‼**Correction** Two contaminants were actually reduced by more than what is mentioned in the video (apologies for any confusion): - Sulfate was reduced by 90% - Iron was reduced by 70%
I need to buy ONLY gravitation water filter system. But i am dissapointed of this Berkey System. You are not first person which show us that it isn't well Product. So help me to choose the right one, please. And i need much water, like in Berkey systems....
@@totalizm Yeah, after more research I came to the conclusion that none of these large single stage carbon filters are going to compare to a decent multi stage filter like zero water or apec RO systems. There's class action lawsuits against berkey and they lie that the filters will last 5000 gallons. Yet they only test up to 200 gallons. And filtering harmful contaminates dramatically drop off after just 50 gallons.
@@MichaelMerritt thank you for your answer! So now i have a problem - i wanted to buy in the future something like that, but now i am disappointed. And truly i am not convinced, whether this like zero is so good. Because we need some minerals, and not pure distilled water to drink. Anyway, thank you.
We're doing out best! Just keep in mind our test is limited in scope and is neither comprehensive nor conclusive. Still super interesting data however!
I used to work at a water treatment purification company moons ago. Nice job sir on getting to the bottom of safe water...or not so good n safe. As for a bit of humor, I was told by my boss (president of co) that if you spell out Evian backwards, that is who you are when buying their water and what the company thinks of you.
Heya I would love to see a video on "berkefield" filters especially the flouride ones as they are about half the price of berkey filters. Its what the berkey filters are based from, a uk company.
A number of the Berkey distributors are aware and have commented right here. Distillation is indeed one of the oldest and best methods to purify water! The only issue is how long it takes, which is why many folks choose reverse osmosis instead these days
Am glad i saw this as the fluoride filters are quite expensive so i wont be purchasing them to add to our Berkley. Disappointed about the iron and aluminium. Thanks for this
Have you tested the Doulton? It is the original, used all over the world in numerous 3rd world countries. Not impressed by Berkey. Doulton/British Berkfeld. Love it
@Water Filter Guru Take time to learn the history and what Berkey did to them. Also theirs are used in places where water has fecal contamination etc. They are so deserving and overlooked. They are the original.
No the bucket was not sterile, but it did not need to be for this project. The test tested for many of the common contaminants found in tap water, not necessarily imparted by the bucket itself
Thanks for putting this filter to the test. The low 50% reduction of fluoride was a shocker. And the filter adds aluminum to the water? OMG! A leaching filter? Forget it! Good job Water Filter Guru!
As for the higher aluminum, it should be repeated that this is aluminum oxide (alumina) and not aluminum as waterfilterguru did mention. The lab tests do not distinguish between the 2 forms and it is commonly accepted that alumina (used in the Berkey PF-2) is inert and not absorbed by the body like aluminum would be. So, this is a critically important distinguishing chemical trait that should be made clear. Also, from experience we know that alumina wash-out from the PF-2's is always high in the first system batches of use. It's why folks will see a cloudy dust wash-out when priming the filters in their sink. So, if these test were performed in that early life of the PF-2 filters (it is mentioned they are new filters), then this would be the explanation for the high levels of alumina that is being washed out. This is why the non-distinguishing aluminum levels read high in the lab test.
I had my Berkey water here in Kentucky from local tapwater (fluoridated and chlorinated) tested by Simple Lab, a seperate test for the tap water and Berkey water. I am using two black filters and two white PF2 filters (four years of use, aprox. 1600 gallons, and two PF2 filters, aprox. 180 gallons through them) and NO aluminum or fluoride or chlorine was detected in the Berkey water. Overall Tap Score was 94 for the Berkey water.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, this is super helpful! As we mentioned, the PF2 filters we used for our test may well have been defective. We will be testing again with a different set of filters to see if we get similar results or not. Really appreciate you sharing your test results!
We used to sell the Berkey but when they moved their call center to India and started the not so good business practices we drop them. Another thing is to keep in mind their certification is over a decade old , or it was when we sold them. Thanks for your time in doing this kind of research.
Berkey systems are not actually certified by any of the certification bodies (NSF, WQA, IAPMO) - they only have third party testing data, but no official certification.
Ok so Ive been using Berkey's for many years now and have always thought them to be pretty good. Is there something better that can be recommended? Plus their pricing has gone way up. From $107 to now about $175.
Interesting video, would love to see a series on the reverse osmosis type "under the sink" style filters. There are many on the market that come with a series of different filters, as well as re-mineralizing post filters. My concern has always been the quality of filters and if they are actually doing more harm than good.
One of the things about reverse osmosis filters is the amount of water wasted in the purification process. In places that have drought issues I t’s really not a good idea. Something like a Berkey filter is better. Bottled water facilities waste the same percentage of water but in massive quantities and that’s also an issue.
I my self hv used the Berkey filter over 40 yrs , I spent many yrs traveling in and out Asia most in Cambodia ,and most outsiders get direaia from the water ,I use my Berkey filter I never had a problem , even deep in the jungle I hv poured swamp water in my Berkey with dead bugs and fish bad smells ,run though my Berkey I never had a problem , they hv been very good for me , I'm 80 and healthy 😊😊
So maybe i'll take my Berkey out of the closet and reassemble it. I live in NC and i'm so very tired of lugging bottles of water home.@@waterfilterguru
@@baloog8 true but in the big citys they are now adding it and chlorine , at the time I was drinking swamp water in the jungle thier is a world wide movement to make us sick and weak by adding chemicals to our water and food. One must wake up and educate your self , I did and made massive change in my health and well being god bless all
Thanks for the feedback 😃 Alexapure testing project is currently in the works!! Make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when we upload that video www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
keep up the good work! i was shocked to find out, not long time ago, how littleeee info and research, or content is out there regrading such an important, basic and essential subject. water is life and we need to stop wasting those two
@gdiana (aka Gina ;) The trick is to understand that companies that make a superior product love to brag about it and are very willing to backup their claims. While those who are trying to hoodwink people do not or cannot backup their claims.
The earth has the same amount of water God created since the beginning Just do you know. All the water we were given God created a beautiful system What goes up comes back down it's a cycle God has taken care of it Now I will say all the X's across our beautiful skies are filling the air, water, dirt and us with the poisonous chemicals they are spraying us with all in the name of "climate control" Insanity at it's finest
This is crazy! Been using a Berkey for a while here in Colorado, I personally feel that the black filters are making the water taste way better, but it's good to know all this.
The Black filters performed really well. It makes sense they are improving the taste of the water, as they are good at reducing contaminants that affect aesthetics like chlorine
@@waterfilterguru Ooff... and the chlorine amount where I'm at was just unbearable, it literally would smell like pool water some days, yuck! But I can tell you, the floride levels in Colorado are noting compared to Portland Oregon city water, it's "as if" they're trying to kill people's brain health, and I'd always opt to fill big glass jugs with the reverse osmosis machines at the store instead. The levels there are sickening.
I just bought a berkley and i was telling my partner the water is better. It's almost like the texture of the water is better. I got the berkley because i wanted to filter fluride as well as the metals and it was reasonably priced compared to the others marketed to do the same thing. It's disappointing if it's not as effective as stated but it's better than nothing which is what i had before.
@@keh-dalia809 YO I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY WITH THE AMOUNTS THEY USE. Every time I took a shower with that water, you NEED lotion or else. Thankfully the climate helps with that but man its insane. Feels like you're swimming in a pool and drinking it at the same time lol. But if you live on the coast, the water there is much softer and doesn't smell like a pool
@@keh-dalia809 Alcoa aluminum is responsible for this, they don't pay for aluminum disposal right to the rivers. protect your Pinal gland, Nazis used fluoride slow amnesia .i use proPur 9 inches filters.
This was awesome. Crazy there's so little third information like this on Berkey and similar filters online. Would love to see similar tests for the Doulton brand filter elements (another stick style filter element for use in gravity systems).
Hey Michael thanks for watching and for your comment! Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We'll be re-testing with a different set of PF2 filters to see if we get similar results or not. We have not yet tested the Doulton brand, but we've received a few requests to do so. We have them on the list!
Great Job! Appreciate the info on the PF 2 filters... this is a great example of limitations of Berkey filtration system... kind of crazy considering the very expensive prices on them
Agree testing Alexapure would be nice to see. Also home distillers should be pretty clean except for contaminates found on collection containers -- at least in theory. Appreciate your work
Yep, got Alexapure and ProOne gravity fed systems on the list! You're right about distillers, there are also some VOCs that can vaporize which won't be removed by distillation either. Some distillers have a final activated carbon filter the water runs through to remove these though
I used to have the Berkey fluoride filters, but they are literally just canisters of aluminum particles which bind with fluoride, and you could taste the aluminum in the water. It has a sweet taste, like an artificial sweetener. Berkey says you are supposed to run a bunch of water through the filters to avoid this, but I got rid of the fluoride filters and just use the black ones now.
We just got the Berkey and had the fluoride filters too…primed them numerous times and still had that sweet taste. Just ended up removing them and now the water is smooth and tastes amazing compared to the over chlorinated tap!
@@waterfilterguru , Yea, after watching your video, I am a believer that the aluminum was saturating my filtered water heavily, and I used a Berkey for ten years. I switched to reverse osmosis, the RO was reading around 5-10 ppm, while the Berkey was around 315 ppm, and tap water around 310ppm.
Would be interested in a test on the 'Katadyn Pocket Water Filter'. Great work with your content. Short, simple to understand, and no fluff. Keep it up!
Great suggestion! I do want to do a series to performance test a few of the outdoor/ backcountry/ emergency preparedness filters. Thanks for your comment and kind words and feedback - this is exactly what we strive for, so I'm glad it's working!
The Katadyn Pocket filter has been my go-to for years. I am the guy who first suggested the float to keep the hose from sucking up muck to Katadyn decades ago. I am still on my original filter which I believe is 34 years old now. There are a lot of backcountry filters, but in my opinion the Katadyn pocket filter is still the best.
Yes, the pond water test at 4:52 you can see the unfiltered sample contained aluminum, and the post filtration sample shows the exact same amount of aluminum. This means the black berkey filters did not reduce the aluminum at all. For aluminum reduction, I'd recommend a reverse osmosis system like one of these: ruclips.net/video/HHjSxI9XAWQ/видео.html ruclips.net/video/zAr7axoc8eI/видео.html
@@waterfilterguru But that the amount of aluminum (.04) is still well within standards. In fact, below if standards are .05, correct? So while it may not lower aluminum it's still within safe levels to drink and it still takes out bacteria from ponds, etc making the water safe to drink, yes?
Late to the party here. I know nothing about this subject but am always up for learning something new. Also I'm encouraged to see a young person who is into practical science. We need as many as we can get. 😎👍
Thank you for doing this video! From the time Berkey came out, I've always heard that the fluoride filters use aluminum to remove the fluoride, and it is suggested you use the fluoride filter before you use the black filter. However, the the system hooks up the fluoride filter last! I think it is a design flaw. They should redesign the filters so you can pre filter fluoride first. Thanks again for posting this video! 👍👍👍
@@waterfilterguru Any remedy for the high aluminium? We use Pure water filters at the tap, then use the Berkey. Okay, I admit I also distill some of the Berkley water, lol. Most of the family uses the Berkley water.
@@noeldeal8087 Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We'll be re-testing with a different set of PF2 filters to see if we get similar results or not. That being said, to completely avoid the potential issue, don't use the PF2 filters. The Black Filters performed really well
I came here for this. I use a zero large container filter. I have to put my water through a Brita before the Zero to make the zero last longer, but everything going into me comes from the zero filter. I have an autoimmune disease, and we did a blind test to see which filter I can handle (I throw up tap water and some bottled waters). So, this would be interesting to see.
Sure thing - keep in mind this was a limited test, and I'm not sure if it was just a bad batch of filters we got. We'll need to re-test with a completely new set to see if we get a similar result of aluminum leaching.
This was a great review-I think I'll just have to remove my fluoride filters for the time being, if they are doing much to reduce fluoride and if they are leaching aluminum back into the water... And then start the quest for a better water filtration or neutralization system.
