from the original. It seems like the original manufactures are in the US from this latest from Boroux. The fakes are on Amazon.

I don't know, they say they are an authorized Berkey Water Systems Dealer. Perhaps they still had some old stock? BTW, the black filters are out of stock as of today. I bought some Black Berkey elements on Amazon, some of them were good, two of them were bad, so I sent them back. There are a lot of imitation of black Berkey elements on Amazon, but at least it's clear they are not the real thing.

I found a substitute made in France called Weeplow. Don't know about the quality compared to Berkey, but it doesn't seem bad. FWIW.