Yup - would like to see you test an Alexa Pro Pure. When I contacted them after the East Palestine wreck they replied (they didn't know) but Berkley did not reply to me nor another who uses their product. Alexa did send me a link to what they do test for. I give them an "A" for customer service. Berkey gets an "F"
Cyclopure looks incredibly promising! Removes 100% PFAS from water. I purchase the one small cartridge for use with Brita water jug, and anxiously awaiting the whole house filter to be released.
After finding info about the aluminum issue from other sources as well, I decided not to set my new Berkey system up. I had purchased an inline filter system for refrigerator with fluoride filtration. I was hopeful you could test it out in a future video. It’s the Woder filtration system. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!
Thanks for doing this! Do you plan to test the Berkey again after 1,500 or 3,000 gallons have run through? This seems to be the info everyone is looking for!
Yes we do! This is in the works. Make sure you're subscribed so you get a notification when we upload that video (it will be a separate video) www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
@@waterfilterguru Great! I'm glad to see someone is doing this : ) Make it sure it's one of NMC's 2nd or 3rd gen "hologram" verified authentic filters, or they'll claim your results are invalid.
Thank you so much for doing this. I am also interested in seeing what you think about the Tyent water filters. They are supposed to remove the fluoride and increase the alkalinity of the water. Seeing how much aluminum they added here has made me very concerned about all of those people who are counting on this cleaning their water and I’m wondering if you have done any testing of more of those filters to see if it was a fluke or if they are actually not testing them properly at Berkey?
We'll look into Tyent, thanks for the suggestion. Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We will be retesting with a different set of PF2 filters
Wow. This was so good to see. I’ve been using a Berkey for 2 years and started having issues with UTIs and kidney infections that started out of the blue. After analyzing everything that could be contributed to this the only thing that could be causing was my Berkey. I stopped using it and the problem went away.
@@waterfilterguru I didn't c what u said would replace PF2 like u said on video? " Jes-Se- Out-&-Into- The- Real " " Jes-Se- R- U- I- Z 👁" " Jesse Ruiz "
Bummer. Wonder if there are other filters that fit the Big Berkey that we can use. Have a well at the farm and with active farming on the property was super concerned about making sure the water was as filtered as possible from heavy metals and arsenic. Back to the drawing board I guess. Thanks for the work!
From where did you buy your Berkey? Considering if it was not a counterfeit as some sources state that ebay/amazon contains 89% of counterfeit Berkey products
Thank you for the video. I bought a Berkey and i did not like it. I then bought a Clearly Filtered water pitcher. And the water is much better than the Berkey. Can you do a video on the Clearly Filtered??? It is really easy to use this system compared to the Berkey.
It's in the works! We are putting together a massive project to test the most popular water filter pitchers against one another, Clearly Filtered will be included. Make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when that video gets uploaded! www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
I got rid of my Clearly Filtered pitcher because I got tired of having to wait close to an hour to get a glass of water to drink, all it did was drip...
I've used a Berkey for years. Now I have found extremely high levels of aluminum in my blood. Not sure how it is going to pan out but it seems that Berkey is the only source for exposure that makes sense in my case. Keep you posted but also, THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS RESARCH!
Stay tuned for our Berkey test 2.0 video which is coming soon. We are re-testing with a different set of PF2 fluoride filters to see if we get similar results or not
You can't buy directly, they sell only to dealers where you can buy it. So if you claim filter not working, that means dealers sold you wrong counterfeit product.
New sub ,thank you for your work. please test alexa water filter. It's interesting cuz Mike adams teasted lots of filters too through his ISO-accredited clean foods laboratory specializing in mass spec analysis of heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and microbiology. He did not catch the aluminum.
Thank you so much for your video! Iwas just checking into water filters and would love it if you would also test an Alexapure Pro Stainless Steel Water Filtration System-5000 gallon Capacity. Appreciate what your doing!!
@@waterfilterguru Yes I sure have but I prefer to use my own ocean source mineral drops. I just put a few drops in each glass of water and make my own mineral water.
Very informative and non-bias. I work for Doulton and would love for you guys to independently test our British Berkefeld Ultra Sterasyl or Ultra Fluoride gravity filter elements, please just reach out and I will have some samples sent. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching and for your comment! We've had quite a few requests to test your Doulton filters - would love to at some point! Can you shoot us an email to info@waterfilterguru.com and we can take the conversation from there?
Being well water I generally only use the Doulton/Berkefeld Sterasyl type ceramic filters, they fit fine in my Berkey and are far cheaper for normal use - I've got a couple sets of the black filters that I figured I'd keep for a SHTF scummy pond water situation, though now you have me wondering if that's wise... But I'd love to see a similar test of the regular filters.
excellent review - need more like this - great work!! I think these water filter companies need to back up their claims with certifications, they can claim anything they want in their marketing strategies to make sales. 3,000 gallons, the most they ever tested was 300 gallons for everything and 1100 gallons for just lead, but who knows what the filter will do at 3000 gallons. I switched to proOne a few days ago and yep, they have an NSF certification just for parts/materials but NOT for the claims on what they filter (i fell for the marketing they were NSF certified but didn't realize there is more then just one NSF certification) and now putting in water at 6ppm comes out at 186ppm and have no clue as to what this filter is leeching into my families drinking water so feel ripped off yet again from another water filter company.
Hey thanks for watching and for your comment. Glad to hear the video was helpful. Keep in mind a TDS reading alone does not indicate if water is healthy or not - as it does not provide any specific information about the substances that make up the reading. That being said, I can see why you would be alarmed after testing like this.
I have a Berkey. It is the best affordable filter. I am most interested in bacteria. Your tests are reassuring. I mostly bought it in case the grid goes down but I am using it now. If you use aluminum pots you get aluminum. I worry about things that might kill me sooner.
I don't want to get Alzheimers. The data on aluminum and Alzheimers is pretty solid. I don't cook in aluminum. Aluminum is vastly worse for you than fluoride.
@Loris What you try do is minimize the ingestion of anything in quantity. If your using aluminum pots, pans, deodorant and aluminum leeching filter why stop there.
@@NoNORADon911 "To date, research into a definitive link between aluminum exposure (e.g., wearing deodorant and antiperspirants, cooking with aluminum bakeware, or using aluminum foil) and Alzheimer’s is inconclusive."
Last year I bought my Berkey wanting to remove the fluoride because it is a state law in Ohio to add in ALL of our tap water . This water filter is expensive . Well , I am going back to buy my distilled water from Wal-Mart . Will buy my next water filter system from Health Master where they sell distiller unit . Many thanks for the report .
I bought a Big Burkey a few years ago as part of my emergency water filtration plan. I have never used it yet and now plan to use it in conjunction with my other emergency water filtration means currently at the ready in the event we are without clean, uncontaminated drinking water. Thank you for testing Burkey filters.
I've been using a Berkey for 10 yrs and it does a great job taking out the iron. Also add red food coloring to a gallon or 2 of water and run it through top chamber . It comes out crystal clear.
One test from one person is just that. Others have had much different results (zero aluminum) from the Berkley. ruclips.net/video/mbGuu9LK_XA/видео.html. Get a water distiller if you're really concerned.
Thank you - FINALLY! I've been searching for an independent lab test review on Berkey for years! I don't trust the claims of manufacturers and the users of Berkey always sing it's praises but they are basing that on taste, clarity and color. So I hesitated to buy one and now I'm sure not to because fluoride and aluminum are at the top of my list of concerns! And of course your test makes me suspicious of their other claims too. So 3 years ago I just quit using municipal water and collect rainwater that I only filter for roof sediment. Alive and kickin' :)
Just a heads up, the rainwater can easily become contaminated once it touches the surface it falls on before your collection vessel (roof, etc.). There could be all sorts of contaminants it picks up including chemicals from the shingles, bacteria from bird droppings, and even PFAs. It might be a good idea to test it!
Video Summary: The video describes a test conducted on Berkey water filters using samples from two locations in Colorado. Their goal was to objectively test the filters and not back up Berkey's contaminant removal claims. They used Simple Lab's product, TapScore, for third-party lab testing. The results showed that the filters had an issue with the PF2 fluoride filters, and the actual fluoride reduction rate fell far short of the claims made by Berkey. The Black Berkey filters were good at removing heavy metals, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria, but a couple of heavy metals were not reduced by as much as they were expecting. The video provides limited information about Berkey's filter capacity and lifespan, and they need to conduct further testing to verify Berkey's performance and filter lifespan claims.
@@graveseeker The intention of this video is not to dissuade folks from buying Berkey at all. On the contrary, Berkey systems are one of our top recommended products (just not for fluoride removal anymore). The goal of this project was to see how Berkey filters performed compared to the contaminant removal claims - and for the most part it overperformed! Check out the part of the video where I compare our limited test results to Berkey's claims... the Black Berkey elements actually performed better in our test, removing a higher % of many contaminants than they say it will: ruclips.net/video/AVZmZwTxnMc/видео.html
@@waterfilterguru So it seems like there's no point in buying the flouride filters? Darn, I really don't want fluoride in our water. Thanks for the research.
@@mi2maui I'd recommend checking out a countertop RO system - these will be your best bet to get rid of fluoride. I like the AquaTru (bit.ly/3CPw2Io) or this new RKIN U1 system bit.ly/3GCRRMi) is also really cool, it heating + cooling features, remineralization, etc. but a bit on the pricey side
Thank You for this ! Some of us die-hard Berkey fans were dissapointed at the recent brouhaha concerning this water filter. Been using Big Berkey for about a dozen yrs now...although since moving to Florida, discovered I have fluoridated water here :.learned the the Burkey fluoride filters are not good due to high aluminum levels, as you mention and explain why = Kudos! I get the 'Cleary Filtered and use them for post Berkey water >===> seems to work nicely, but I haven't tested ...;).... Fluoride is typically difficult to rid I learned, especially the inorganic type they add to our water sources
Glad it helped! You're absolutely right, fluoride is difficult to reduce. RO or bone char carbon are a couple of the best methods. Stay tuned for our Clearly Filtered test results!
The countries,which USA,emulated,not only don’t use it,but has BANNED,ITS USE.,I REMOVE IT VIA A REVERSE,OSMOSIS SYSTEM,,,IT IS A VERY TOXIC MATERIAL,,A SCHOOL BUDDY OF MINE HAD SO MUCH CHEMO,IT MOVED HIS TEETH,MDsaid NEVER USE A FLOURIDE TOOTHPASTE,,SINCE.!,,,,,,,,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@craftlover9702 Clearly Filtered' makes a filter (I use tabletop pitcher) that is touted to remove much of Fluoride...I use it for my already filtered Berkey water (that doesn't have fluoride filters) This channel will post results of Clearly Filtered soon they say, yAy!
Do Zero next. Project Farm did a water filter test and concluded Zero was the way to go. It looks like you have the ability to provide additional data points beyond his testing process.
Thanks for your comment! I'm happy to say ZeroWater is already on the list, along with a number of other popular water filter pitchers. Make sure you're subscribed so you get the notification when we upload that video: www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
@@graveseeker Cost per gallon of which systems? This video explains our own independent, third party lab test results only. It does not compare the Berkey to other systems, nor does it validate Berkey's filter capacity claims or review other aspects of the system aside from filter performance. Once we have filtered enough water through our filters to validate the capacity claims and re-tested, I'll be posting an updated video with that information.
The issue I had with the zero filter was within 3 weeks their own ppm tester showed the internal filter had quit working. That's a lot of changing filters in a year
@@Ur-ElTheLionofEinRur I hear this same thing from folks all the time. The filters have a much lower capacity than other pitchers out there. This essentially means the filters get filled up with contaminants quicker and need to be replaced more often. Of course this all depends on the source water being filtered, but still those filter replacement costs can add up quick
@@waterfilterguru Berkey also doesn't last near their claimed lifespan. They don't even test to that point which says a lot about the company. No NSF testing. Zero is NSF tested, $25, tests well independently, and they include a TDS meter for the owner to test. One company is transparent, the other is scammy.
This is awesome! I wasn't even thinking of water filters but this video is spot on, to the point, not click baity, just, great info. I usually don't like and subscribe this quick. Makes me want to test my water now.
I would love to see a review of the AquaSana water filter. In addition, have you found that the water filtered by the Berkey tastes like algae after about 4 cycles even though we sanitized both the upper and lower chambers? Thanks for your help!
Hey Sonia, thanks for the comment. Which Aquasana product would you like see tested? They have quite a few. We actually don't use the Berkey on a regular basis... if you are tasting algae even after sanitizing the chambers, that indicates there could be bacteria/ microbe growth inside the filter elements. I'd recommend replacing them.
@@adrianazambrano6460 we use a lot of different filters 😅 and live in a rental unit so installation options are limited. Also keep in mind each situation can be different, that's why it's always best to first test your water using a certified lab to see what contaminants you're actually dealing with. Then, using that data you can identify a filter capable of reducing those contaminants. We use Tap Score for all our testing: bit.ly/3OPs0Vd That being said, some of my favorites that I use daily are: Clearly Filtered pitcher: bit.ly/3XEksYj Epic Water Filters The Answer (for hydroflask): bit.ly/3ItZYvu RKIN U1: bit.ly/3QJDNFo AquaTru: bit.ly/3w7nsB5
@colodeld220 Great question - We made sure to buy them from an authorized verified Berkey dealer to ensure authenticity. We purchased them from Berkey Filters.
@@contactnathanlee Hey Nathan thanks for the comment. You are correct, the filters don't have any markings on them. My guess is that because these filters sit down in the filtered water chamber, they can't/ shouldn't mark them with ink that would leach into the filtered water. They come wrapped in plastic that had markings indicating what they were
Hi there. I appreciate your effort and sharing this valuable information. Could you share WHERE you bought your Berkey filters? I was reading that there are a huge number of fake Berkey cartridges sold online and just wondered if your test cartridges came directly from Berkey or Amazon? Thanks again.
Great question! Yep we were also aware of this and wanted to ensure we were testing genuine products, so we purchased all the filters new from Berkey Filters, one of the largest Berkey distributors
Really liked this. Makes you wonder if Berkeley had a one off or was this because their quality is slipping? I would like to see small filters tested like Sawyer and lifestraw what is really the best. I really liked your suggestion for my family traveling to Ohio, thanks again
Thanks for your comment, and glad you found the video helpful. It is a good question - we'll have to re-test with a new set of filters. I'll make sure to get both the Sawyer MINI and Lifestraw added to our outdoor/ emergency prep filters test lineup!
Great suggestion! I'll add those to the list. Make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when we upload a video: www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
@@waterfilterguruwhat would be your best recommendations for someone that never purchased the Berkey what system to use? If someone owns a Berkey already and you stated the black filters are good just not the white ones then they should just keep their Berkey and the black filters and buy different white fluoride filters not use Berkey correct? I was always on the fence on the Berkey too many questions and too many RUclips videos with frustrated customers so I would love to know what water system would be best for someone renting an apartment currently? Thank you so much!
@@CTahoe1 It depends. There is no 'one size fits all' solution. It all depends on what contaminants are in the source water being filtered. What type of water are you trying to filter Have you had it tested? Do you know what contaminants you are dealing with? You can also check out this article to see our top picks for the best water filters for apartment use! waterfilterguru.com/best-water-filter-for-apartment/
I love the contact to this lab. My family and I have just recently purchased property in the middle of the Ocala national forest Florida, They have quite a few artisanal springs around where you can get your water, but I would really like to test it through a lab to see if it is good. I bought one of those little water meters for day-to-day stuff but a good girl lab testing would be nice.
If there are contaminants in the filtered water used for cooking, they will end up in the food. Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We'll be re-testing with a different set of PF2 filters to see if we get similar results or not. The Black filters actually performed really well!
We have used Droughtmaster's Traveler atmospheric water generator since 2016. Although it costs over $700, we like the quality of the pure water it makes from the air. Temps have to be over 60F and humidity over 65% for it to run. It filters both using ultraviolet and also a Brita filter into the six liter reservoir. We measured the total dissolved solids as being extremely low. Comes from Granite Shoals, Texas.
Nice to see some independent tests. My city is bringing in Flouride soon (idiots, we have an excellent source of glacier water, with near perfect natural flouride levels). I have a berkey for convenience right now, but was considering getting their flouride filters when the city officially brings in fluoridation. WHat do you think about Alumina (aluminum oxide) being completely bio-compatible with humans? i.e., zero concern? vs regular aluminum?
Your city is not bringing in fluoride because 'they' are concerned about your teeth that's for sure. 'They' don't like that we are living too long ('their' twisted evil opinions) so 'they' have 'their' agendas. Wow there are still cities with no fluoride in the water system?!
You’re saying that all this time your city didn’t have fluoridated water, and they just now want to add it?? That’s absolutely insane. What is their reasoning?
Is this video coming out because the EPA are now trying to regulate gravity fed water filters, saying they are pesticides. Berky are suing them. Something doesn’t add up about the timing of this video coming out. We've had ours for years, my husband is a Physicist & Engineer and understands filtration systems as part of his job. Our water comes out perfect. There's other reviews on RUclips where people have had labs test their tap and well water and the results weren't good, even had heavy metals in them. Same tests done after the Berky had filtered the water and no trace of zinc or other heavy metals aswell as nasty chemicals.
Not all at. We didn't even know that New Millennium Concepts (Berkey manufacturer) was suing the EPA until about a month ago (August 11, 2023) when the press release was published support.berkeywater.com/press-release-berkey-water-filters-sues-the-epa/ This video was published more than 9 months ago on November 21, 2022 - the data collection and filming were done months before that. That said, please re-watch the test results at 3:59 and 4:52 and check out the pinned comment. Aside from the activated alumina leaching issue with the PF2 fluoride filters, the Black Berkey elements performed extremely well, including the reduction of bacteria in the untreated pond water test. The new EPA interpretation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) which is now requiring some water filters to be registered as pesticides only relates to their claims that they can reduce microbiological contaminants, such as bacteria, virus and cysts. It is not related to claims for the reduction of organic or inorganic contaminants. If you look at our pond water results at 5:00 you can see that total coliform bacteria were completely removed. I agree with New Millennium Concepts that this new EPA interpretation of the law under FIFRA is unfairly targeting specific water filter brands. I hope their lawsuit is successful and the EPA is forced to reverse this requirement and lift the stop-sale orders it has placed on certain Berkey distributors. Finally, we are currently in the process of re-testing with a completely different set of PF-2 fluoride filters to see if we get the same activated alumina leaching issue or not which will help us determine if the filters we used for our first test were defective, or if this is an issue all all the PF-2 filters.
How about testing some of the berkey knock off filters? They are cheaper and I have wondered how well they work. Do you have a video on what you considered best? I would like something that removes fluoride and I live in an area you mentioned.
Oooh I love this idea - a Berkey Official vs Berkey Knockoff test. Great suggestion! It's impossible to say that one system is 'best' for everything, because there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to water treatment. It all depends on what contaminants are present and what needs to be reduced. That's why I always recommend getting a sample of your water tested at a certified third party lab. Then you can use that data to guide your research and purchase decision. We use Tap Score by Simplelab for all our water testing, hands down the best out there: bit.ly/3OPs0Vd (mytapscore.com) Check out this video to learn all about fluoride removal: ruclips.net/video/HYvyQ0qU-nU/видео.html
@@waterfilterguru Thank you for the response. I own 3 brands of these gravity type filters. I bought a British Berkfield with the with ceramic filters in the late 90's. I purchased a Alexa pure a couple years ago because they claim it filters out fluoride. Their filter is shorter but larger in diameter than the others. I haven't done the math to see if their shorter/larger diameter filter has more surface area than others that are longer with a smaller diameter but I notice it runs fast in the filtering process rather than a drip, drip you get from other filters the Alexa pure has almost a small steady stream and kind of doubted their claim because of this. I recently bought a big berkey, I think it's the imperial, it's the second to the largest model because I just did not like filling them back up so often. I watched your video on the fluoride removal and it was good although it would have been nice to hear some brand names mentioned. I was especially interest in the under the sink 3 canister model. I have seen the stainless countertop model shown on eBay and was considering one of those. About the knock offs for the gravity filters. If you search eBay for berkey filters you see the knock offs for a cheaper price, sometimes almost half the price but your wondering how well they work. It's dissapointing to hear berkeys fluoride filter adds contaminates. I bought 4 of these but have not put them to use yet. It might be helpful for people to hear brands when mentioning these differnt types of devices like the under sink 3 canister or the electric distillery. Thanks for your research on this topic. I am subbed and will keep an eye out for future videos.
@@jacksson9391 @Jack's Son Great info! If you check out the description of the video, I put links to the various alternatives mentioned Keep an eye out for more gravity filter testing videos that will be coming up - lots of folks asking for the Alexapure to be performance tested
@@waterfilterguru Looks like ProOne, Radiant Life have the same look of a ceramic cartridge. Radiant Life says to replace yearly where ProOne says every 6 months. Both filter contaminants but these filters also filter fluoride.
Thank you for the Alumina information. I also read that the Black filters will filter flouride up to a few hundred gallons. Would you be willing to do another test video testing your city water new black filters only (without flouride filters) as the baseline then after 2 hundred gallons retest? Berkey claims that the black filters will filter flouride effectlvely but only for a limited time.
There is removal up to the 100 gallon mark (which they was tested to), but we would not recommend the black berkeys for fluoride removal as we know they perform worse over the course of use.
Great idea, this would be an interesting test indeed to see how well the black Berkey filters alone perform for fluoride reduction vs the 100 gallon claim. I'll get this added to the project list, make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when we upload that video www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
In Ohio we call that flower a "naked lady" in the spring they come up with and look like daffodils that never flower and die back to send up a naked lady at the end of July😊
Berkey is simply a carbon filter, carbon does function as a filtration method. The problem is Berkey's claims of filtering 99% of pretty much everything, which carbon can not do. When it comes to bacteria longevity becomes the prime issue. Once you've filtered out the chlorine you've created the perfect media to grow bacteria. And as this video shows many tests have shown the Berkey contaminating the water itself. A good video.
@@graveseeker Yes, most likely there is but unfortunately Berkey doesn't transparently provide this information. My guess is that there is an ion exchange resin component as well. That being said, the upper chamber of your system should not be growing algae if you are filling it with chlorinated tap water! The residual chlorine would prevent that from happening. Are you filtering both tap water and surface water through the system? How often do you clean the chambers?
@@waterfilterguru is possible that the is more to the block but we've seen a Berkey filter cut open and it didn't appear to be anything more then carbon. I think Berkey would love to advertise that additional technology/filtration method if it was present.
Pro One filters were recommended to replace the Berkey black filters on another channel because they fit. Testing them can be helpful to Berkey owners. Thanks for this info. My new black filters are definitely not the same quality as the original.
We'll be testing a ProOne soon! Working on the project now. We'll be testing the filters in the ProOne unit, not in a Berkey however. We'll have to verify compatibility - great idea for another project!
I'm so happy to have found your channel! We used a Berkey for many years and were happy with it, although we never had the water tested. We switched to under-sink Aquasanas which we've been happy with: We love the convenience. But the other day one of them suddenly started spraying water; luckily we were home at the time, heard it immediately, and were able to switch it off within a minute or two. Otherwise it would have been a disaster. I see online that this happens sometimes with various brands. Considering the damage that would have been done if we hadn't been home, we're considering removing our other two under-sink filters. Do you have any information about this--how often this happens--and is there any way to protect against it? The one that broke was in use for less than two years.
Hey Shari, thanks for the comment! So happy to found our channel and videos useful, great to hear! Leaking is always a risk with under-sink systems. It's hard for me to say one way or another, but the leak could be caused by a number of different things: - Damaged or worn-out O-rings: O-rings are rubber seals that prevent water from leaking around the filter. If the O-ring is damaged or worn out, it can cause leaks. You should always check the O-rings when replacing the filters, and consider replacing them as well. - Cracked filter housings: Over time, the filter housing may crack due to wear and tear or accidental damage. - High water pressure: If the water pressure is too high, it can cause the filter housing to crack, burst or leak. To protect against leaks, you can: 1. Regularly inspect the filter for any signs of damage, cracks or wear and replace worn-out parts. 2. Use a water pressure regulator to prevent high water pressure. 3. Hire a professional plumber to make sure the system is installed correctly.
Great video. I’m having buyers remorse after purchasing a Berkey about 6 months ago. They aren’t cheap. I would love to see more content like this. Thank you for what you do
You're welcome! The system is still solid if you use the Black filters - and keep in mind this was just one test, and the white PF2 filters we used may have been defective. We'll be retesting with a different set of filters to see if we get similar results
@@waterfilterguru I have a Berkey too. I specifically bought it for the fluoride filtration. I don't think you will get much different results. I also charged the filters and ran about 50 gallons through the system. What alarmed me is that I noticed a weird metallic taste in the water. I compared the PH of the tap water before and after filtration using the added fluoride filter. There was a significant change in PH level to the Alkaline side which surprised me. I started doing research and found many complaints about people testing with home kits and finding significant Aluminum. There was one I came across who sent the water to a lab and got similar results than you. I have also seen similar complaints about the inability of the filters to remove the Fluoride. Some of the complaints made to the company seemed to be addressed with the suggestion by the company to run more water through the system suggestion that there is residual aluminum in the filter that needs to be adequately (flushed out). I think the company was just giving those people the run around and they know that there is a flaw in their filters. I was so disappointed and wish I had done more diligent research before purchasing this product. I would not recommend the product based off of the false claims of it's abilities alone. The dishonesty to get you to buy the product and the fact that the filter is actually adding a contaminant that is even more unhealthy than tap water gives some serious ethical implications to this companies apparent motives. You would think they would have pulled those filters off the market by now. I bought mine 2 years ago and I can't believe they are still selling those filters knowing they contaminate the water with unsafe level of Aluminum. No ethics whatsoever it seems. I wonder if flushing more water through the filter would make a difference. Either way they do not filter out the fluoride level that they claim.
@@JPSTGallant-ep5xt I remember when I first purchased the Berkey I didn't understand why it tasted weird and left a film in my glass. Then I ran more water through the filters and it helped a lot. However, how much of the aluminum is left in my body? How much did it poison my family. I'm really pissed this is allowed to be sold and that I was so gullible to believe it was going to provide clean water. Seems like were constantly being feared into making stupid decisions. The WH is a prime example of using fear and thats been going on for many many years. For me, Lesson learned!
@@waterfilterguru i would like to know the out come of that as that is why I purchased a Berkey was to remove the fluoride but not to add aluminum which is also a killer
Yoo thank you!! Been down this rabbit hole for a few days now and def don't have the time and money to be testing all these options myself lol. Can you do Aquasana, PureEffect, Alexapure and/or ProOne?
Alexapure and ProOne are already on the list! Planning to do a big comparison of all the gravity-fed stainless steel filters. Which Aquasana unit would you like to see tested?
@@waterfilterguru if you do a comparison, please run about at least 500 gallons first. We never see tests where the filters were actually used a bit. You’d be the first to do so in my experience of watching these videos:)
@@waterfilterguru ThankYou! I just subscribed so I won’t miss it! I’m a Alexa pure user and I’m about 4000 on a filter but I’m wondering if the claims of thousands of gallons are true. I did strip tests and they looked reasonable but our tap water is really good anyway except for the chlorine. I don’t pickup hardly any fluoride either filtered or raw .
The black berkey is the first filter we tried. Seemed to work great but Alaska water clogged it pretty fast. Can't be cleaned that I know of so we tried the spun ceramic candles with charcoal cores. These last about a year using well water and do a great job. They get cleaned about once per week. They make a big difference in the taste and smell of the water (our wells go through lots of coal seams). I'd be curious about the test numbers for a Sterasyl type filter.
Thanks for the request, I've add the sterasyl candles to our list to get tested. As NY Grl mentioned, the black Berkey filters elements can be cleaned with a scouring pad!
Because they provide test data that indicated very good results, I chose a Seychelle water filtration device out of Aliso Viejo, California. I'd love to see your independent testing results.
Do any water providers/plants in your region use chloramines (as opposed to chlorine)? I've heard they're starting to do this as chloramines stay/persist longer in the water (than chlorine)
Yes chloramine (chlorine+ammonia) use is becoming more and more common for this exact reason. Chloramines are more difficult to remove as well. You might find this article helpful waterfilterguru.com/how-to-remove-chloramine-from-water/
‼**Correction** Two contaminants were actually reduced by more than what is mentioned in the video (apologies for any confusion):
- Sulfate was reduced by 90%
- Iron was reduced by 70%
I need to buy ONLY gravitation water filter system. But i am dissapointed of this Berkey System. You are not first person which show us that it isn't well Product. So help me to choose the right one, please. And i need much water, like in Berkey systems....
@@totalizmcheckout alexapure. Very similar, cheaper and better filters supposedly.
@@MichaelMerritt thanks! I hope youv'e right because it is disgusting, that so many companies, famous in USA lying us.
@@totalizm Yeah, after more research I came to the conclusion that none of these large single stage carbon filters are going to compare to a decent multi stage filter like zero water or apec RO systems. There's class action lawsuits against berkey and they lie that the filters will last 5000 gallons. Yet they only test up to 200 gallons. And filtering harmful contaminates dramatically drop off after just 50 gallons.
@@MichaelMerritt thank you for your answer! So now i have a problem - i wanted to buy in the future something like that, but now i am disappointed. And truly i am not convinced, whether this like zero is so good. Because we need some minerals, and not pure distilled water to drink. Anyway, thank you.
These types of evaluations are what keep manufacturers honest!!
We're doing out best! Just keep in mind our test is limited in scope and is neither comprehensive nor conclusive. Still super interesting data however!
Absolutely! it's disgusting that we now need to test and scrutinise everything we eat and drink.
@@waterfilterguru ♥️👍
@@Zandra747 you should go back to the library and lookup what they used to put in foods so that the fda had to be setup
@@jgren4048 I have been researching everything since the late 90s,and the contents of the vaccines.♥️👍
I used to work at a water treatment purification company moons ago. Nice job sir on getting to the bottom of safe water...or not so good n safe. As for a bit of humor, I was told by my boss (president of co) that if you spell out Evian backwards, that is who you are when buying their water and what the company thinks of you.
Always better to filter your own water!
I thought of that years ago!hahaha...I never struggled with being ..naive :)
like Santa
Heya I would love to see a video on "berkefield" filters especially the flouride ones as they are about half the price of berkey filters. Its what the berkey filters are based from, a uk company.
Hey great suggestion! We'll add it to our list, thank you!
Would love to know how an Alexapure Pro System tested out !!! I have 2 of them !!!
Coming soon! Super excited for this one. Thanks for the request!
@@waterfilterguru Thank You !!!! Can’t wait !!!
Alexapure video is up! ruclips.net/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/видео.html
Can you please test Express Water - Kinetic Degradation Fluxion filter and the other filters in the same line, please?
We'll put it on the list to look into for a future project, thank you for the suggestion!
I hope that you shared your findings with Berkey. I still think the safest way to have clean water is by distillation.
A number of the Berkey distributors are aware and have commented right here. Distillation is indeed one of the oldest and best methods to purify water! The only issue is how long it takes, which is why many folks choose reverse osmosis instead these days
Am glad i saw this as the fluoride filters are quite expensive so i wont be purchasing them to add to our Berkley. Disappointed about the iron and aluminium. Thanks for this
Please see the pinned comment :)
How about Megahome distiller or any distiller. Does it remove everything?
Distillation is one of the best methods to purify water. The setback is how much energy and time the process requires
Have you tested the Doulton? It is the original, used all over the world in numerous 3rd world countries. Not impressed by Berkey. Doulton/British Berkfeld. Love it
Not yet, but we'll get it on the list! Thanks for the suggestion!
@Water Filter Guru Take time to learn the history and what Berkey did to them. Also theirs are used in places where water has fecal contamination etc. They are so deserving and overlooked. They are the original.
Great video 👍🏼 can you test the water machine?
Thanks for watching! We've had a couple requests for The Water Machine, so we've already got it on the list. Thanks for your additional request!
I would love to see you test the Patriot Pure Ultimate water filtration system ny 4 patriots.
Great, thanks for the idea! We'll add your suggestion to our list
what about the zero water filter pitcher. thanks
We'll be working on that in one of our next projects!
Have you tested the alexapure filters by chance? If not, would you please consider testing it?
Not yet, but we've got a project lined up to test Alexapure this summer!
Alexapure video is up! ruclips.net/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/видео.html
I do not like that the price has doubled for filters. $166.00 for two is price gouging. I might as well buy sink filters.
There are a lot of benefits of using an under the sink system vs countertop gravity based system!
The bucket was a metal free Plastic I assume? Was the bucket sterile and free of contaminants?
No the bucket was not sterile, but it did not need to be for this project. The test tested for many of the common contaminants found in tap water, not necessarily imparted by the bucket itself
Thanks for putting this filter to the test. The low 50% reduction of fluoride was a shocker. And the filter adds aluminum to the water? OMG! A leaching filter? Forget it! Good job Water Filter Guru!
Thank you! Glad you found the video helpful
As for the higher aluminum, it should be repeated that this is aluminum oxide (alumina) and not aluminum as waterfilterguru did mention. The lab tests do not distinguish between the 2 forms and it is commonly accepted that alumina (used in the Berkey PF-2) is inert and not absorbed by the body like aluminum would be. So, this is a critically important distinguishing chemical trait that should be made clear. Also, from experience we know that alumina wash-out from the PF-2's is always high in the first system batches of use. It's why folks will see a cloudy dust wash-out when priming the filters in their sink. So, if these test were performed in that early life of the PF-2 filters (it is mentioned they are new filters), then this would be the explanation for the high levels of alumina that is being washed out. This is why the non-distinguishing aluminum levels read high in the lab test.
@@Bigberkeywaterfilters Interesting information. I had no idea there were many forms of aluminum.
I have a berkey and I like it but I think I will also be getting a water distillery.
@@Bigberkeywaterfiltersthey ran 50 fills through the system before obtaining samples for testing.
I had my Berkey water here in Kentucky from local tapwater (fluoridated and chlorinated) tested by Simple Lab, a seperate test for the tap water and Berkey water. I am using two black filters and two white PF2 filters (four years of use, aprox. 1600 gallons, and two PF2 filters, aprox. 180 gallons through them) and NO aluminum or fluoride or chlorine was detected in the Berkey water. Overall Tap Score was 94 for the Berkey water.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, this is super helpful! As we mentioned, the PF2 filters we used for our test may well have been defective. We will be testing again with a different set of filters to see if we get similar results or not. Really appreciate you sharing your test results!
No. You should replicate the test to see if you get the aluminum every time with those, or if it’s a problem at the lab. One test is insufficient.
@@waterfilterguru have you done the retest? what were the results?
@@rickw5024 in the works!
video soon ?@@waterfilterguru
We used to sell the Berkey but when they moved their call center to India and started the not so good business practices we drop them. Another thing is to keep in mind their certification is over a decade old , or it was when we sold them. Thanks for your time in doing this kind of research.
Berkey systems are not actually certified by any of the certification bodies (NSF, WQA, IAPMO) - they only have third party testing data, but no official certification.
@@waterfilterguru Correct , and it is old.
Ok so Ive been using Berkey's for many years now and have always thought them to be pretty good. Is there something better that can be recommended? Plus their pricing has gone way up. From $107 to now about $175.
@@TomSelleck777 Everyone's prices have gone up , we are no exception. I think there were some filters listed in the video`s description.
@@TomSelleck777 I thought they were around $300 now. I paid $99 back in day.
Interesting video, would love to see a series on the reverse osmosis type "under the sink" style filters. There are many on the market that come with a series of different filters, as well as re-mineralizing post filters. My concern has always been the quality of filters and if they are actually doing more harm than good.
That would be a video I would like to see.
Me too
We have a few RO system testing projects in the works currently!
One of the things about reverse osmosis filters is the amount of water wasted in the purification process. In places that have drought issues I t’s really not a good idea. Something like a Berkey filter is better. Bottled water facilities waste the same percentage of water but in massive quantities and that’s also an issue.
@@DG-uh8uv it’s not really wasted. It goes down the drain which goes back to the water supply.
I my self hv used the Berkey filter over 40 yrs , I spent many yrs traveling in and out Asia most in Cambodia ,and most outsiders get direaia from the water ,I use my Berkey filter I never had a problem , even deep in the jungle I hv poured swamp water in my Berkey with dead bugs and fish bad smells ,run though my Berkey I never had a problem , they hv been very good for me , I'm 80 and healthy 😊😊
Awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing. The Black Berkey filters performed really well in our limited test, so I believe it
So maybe i'll take my Berkey out of the closet and reassemble it. I live in NC and i'm so very tired of lugging bottles of water home.@@waterfilterguru
I'm sure Asia doesn't use as much fluoride so I'm sure you're doing phenomenal cheers!
@@baloog8 true but in the big citys they are now adding it and chlorine , at the time I was drinking swamp water in the jungle thier is a world wide movement to make us sick and weak by adding chemicals to our water and food. One must wake up and educate your self , I did and made massive change in my health and well being god bless all
Really appreciate videos like this one. I'd love to see you test the Alexapure water filter. Keep doing what you're doing. You rock! 😁
Thanks for the feedback 😃 Alexapure testing project is currently in the works!! Make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when we upload that video www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
Alexapure video is up! ruclips.net/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/видео.html
keep up the good work! i was shocked to find out, not long time ago, how littleeee info and research, or content is out there regrading such an important, basic and essential subject. water is life and we need to stop wasting those two
Thanks Gina and you are exactly right! You can check out our blog too where we publish tons of info about water quality waterfilterguru.com/blog/
@@waterfilterguru lol I was bit confused but now realize you must have just found me a new nickname
@gdiana (aka Gina ;) The trick is to understand that companies that make a superior product love to brag about it and are very willing to backup their claims. While those who are trying to hoodwink people do not or cannot backup their claims.
The earth has the same amount of water God created since the beginning
Just do you know.
All the water we were given God created a beautiful system
What goes up comes back down it's a cycle God has taken care of it
Now
I will say all the X's across our beautiful skies are filling the air, water, dirt and us with the poisonous chemicals they are spraying us with all in the name of "climate control"
Insanity at it's finest
This is crazy! Been using a Berkey for a while here in Colorado, I personally feel that the black filters are making the water taste way better, but it's good to know all this.
The Black filters performed really well. It makes sense they are improving the taste of the water, as they are good at reducing contaminants that affect aesthetics like chlorine
@@waterfilterguru Ooff... and the chlorine amount where I'm at was just unbearable, it literally would smell like pool water some days, yuck! But I can tell you, the floride levels in Colorado are noting compared to Portland Oregon city water, it's "as if" they're trying to kill people's brain health, and I'd always opt to fill big glass jugs with the reverse osmosis machines at the store instead. The levels there are sickening.
I just bought a berkley and i was telling my partner the water is better. It's almost like the texture of the water is better. I got the berkley because i wanted to filter fluride as well as the metals and it was reasonably priced compared to the others marketed to do the same thing. It's disappointing if it's not as effective as stated but it's better than nothing which is what i had before.
@@keh-dalia809 YO I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY WITH THE AMOUNTS THEY USE. Every time I took a shower with that water, you NEED lotion or else. Thankfully the climate helps with that but man its insane. Feels like you're swimming in a pool and drinking it at the same time lol. But if you live on the coast, the water there is much softer and doesn't smell like a pool
@@keh-dalia809 Alcoa aluminum is responsible for this, they don't pay for aluminum disposal right to the rivers. protect your Pinal gland, Nazis used fluoride slow amnesia .i use proPur 9 inches filters.
This was awesome. Crazy there's so little third information like this on Berkey and similar filters online. Would love to see similar tests for the Doulton brand filter elements (another stick style filter element for use in gravity systems).
Hey Michael thanks for watching and for your comment! Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We'll be re-testing with a different set of PF2 filters to see if we get similar results or not.
We have not yet tested the Doulton brand, but we've received a few requests to do so. We have them on the list!
Thank you SO much for your efforts in this regard. I too am shocked there is no other info on Berkley...
@@waterfilterguru yes please, we want British Berkefeld tested
@@waterfilterguru Any updates???
@@the_luminary currently testing a different set of Berkey PF2 fluoride filters! Video coming soon
Great Job! Appreciate the info on the PF 2 filters... this is a great example of limitations of Berkey filtration system... kind of crazy considering the very expensive prices on them
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your comment
The psychological effect concerning expense is known by manufacturers. Therfore they use it too their advantage.
Agree testing Alexapure would be nice to see. Also home distillers should be pretty clean except for contaminates found on collection containers -- at least in theory. Appreciate your work
Yep, got Alexapure and ProOne gravity fed systems on the list!
You're right about distillers, there are also some VOCs that can vaporize which won't be removed by distillation either. Some distillers have a final activated carbon filter the water runs through to remove these though
I have alexapure as well. Wonder if its the same
Also wondering about the alexapure, I subscribed to see the results
@@waterfilterguru Looking forward to Alexapure test video.
Agreed! Vid on the Alexa pure and other comparable Amazon filters
Thank you for this! Keep it up! Our waters are so important for our health and I appreciate all the work you are doing!!
You're welcome! Thanks for your comment, I couldn't agree more 👌
We're still living longer than our predecessors even with all the "contaminants."
I used to have the Berkey fluoride filters, but they are literally just canisters of aluminum particles which bind with fluoride, and you could taste the aluminum in the water. It has a sweet taste, like an artificial sweetener. Berkey says you are supposed to run a bunch of water through the filters to avoid this, but I got rid of the fluoride filters and just use the black ones now.
Thanks for sharing
We just got the Berkey and had the fluoride filters too…primed them numerous times and still had that sweet taste. Just ended up removing them and now the water is smooth and tastes amazing compared to the over chlorinated tap!
Yea, I stopped using Berkey after my white filters were leaving a pile of white powder at the bottom of the barrel.
@@johnthree1611 I'd hazard a guess that is the activated alumina media
@@waterfilterguru , Yea, after watching your video, I am a believer that the aluminum was saturating my filtered water heavily, and I used a Berkey for ten years. I switched to reverse osmosis, the RO was reading around 5-10 ppm, while the Berkey was around 315 ppm, and tap water around 310ppm.
Would be interested in a test on the 'Katadyn Pocket Water Filter'. Great work with your content. Short, simple to understand, and no fluff. Keep it up!
Great suggestion! I do want to do a series to performance test a few of the outdoor/ backcountry/ emergency preparedness filters. Thanks for your comment and kind words and feedback - this is exactly what we strive for, so I'm glad it's working!
Good idea, a test of a few of those smaller portable ones. Yes please.
@@waterfilterguru definitely include sawyer filters on the list if you do this!
The Katadyn Pocket filter has been my go-to for years. I am the guy who first suggested the float to keep the hose from sucking up muck to Katadyn decades ago. I am still on my original filter which I believe is 34 years old now. There are a lot of backcountry filters, but in my opinion the Katadyn pocket filter is still the best.
So are you saying aluminum is increased in the water by using Berkey filters? That's a pretty big deal.
Yes, but only by the PF2 fluoride reduction filters. The regular Black Berkey filters are not leaching aluminum.
Did you do a separate test with the fluoride filters removed? If so, did that reduce the amount of aluminum?
Yes, the pond water test at 4:52 you can see the unfiltered sample contained aluminum, and the post filtration sample shows the exact same amount of aluminum. This means the black berkey filters did not reduce the aluminum at all.
For aluminum reduction, I'd recommend a reverse osmosis system like one of these:
ruclips.net/video/HHjSxI9XAWQ/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/zAr7axoc8eI/видео.html
@@waterfilterguru Thank you for the response!
@@waterfilterguru But that the amount of aluminum (.04) is still well within standards. In fact, below if standards are .05, correct? So while it may not lower aluminum it's still within safe levels to drink and it still takes out bacteria from ponds, etc making the water safe to drink, yes?
Late to the party here. I know nothing about this subject but am always up for learning something new. Also I'm encouraged to see a young person who is into practical science. We need as many as we can get. 😎👍
Welcome to the channel!
Thank you for doing this video!
From the time Berkey came out, I've always heard that the fluoride filters use aluminum to remove the fluoride, and it is suggested you use the fluoride filter before you use the black filter. However, the the system hooks up the fluoride filter last!
I think it is a design flaw. They should redesign the filters so you can pre filter fluoride first.
Thanks again for posting this video! 👍👍👍
Stay tuned for Berkey test round 2! Finishing it up now, tested with a different set of PF2 fluoride filters
Id love to see results from testing the Clearly Filtered water pitcher. Especially how well it removes flouride.
This one is coming soon!
i'd like to see clearly filtered testing as well!
@@waterfilterguru waiting on that one 😄
@@waterfilterguru Any remedy for the high aluminium? We use Pure water filters at the tap, then use the Berkey. Okay, I admit I also distill some of the Berkley water, lol. Most of the family uses the Berkley water.
@@noeldeal8087 Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We'll be re-testing with a different set of PF2 filters to see if we get similar results or not.
That being said, to completely avoid the potential issue, don't use the PF2 filters. The Black Filters performed really well
I wonder how the zero water filter will do under these tests. Loved the video! so informative
It will do well for a week and a half for 1 person.
Extremely well done and very interesting.
Agreed! Would love to see Zero water system rated!
ZeroWater will be tested in an upcoming project soon!
I came here for this. I use a zero large container filter. I have to put my water through a Brita before the Zero to make the zero last longer, but everything going into me comes from the zero filter. I have an autoimmune disease, and we did a blind test to see which filter I can handle (I throw up tap water and some bottled waters). So, this would be interesting to see.
Clean water matters. A LOT! Thank you for doing these tests and posting the results. Much appreciated
Agreed 💯 thanka for watching and for your comment
Thank you for pointing this out about the fluoride filters I feel so angry right now . My whole family drinks water from the Berkey system.
Sure thing - keep in mind this was a limited test, and I'm not sure if it was just a bad batch of filters we got. We'll need to re-test with a completely new set to see if we get a similar result of aluminum leaching.
are you on a well?
Me too and they are so expensive! I've bought 2 for my children aswell, what a rip off
Sounds like you didn't run the filters with water long enough
This was a great review-I think I'll just have to remove my fluoride filters for the time being, if they are doing much to reduce fluoride and if they are leaching aluminum back into the water... And then start the quest for a better water filtration or neutralization system.
Yup - would like to see you test an Alexa Pro Pure.
When I contacted them after the East Palestine wreck they replied (they didn't know) but Berkley did not reply to me nor another who uses their product. Alexa did send me a link to what they do test for. I give them an "A" for customer service. Berkey gets an "F"
We will be testing an Alexapure Pro very soon. Thanks for the request!
@@waterfilterguru THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
👍👍👍🥰🥰🥰
I wonder if Alexapure filters will fit into Berkey's? Anyone know?
Alexapure video is up! ruclips.net/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/видео.html
Have you contacted Berkey about this problem with the Fluoride filter?
Cyclopure looks incredibly promising! Removes 100% PFAS from water. I purchase the one small cartridge for use with Brita water jug, and anxiously awaiting the whole house filter to be released.
Would love to hear your feedback about it!
Can't win 'em al. Why? What removes PFAS may not filter out other harmful crap.
After finding info about the aluminum issue from other sources as well, I decided not to set my new Berkey system up. I had purchased an inline filter system for refrigerator with fluoride filtration. I was hopeful you could test it out in a future video. It’s the Woder filtration system. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!
Hey thanks for the comment and request. We'll check out the Woder online filter
Yes a best inline water filter for refrigerator is what we need a review on. This is how most people drink water at home @@waterfilterguru
Would you please test the GoPure pods? Happy to pay for it. Can’t get it done in NZ
Thanks for doing this!
Do you plan to test the Berkey again after 1,500 or 3,000 gallons have run through? This seems to be the info everyone is looking for!
Yes we do! This is in the works. Make sure you're subscribed so you get a notification when we upload that video (it will be a separate video) www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
@@waterfilterguru Great! I'm glad to see someone is doing this : ) Make it sure it's one of NMC's 2nd or 3rd gen "hologram" verified authentic filters, or they'll claim your results are invalid.
@@Robert-Beaty Yep, made sure to buy the authentic filters from one of the main distributors!
@@waterfilterguru Great!
Good
Thank you so much for doing this. I am also interested in seeing what you think about the Tyent water filters. They are supposed to remove the fluoride and increase the alkalinity of the water. Seeing how much aluminum they added here has made me very concerned about all of those people who are counting on this cleaning their water and I’m wondering if you have done any testing of more of those filters to see if it was a fluke or if they are actually not testing them properly at Berkey?
We'll look into Tyent, thanks for the suggestion. Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We will be retesting with a different set of PF2 filters
@@waterfilterguru and would be relevant to test without PF2, maybe there won't be much of a difference...
@@szoya5365 We did test without the PF2 filters for the pond water portion of the test 1:50 and see the results at 4:52
Wow. This was so good to see. I’ve been using a Berkey for 2 years and started having issues with UTIs and kidney infections that started out of the blue. After analyzing everything that could be contributed to this the only thing that could be causing was my Berkey. I stopped using it and the problem went away.
Were u using the PF2 filter also or just 1
" Jes-Se- Out-&-Into- The- Real "
" Jes-Se- R- U- I- Z 👁"
" Jesse Ruiz "
Glad to hear the problem went away. What system do you use to filter your water now?
@@waterfilterguru I didn't c what u said would replace PF2 like u said on video?
" Jes-Se- Out-&-Into- The- Real "
" Jes-Se- R- U- I- Z 👁"
" Jesse Ruiz "
@@jesseruiz708 Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean. Are you asking what I would recommend to use instead of the PF2 filters to reduce fluoride in water?
@@waterfilterguru yes without the alumi
" Jes-Se- Out-&-Into- The- Real "
" Jes-Se- R- U- I- Z 👁"
" Jesse Ruiz "
Thank You for taking the time to do this.
I am extremely grateful for your time, video, and knowledge.
Awesome
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for your feedback
Bummer. Wonder if there are other filters that fit the Big Berkey that we can use. Have a well at the farm and with active farming on the property was super concerned about making sure the water was as filtered as possible from heavy metals and arsenic. Back to the drawing board I guess. Thanks for the work!
Doulton/Berkefeld Sterasyl
The Berkey filters passed the test. The fluoride filter is what underperformed.
It's hard to find filters that will effectively filter fluoride.
@@wondering_stars_in_oz8462 I would just get a reverse osmosis system. They are good at removing fluoride.
@mgoben6499 have you tested your water? One of the bigger concerns with wells near agricultural practice is nitrates from the fertilizers
Thank you for this information. A lots of people just buy filters but they never test the water before and after.
Glad it was helpful! We've got many more similar projects in the pipeline
From where did you buy your Berkey? Considering if it was not a counterfeit as some sources state that ebay/amazon contains 89% of counterfeit Berkey products
We bought the filters used for this test directly from Berkey Filters, one of the largest Berkey distributors. We wanted to ensure they were authentic
I would love to see you test the Propur ceramic filter due to florid removal capabilities...
Happy to report it's on the list already! Super excited for this project
Thank you for the video.
I bought a Berkey and i did not like it. I then bought a Clearly Filtered water pitcher. And the water is much better than the Berkey. Can you do a video on the Clearly Filtered??? It is really easy to use this system compared to the Berkey.
It's in the works! We are putting together a massive project to test the most popular water filter pitchers against one another, Clearly Filtered will be included. Make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when that video gets uploaded! www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
I got rid of my Clearly Filtered pitcher because I got tired of having to wait close to an hour to get a glass of water to drink, all it did was drip...
Interesting... not what I would have expected!
Yeah isn't that crazy?!
I've used a Berkey for years. Now I have found extremely high levels of aluminum in my blood. Not sure how it is going to pan out but it seems that Berkey is the only source for exposure that makes sense in my case. Keep you posted but also, THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS RESARCH!
Stay tuned for our Berkey test 2.0 video which is coming soon. We are re-testing with a different set of PF2 fluoride filters to see if we get similar results or not
Could be form your deodorant as well
What?! how is that measured?... (i have it to, and i dont have a berkey yet). I have nasty drinking water though.
Are you using the additional pf2 filters or just the black standard?
It can come from multiple sources. Deodorant,water and your pans for instance.
My question is did you buy the filters off Amazon or did you buy them direct from Berkey?
Direct from one of the biggest Berkey distributors, Berkey Filters
You can't buy directly, they sell only to dealers where you can buy it. So if you claim filter not working, that means dealers sold you wrong counterfeit product.
@@user70331 Thanks! Exactly, Doulton British Berkefeld is the one and not Berkey
New sub ,thank you for your work. please test alexa water filter. It's interesting cuz Mike adams teasted lots of filters too through his ISO-accredited clean foods laboratory specializing in mass spec analysis of heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and microbiology. He did not catch the aluminum.
Great suggestion! We'll add it to the list
@@waterfilterguru Thank you.
Thank you so much for your video! Iwas just checking into water filters and would love it if you would also test an Alexapure Pro Stainless Steel Water Filtration System-5000 gallon Capacity. Appreciate what your doing!!
Great suggestion! We'll get it added to the list
Alexapure video is up! ruclips.net/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/видео.html
I switched from a Berkey to an AquaTru and am quite happy. I just add some ocean minerals to the RO water.
AquaTru recently launched a remineralization post-VOC filter aquatru.pxf.io/g1bJGv have you seen it? This would make remineralization even easier 😉
@@waterfilterguru Yes I sure have but I prefer to use my own ocean source mineral drops. I just put a few drops in each glass of water and make my own mineral water.
Very informative and non-bias. I work for Doulton and would love for you guys to independently test our British Berkefeld Ultra Sterasyl or Ultra Fluoride gravity filter elements, please just reach out and I will have some samples sent. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching and for your comment! We've had quite a few requests to test your Doulton filters - would love to at some point! Can you shoot us an email to info@waterfilterguru.com and we can take the conversation from there?
I have the Doulton ultra sterasyl filters and would be very interested in a review.
Being well water I generally only use the Doulton/Berkefeld Sterasyl type ceramic filters, they fit fine in my Berkey and are far cheaper for normal use - I've got a couple sets of the black filters that I figured I'd keep for a SHTF scummy pond water situation, though now you have me wondering if that's wise... But I'd love to see a similar test of the regular filters.
Thank you
I switched over to Doulton also. I’d love to see how they compare.
The black filters were not the ones that added aluminum to the sample, the white ones were.
@@doloresreynolds8145 how do you know this? was this mentioned in the vid?
@@VeraGroen-k9e He did mention that the fluoride filters have aluminum in them as part of fluoride removal and that must be what’s leaching out.
excellent review - need more like this - great work!! I think these water filter companies need to back up their claims with certifications, they can claim anything they want in their marketing strategies to make sales. 3,000 gallons, the most they ever tested was 300 gallons for everything and 1100 gallons for just lead, but who knows what the filter will do at 3000 gallons. I switched to proOne a few days ago and yep, they have an NSF certification just for parts/materials but NOT for the claims on what they filter (i fell for the marketing they were NSF certified but didn't realize there is more then just one NSF certification) and now putting in water at 6ppm comes out at 186ppm and have no clue as to what this filter is leeching into my families drinking water so feel ripped off yet again from another water filter company.
Hey thanks for watching and for your comment. Glad to hear the video was helpful. Keep in mind a TDS reading alone does not indicate if water is healthy or not - as it does not provide any specific information about the substances that make up the reading. That being said, I can see why you would be alarmed after testing like this.
ProOne test published! ruclips.net/video/5h87z2rA6Og/видео.html
I have a Berkey. It is the best affordable filter. I am most interested in bacteria. Your tests are reassuring. I mostly bought it in case the grid goes down but I am using it now. If you use aluminum pots you get aluminum. I worry about things that might kill me sooner.
We were happy to see the Black filters reduced the coliform bacteria as well!
I don't want to get Alzheimers. The data on aluminum and Alzheimers is pretty solid. I don't cook in aluminum. Aluminum is vastly worse for you than fluoride.
@Loris What you try do is minimize the ingestion of anything in quantity. If your using aluminum pots, pans, deodorant and aluminum leeching filter why stop there.
@@NoNORADon911 "To date, research into a definitive link between aluminum exposure (e.g., wearing deodorant and antiperspirants, cooking with aluminum bakeware, or using aluminum foil) and Alzheimer’s is inconclusive."
Last year I bought my Berkey wanting to remove the fluoride because it is a state law in Ohio to add in ALL of our tap water . This water filter is expensive . Well , I am going back to buy my distilled water from Wal-Mart . Will buy my next water filter system from Health Master where they sell distiller unit . Many thanks for the report .
I just bought a Clearly Filtered water pitcher based off your tests, so thanks a bunch!
Hope you enjoy it! I love my CF pitcher - out of all the filters in our home, that's the one we use most :)
Can you taste the difference in the water with CF? Thanks
@@angelofamillionyears4599 Yes for sure, especially if your water has high levels of contaminants that affects aesthetics like chlorine
I bought a Big Burkey a few years ago as part of my emergency water filtration plan. I have never used it yet and now plan to use it in conjunction with my other emergency water filtration means currently at the ready in the event we are without clean, uncontaminated drinking water.
Thank you for testing Burkey filters.
You're welcome, glad to be of help! As our limited test results show, the black Berkey filters should be a solid choice to use for emergency prep
I've been using a Berkey for 10 yrs and it does a great job taking out the iron. Also add red food coloring to a gallon or 2 of water and run it through top chamber . It comes out crystal clear.
@@stupidusedrnames I will use up my last flouride filters, then I'm chuckin this thang to tha heap.
@@blockaderunner why? the basic black filters still work and would be helpful to have if you ever have to get your water from a pond or river, etc.
I've been concerned about this. Thank you fire your time and effort inform us.
Glad to help, thanks for your comment!
One test from one person is just that. Others have had much different results (zero aluminum) from the Berkley. ruclips.net/video/mbGuu9LK_XA/видео.html. Get a water distiller if you're really concerned.
Thank you - FINALLY! I've been searching for an independent lab test review on Berkey for years! I don't trust the claims of manufacturers and the users of Berkey always sing it's praises but they are basing that on taste, clarity and color. So I hesitated to buy one and now I'm sure not to because fluoride and aluminum are at the top of my list of concerns! And of course your test makes me suspicious of their other claims too. So 3 years ago I just quit using municipal water and collect rainwater that I only filter for roof sediment. Alive and kickin' :)
berkey is in court with multi million dollar lawsuit over its filters in texas! berkey lied about its filtration!!!!!!
@@sodbuster330 Interesting. I'll have to see if I can find that and follow them
I stopped using mine once i realised limescale after boiling the water, bought a distiller then add minerals after.
@@MrSmith-uk8hq that's what I do, works perfectly for me. 😊👍
Just a heads up, the rainwater can easily become contaminated once it touches the surface it falls on before your collection vessel (roof, etc.). There could be all sorts of contaminants it picks up including chemicals from the shingles, bacteria from bird droppings, and even PFAs.
It might be a good idea to test it!
Great video, I have been using a Berkey for years, and I will be getting my water tested now. Also just subscribed, thanks for making this.
Would love to hear about your test results when you get them back, if you'd like to share!
Video Summary:
The video describes a test conducted on Berkey water filters using samples from two locations in Colorado. Their goal was to objectively test the filters and not back up Berkey's contaminant removal claims. They used Simple Lab's product, TapScore, for third-party lab testing. The results showed that the filters had an issue with the PF2 fluoride filters, and the actual fluoride reduction rate fell far short of the claims made by Berkey. The Black Berkey filters were good at removing heavy metals, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria, but a couple of heavy metals were not reduced by as much as they were expecting. The video provides limited information about Berkey's filter capacity and lifespan, and they need to conduct further testing to verify Berkey's performance and filter lifespan claims.
Thats it!
Pin this!
Yeah I watched the video as well.
Thank you for this:)
So what did your tests show?
Ahhh the Berkey.
Nice to finally see some test results.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment Jason
@@graveseeker I'm referencing the test results from our independent lab test we conducted and I discussed in this video we're commenting on.
@@graveseeker The intention of this video is not to dissuade folks from buying Berkey at all.
On the contrary, Berkey systems are one of our top recommended products (just not for fluoride removal anymore).
The goal of this project was to see how Berkey filters performed compared to the contaminant removal claims - and for the most part it overperformed!
Check out the part of the video where I compare our limited test results to Berkey's claims... the Black Berkey elements actually performed better in our test, removing a higher % of many contaminants than they say it will: ruclips.net/video/AVZmZwTxnMc/видео.html
@@waterfilterguru So it seems like there's no point in buying the flouride filters? Darn, I really don't want fluoride in our water. Thanks for the research.
@@mi2maui I'd recommend checking out a countertop RO system - these will be your best bet to get rid of fluoride. I like the AquaTru (bit.ly/3CPw2Io) or this new RKIN U1 system bit.ly/3GCRRMi) is also really cool, it heating + cooling features, remineralization, etc. but a bit on the pricey side
Thank You for this ! Some of us die-hard Berkey fans were dissapointed at the recent brouhaha concerning this water filter.
Been using Big Berkey for about a dozen yrs now...although since moving to Florida, discovered I have fluoridated water here :.learned the the Burkey fluoride filters are not good due to high aluminum levels, as you mention and explain why = Kudos! I get the 'Cleary Filtered and use them for post Berkey water >===> seems to work nicely, but I haven't tested ...;)....
Fluoride is typically difficult to rid I learned, especially the inorganic type they add to our water sources
Glad it helped! You're absolutely right, fluoride is difficult to reduce. RO or bone char carbon are a couple of the best methods. Stay tuned for our Clearly Filtered test results!
The countries,which USA,emulated,not only don’t use it,but has BANNED,ITS USE.,I REMOVE IT VIA A REVERSE,OSMOSIS SYSTEM,,,IT IS A VERY TOXIC MATERIAL,,A SCHOOL BUDDY OF MINE HAD SO MUCH CHEMO,IT MOVED HIS TEETH,MDsaid NEVER USE A FLOURIDE TOOTHPASTE,,SINCE.!,,,,,,,,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
What are the Cleary Filtered? I have a Big Berkey as well
@@craftlover9702 Clearly Filtered' makes a filter (I use tabletop pitcher) that is touted to remove much of Fluoride...I use it for my already filtered Berkey water (that doesn't have fluoride filters)
This channel will post results of Clearly Filtered soon they say, yAy!
@@wchiwinky thank you!
Do Zero next. Project Farm did a water filter test and concluded Zero was the way to go. It looks like you have the ability to provide additional data points beyond his testing process.
Thanks for your comment! I'm happy to say ZeroWater is already on the list, along with a number of other popular water filter pitchers.
Make sure you're subscribed so you get the notification when we upload that video: www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
@@graveseeker Cost per gallon of which systems? This video explains our own independent, third party lab test results only. It does not compare the Berkey to other systems, nor does it validate Berkey's filter capacity claims or review other aspects of the system aside from filter performance.
Once we have filtered enough water through our filters to validate the capacity claims and re-tested, I'll be posting an updated video with that information.
The issue I had with the zero filter was within 3 weeks their own ppm tester showed the internal filter had quit working. That's a lot of changing filters in a year
@@Ur-ElTheLionofEinRur I hear this same thing from folks all the time. The filters have a much lower capacity than other pitchers out there. This essentially means the filters get filled up with contaminants quicker and need to be replaced more often. Of course this all depends on the source water being filtered, but still those filter replacement costs can add up quick
@@waterfilterguru Berkey also doesn't last near their claimed lifespan. They don't even test to that point which says a lot about the company. No NSF testing. Zero is NSF tested, $25, tests well independently, and they include a TDS meter for the owner to test. One company is transparent, the other is scammy.
This is awesome! I wasn't even thinking of water filters but this video is spot on, to the point, not click baity, just, great info.
I usually don't like and subscribe this quick. Makes me want to test my water now.
Glad you enjoyed! we're actually giving away a few Tap Score water tests at the end of the month! You can enter here waterfilterguru.com/giveaway/
I would love to see a review of the AquaSana water filter. In addition, have you found that the water filtered by the Berkey tastes like algae after about 4 cycles even though we sanitized both the upper and lower chambers? Thanks for your help!
Hey Sonia, thanks for the comment. Which Aquasana product would you like see tested? They have quite a few.
We actually don't use the Berkey on a regular basis... if you are tasting algae even after sanitizing the chambers, that indicates there could be bacteria/ microbe growth inside the filter elements. I'd recommend replacing them.
@water filter guru which water filtration system do you use? That's the one I want to buy
@@adrianazambrano6460 we use a lot of different filters 😅 and live in a rental unit so installation options are limited.
Also keep in mind each situation can be different, that's why it's always best to first test your water using a certified lab to see what contaminants you're actually dealing with. Then, using that data you can identify a filter capable of reducing those contaminants. We use Tap Score for all our testing: bit.ly/3OPs0Vd
That being said, some of my favorites that I use daily are:
Clearly Filtered pitcher: bit.ly/3XEksYj
Epic Water Filters The Answer (for hydroflask): bit.ly/3ItZYvu
RKIN U1: bit.ly/3QJDNFo
AquaTru: bit.ly/3w7nsB5
Did you purchase your Berkley system and filters from an authorized verified berkey dealer or did you purchase off amazon?
@colodeld220 Great question - We made sure to buy them from an authorized verified Berkey dealer to ensure authenticity. We purchased them from Berkey Filters.
Thanks for the video. I noticed there were no markings on your pf2 filters. Does Berkey not have markings on their filters? Cheers
@@contactnathanlee Hey Nathan thanks for the comment. You are correct, the filters don't have any markings on them. My guess is that because these filters sit down in the filtered water chamber, they can't/ shouldn't mark them with ink that would leach into the filtered water. They come wrapped in plastic that had markings indicating what they were
Thank you for doing these test. Did you ever test Hydroviv?
You're welcome, thanks for watching! We have not tested hydroviv yet
Hi there. I appreciate your effort and sharing this valuable information. Could you share WHERE you bought your Berkey filters? I was reading that there are a huge number of fake Berkey cartridges sold online and just wondered if your test cartridges came directly from Berkey or Amazon? Thanks again.
Great question! Yep we were also aware of this and wanted to ensure we were testing genuine products, so we purchased all the filters new from Berkey Filters, one of the largest Berkey distributors
Really liked this. Makes you wonder if Berkeley had a one off or was this because their quality is slipping? I would like to see small filters tested like Sawyer and lifestraw what is really the best.
I really liked your suggestion for my family traveling to Ohio, thanks again
Thanks for your comment, and glad you found the video helpful. It is a good question - we'll have to re-test with a new set of filters.
I'll make sure to get both the Sawyer MINI and Lifestraw added to our outdoor/ emergency prep filters test lineup!
Nothing is perfect. Even bottled water tastes funny to me after drinking Berkey water for almost two years.
@@vince7735 Bottled water can have contaminants too! We're currently working on a bottled water testing project, should be quite interesting
Hey there, would love to see you test the Geyser Aragon filter and also the Omnipure Fluoride Filter. It also uses alumina to reduce fluoride.
Cheers
Great suggestion! I'll add those to the list.
Make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when we upload a video: www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
Waterdrop Lucid 10-Cup Water Pitcher Filter System PT-07
Lifesaver cube
Got them both added to the list to investigate and possibly test! Thanks for your suggestions
Thank you for doing this. Amazing! I kept thinking to buy a Berkey but never did.
Thanks for watching! The black filters actually performed really well
@@waterfilterguruwhat would be your best recommendations for someone that never purchased the Berkey what system to use? If someone owns a Berkey already and you stated the black filters are good just not the white ones then they should just keep their Berkey and the black filters and buy different white fluoride filters not use Berkey correct? I was always on the fence on the Berkey too many questions and too many RUclips videos with frustrated customers so I would love to know what water system would be best for someone renting an apartment currently? Thank you so much!
@@CTahoe1 It depends. There is no 'one size fits all' solution. It all depends on what contaminants are in the source water being filtered.
What type of water are you trying to filter
Have you had it tested?
Do you know what contaminants you are dealing with?
You can also check out this article to see our top picks for the best water filters for apartment use! waterfilterguru.com/best-water-filter-for-apartment/
I love the contact to this lab. My family and I have just recently purchased property in the middle of the Ocala national forest Florida, They have quite a few artisanal springs around where you can get your water, but I would really like to test it through a lab to see if it is good. I bought one of those little water meters for day-to-day stuff but a good girl lab testing would be nice.
Check out Tap Score bit.ly/3OPs0Vd hands down the best
Good thing I only use Berkey water to cook! 😮
If there are contaminants in the filtered water used for cooking, they will end up in the food.
Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective. We'll be re-testing with a different set of PF2 filters to see if we get similar results or not.
The Black filters actually performed really well!
We have used Droughtmaster's Traveler atmospheric water generator since 2016. Although it costs over $700, we like the quality of the pure water it makes from the air. Temps have to be over 60F and humidity over 65% for it to run. It filters both using ultraviolet and also a Brita filter into the six liter reservoir. We measured the total dissolved solids as being extremely low. Comes from Granite Shoals, Texas.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing. Love that technology and would like to get one to try out and test too
I'm glad you are doing lab tests on water filters- THANKS!
More to come!
Nice to see some independent tests. My city is bringing in Flouride soon (idiots, we have an excellent source of glacier water, with near perfect natural flouride levels). I have a berkey for convenience right now, but was considering getting their flouride filters when the city officially brings in fluoridation. WHat do you think about Alumina (aluminum oxide) being completely bio-compatible with humans? i.e., zero concern? vs regular aluminum?
Your city is not bringing in fluoride because 'they' are concerned about your teeth that's for sure. 'They' don't like that we are living too long ('their' twisted evil opinions) so 'they' have 'their' agendas. Wow there are still cities with no fluoride in the water system?!
You can use this tool to look up where water is fluoridated or not nccd.cdc.gov/doh_mwf/default/default.aspx
You’re saying that all this time your city didn’t have fluoridated water, and they just now want to add it?? That’s absolutely insane. What is their reasoning?
Is this video coming out because the EPA are now trying to regulate gravity fed water filters, saying they are pesticides. Berky are suing them. Something doesn’t add up about the timing of this video coming out. We've had ours for years, my husband is a Physicist & Engineer and understands filtration systems as part of his job. Our water comes out perfect.
There's other reviews on RUclips where people have had labs test their tap and well water and the results weren't good, even had heavy metals in them. Same tests done after the Berky had filtered the water and no trace of zinc or other heavy metals aswell as nasty chemicals.
Not all at.
We didn't even know that New Millennium Concepts (Berkey manufacturer) was suing the EPA until about a month ago (August 11, 2023) when the press release was published support.berkeywater.com/press-release-berkey-water-filters-sues-the-epa/
This video was published more than 9 months ago on November 21, 2022 - the data collection and filming were done months before that.
That said, please re-watch the test results at 3:59 and 4:52 and check out the pinned comment.
Aside from the activated alumina leaching issue with the PF2 fluoride filters, the Black Berkey elements performed extremely well, including the reduction of bacteria in the untreated pond water test.
The new EPA interpretation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) which is now requiring some water filters to be registered as pesticides only relates to their claims that they can reduce microbiological contaminants, such as bacteria, virus and cysts. It is not related to claims for the reduction of organic or inorganic contaminants. If you look at our pond water results at 5:00 you can see that total coliform bacteria were completely removed.
I agree with New Millennium Concepts that this new EPA interpretation of the law under FIFRA is unfairly targeting specific water filter brands. I hope their lawsuit is successful and the EPA is forced to reverse this requirement and lift the stop-sale orders it has placed on certain Berkey distributors.
Finally, we are currently in the process of re-testing with a completely different set of PF-2 fluoride filters to see if we get the same activated alumina leaching issue or not which will help us determine if the filters we used for our first test were defective, or if this is an issue all all the PF-2 filters.
Great video! Would love to see the rest for Zero Water if possible.
Thanks - ZeroWater test coming soon!
ZeroWater lab test video is published! ruclips.net/video/Ud45hxCFQyM/видео.html
How about testing some of the berkey knock off filters? They are cheaper and I have wondered how well they work.
Do you have a video on what you considered best?
I would like something that removes fluoride and I live in an area you mentioned.
Oooh I love this idea - a Berkey Official vs Berkey Knockoff test. Great suggestion!
It's impossible to say that one system is 'best' for everything, because there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to water treatment. It all depends on what contaminants are present and what needs to be reduced.
That's why I always recommend getting a sample of your water tested at a certified third party lab. Then you can use that data to guide your research and purchase decision. We use Tap Score by Simplelab for all our water testing, hands down the best out there: bit.ly/3OPs0Vd (mytapscore.com)
Check out this video to learn all about fluoride removal: ruclips.net/video/HYvyQ0qU-nU/видео.html
@@waterfilterguru Thank you for the response. I own 3 brands of these gravity type filters.
I bought a British Berkfield with the with ceramic filters in the late 90's.
I purchased a Alexa pure a couple years ago because they claim it filters out fluoride. Their filter is shorter but larger in diameter than the others. I haven't done the math to see if their shorter/larger diameter filter has more surface area than others that are longer with a smaller diameter but I notice it runs fast in the filtering process rather than a drip, drip you get from other filters the Alexa pure has almost a small steady stream and kind of doubted their claim because of this.
I recently bought a big berkey, I think it's the imperial, it's the second to the largest model because I just did not like filling them back up so often.
I watched your video on the fluoride removal and it was good although it would have been nice to hear some brand names mentioned. I was especially interest in the under the sink 3 canister model.
I have seen the stainless countertop model shown on eBay and was considering one of those.
About the knock offs for the gravity filters. If you search eBay for berkey filters you see the knock offs for a cheaper price, sometimes almost half the price but your wondering how well they work.
It's dissapointing to hear berkeys fluoride filter adds contaminates. I bought 4 of these but have not put them to use yet.
It might be helpful for people to hear brands when mentioning these differnt types of devices like the under sink 3 canister or the electric distillery.
Thanks for your research on this topic.
I am subbed and will keep an eye out for future videos.
@@jacksson9391 @Jack's Son Great info! If you check out the description of the video, I put links to the various alternatives mentioned
Keep an eye out for more gravity filter testing videos that will be coming up - lots of folks asking for the Alexapure to be performance tested
@@waterfilterguru Looks like ProOne, Radiant Life have the same look of a ceramic cartridge. Radiant Life says to replace yearly where ProOne says every 6 months. Both filter contaminants but these filters also filter fluoride.
ProOne test published! ruclips.net/video/5h87z2rA6Og/видео.html
Thank you for the Alumina information. I also read that the Black filters will filter flouride up to a few hundred gallons. Would you be willing to do another test video testing your city water new black filters only (without flouride filters) as the baseline then after 2 hundred gallons retest? Berkey claims that the black filters will filter flouride effectlvely but only for a limited time.
There is removal up to the 100 gallon mark (which they was tested to), but we would not recommend the black berkeys for fluoride removal as we know they perform worse over the course of use.
Great idea, this would be an interesting test indeed to see how well the black Berkey filters alone perform for fluoride reduction vs the 100 gallon claim.
I'll get this added to the project list, make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when we upload that video www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
Just to be clear, there’s no claims made by the mfr for fluoride removal by the black berkeys. This is just internal knowledge we have.
In Ohio we call that flower a "naked lady" in the spring they come up with and look like daffodils that never flower and die back to send up a naked lady at the end of July😊
Wow. I’ve used these fluoride filters many years. Will go to your links now. Thank you 🙏🏽
You’re welcome 😊
So NOW what to do?
Berkey is simply a carbon filter, carbon does function as a filtration method. The problem is Berkey's claims of filtering 99% of pretty much everything, which carbon can not do. When it comes to bacteria longevity becomes the prime issue. Once you've filtered out the chlorine you've created the perfect media to grow bacteria. And as this video shows many tests have shown the Berkey contaminating the water itself. A good video.
Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Are there any other water filters you'd like to see us put to the test like this?
@@graveseeker Yes, most likely there is but unfortunately Berkey doesn't transparently provide this information. My guess is that there is an ion exchange resin component as well.
That being said, the upper chamber of your system should not be growing algae if you are filling it with chlorinated tap water! The residual chlorine would prevent that from happening. Are you filtering both tap water and surface water through the system? How often do you clean the chambers?
@@graveseeker if your system is growing algae something is wrong.
@@waterfilterguru is possible that the is more to the block but we've seen a Berkey filter cut open and it didn't appear to be anything more then carbon. I think Berkey would love to advertise that additional technology/filtration method if it was present.
@@whatever833 They claim the filter elements are a blend of 6 different types of media... I'm not sure if I believe that though bit.ly/3VhpPv3
Pro One filters were recommended to replace the Berkey black filters on another channel because they fit. Testing them can be helpful to Berkey owners. Thanks for this info. My new black filters are definitely not the same quality as the original.
We'll be testing a ProOne soon! Working on the project now. We'll be testing the filters in the ProOne unit, not in a Berkey however. We'll have to verify compatibility - great idea for another project!
@@waterfilterguru waiting for the ProOne testing. Thank you!
Most of us will be using the pro one ceramic filters in our Berkeys
Pro one released their own lab data, which is why I went with them
ProOne test published! ruclips.net/video/5h87z2rA6Og/видео.html
I'm so happy to have found your channel! We used a Berkey for many years and were happy with it, although we never had the water tested. We switched to under-sink Aquasanas which we've been happy with: We love the convenience. But the other day one of them suddenly started spraying water; luckily we were home at the time, heard it immediately, and were able to switch it off within a minute or two. Otherwise it would have been a disaster. I see online that this happens sometimes with various brands. Considering the damage that would have been done if we hadn't been home, we're considering removing our other two under-sink filters. Do you have any information about this--how often this happens--and is there any way to protect against it? The one that broke was in use for less than two years.
Hey Shari, thanks for the comment! So happy to found our channel and videos useful, great to hear!
Leaking is always a risk with under-sink systems. It's hard for me to say one way or another, but the leak could be caused by a number of different things:
- Damaged or worn-out O-rings: O-rings are rubber seals that prevent water from leaking around the filter. If the O-ring is damaged or worn out, it can cause leaks. You should always check the O-rings when replacing the filters, and consider replacing them as well.
- Cracked filter housings: Over time, the filter housing may crack due to wear and tear or accidental damage.
- High water pressure: If the water pressure is too high, it can cause the filter housing to crack, burst or leak.
To protect against leaks, you can:
1. Regularly inspect the filter for any signs of damage, cracks or wear and replace worn-out parts.
2. Use a water pressure regulator to prevent high water pressure.
3. Hire a professional plumber to make sure the system is installed correctly.
@@waterfilterguru Thank you so much!
@@sharihephzibah3814 Happy to help
Great video. I’m having buyers remorse after purchasing a Berkey about 6 months ago. They aren’t cheap. I would love to see more content like this. Thank you for what you do
You're welcome! The system is still solid if you use the Black filters - and keep in mind this was just one test, and the white PF2 filters we used may have been defective. We'll be retesting with a different set of filters to see if we get similar results
Interestingly enough, I had the same problem with my Berkey water filter . 👍👍
@@waterfilterguru I have a Berkey too. I specifically bought it for the fluoride filtration. I don't think you will get much different results. I also charged the filters and ran about 50 gallons through the system. What alarmed me is that I noticed a weird metallic taste in the water. I compared the PH of the tap water before and after filtration using the added fluoride filter. There was a significant change in PH level to the Alkaline side which surprised me. I started doing research and found many complaints about people testing with home kits and finding significant Aluminum. There was one I came across who sent the water to a lab and got similar results than you. I have also seen similar complaints about the inability of the filters to remove the Fluoride. Some of the complaints made to the company seemed to be addressed with the suggestion by the company to run more water through the system suggestion that there is residual aluminum in the filter that needs to be adequately (flushed out). I think the company was just giving those people the run around and they know that there is a flaw in their filters. I was so disappointed and wish I had done more diligent research before purchasing this product. I would not recommend the product based off of the false claims of it's abilities alone. The dishonesty to get you to buy the product and the fact that the filter is actually adding a contaminant that is even more unhealthy than tap water gives some serious ethical implications to this companies apparent motives. You would think they would have pulled those filters off the market by now. I bought mine 2 years ago and I can't believe they are still selling those filters knowing they contaminate the water with unsafe level of Aluminum. No ethics whatsoever it seems. I wonder if flushing more water through the filter would make a difference. Either way they do not filter out the fluoride level that they claim.
@@JPSTGallant-ep5xt I remember when I first purchased the Berkey I didn't understand why it tasted weird and left a film in my glass. Then I ran more water through the filters and it helped a lot.
However, how much of the aluminum is left in my body? How much did it poison my family. I'm really pissed this is allowed to be sold and that I was so gullible to believe it was going to provide clean water.
Seems like were constantly being feared into making stupid decisions. The WH is a prime example of using fear and thats been going on for many many years. For me, Lesson learned!
@@waterfilterguru i would like to know the out come of that as that is why I purchased a Berkey was to remove the fluoride but not to add aluminum which is also a killer
Yoo thank you!! Been down this rabbit hole for a few days now and def don't have the time and money to be testing all these options myself lol. Can you do Aquasana, PureEffect, Alexapure and/or ProOne?
Alexapure and ProOne are already on the list! Planning to do a big comparison of all the gravity-fed stainless steel filters.
Which Aquasana unit would you like to see tested?
@@waterfilterguru if you do a comparison, please run about at least 500 gallons first. We never see tests where the filters were actually used a bit. You’d be the first to do so in my experience of watching these videos:)
@@alleyoop5185 we'll do both! Will be testing Berkey filters again after 3,000 gallons to see how the filters stand up to the capacity claims
@@waterfilterguru ThankYou! I just subscribed so I won’t miss it! I’m a Alexa pure user and I’m about 4000 on a filter but I’m wondering if the claims of thousands of gallons are true. I did strip tests and they looked reasonable but our tap water is really good anyway except for the chlorine. I don’t pickup hardly any fluoride either filtered or raw .
Alexapure video is up! ruclips.net/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/видео.html
I’d like to see the cheapest filters tested! I’m broke & can’t afford $300+ water filters.😉
Thank you for your request! This is a great idea. I've noted it down for a future project 😊
The black berkey is the first filter we tried. Seemed to work great but Alaska water clogged it pretty fast. Can't be cleaned that I know of so we tried the spun ceramic candles with charcoal cores. These last about a year using well water and do a great job. They get cleaned about once per week. They make a big difference in the taste and smell of the water (our wells go through lots of coal seams). I'd be curious about the test numbers for a Sterasyl type filter.
Black filters can be cleaned by scrubbing the surface with a green scrubby.
Thanks for the request, I've add the sterasyl candles to our list to get tested.
As NY Grl mentioned, the black Berkey filters elements can be cleaned with a scouring pad!
Have you tested Berkefeld Filters?
Cool project-nicely done!
Thank you! Cheers!
Because they provide test data that indicated very good results, I chose a Seychelle water filtration device out of Aliso Viejo, California. I'd love to see your independent testing results.
Hey thanks for the request! We've got Seychelle added to the list - excited to test this one too!
Do any water providers/plants in your region use chloramines (as opposed to chlorine)? I've heard they're starting to do this as chloramines stay/persist longer in the water (than chlorine)
Yes chloramine (chlorine+ammonia) use is becoming more and more common for this exact reason. Chloramines are more difficult to remove as well. You might find this article helpful waterfilterguru.com/how-to-remove-chloramine-from-water/