Over 200 contaminants are removed with Berkey water filter systems. We've extensively tested our filters and found our technology greatly exceeds the standards. Berkey removes contaminants from A to Z. Berkey filters go above and beyond testing standards, using EPA and state-certified labs to test above the EPA and ANSI/NSF (Std. 53) protocol. Based on the test data, Black Berkey Purification Elements (sometimes called Black Berkey Filters) elevate the system from a filter to a water purifier because it removes 99.9999999% of pathogenic bacteria (log 9 reductions) and 99.999% of viruses.
Arsenic: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of arsenic.
Bacteria: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of bacteria. Including: pathogenic bacteria and surrogates such as Raoultella terrigena, Bacillus atrophaues (Anthrax Surrogate), and Salmonella Enterica.
Chlorine: Yes, Black Berkey Filters remove 99.9% of chlorine. Including the harmful byproducts such as haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes.
Chromium 6: Yes, Berkey removes 99.8% of chromium 6.
E. Coli: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of E. Coli. AKA Escherichia Coli
Endocrine Disruptors: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of all endocrine disruptors.
Fluoride: Yes, Berkey Fluoride Filters remove up to 97% of fluoride from tap water.
Glyphosate: Yes, Berkey removes Glyphosate, the main ingredient in the common herbicide, RoundUp.
Haloacetic Acids also known as HAA5s: Yes, 99.9% of all haloacetic acids (HAA5s) are removed.
Heavy Metals: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of all heavy metals. Including: Aluminum, Antimony, Barium, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Chromium 6, Copper, Iron, Lead, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, and Zinc
Lead: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of lead.
Micro-Organisms: Yes, Berkey removes more than 99.9% of all micro-organisms. Including: total coliform, fecal coliform, e. coli
Minerals: No. Because we don't want to remove minerals!
Monochloramine: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of monochloramine.
Nitrates: No, Berkey does not remove Nitrates because they are like a mineral. Read more...
Nitrites: Yes, Berkey removes more than 95% of nitrites.
Pesticides and Volatile Organic Compounds: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of all pesticides and VOCs.
Petroleum Products:Yes, Berkey removes more than 99.9% of all petroleum products. Including: Gasoline, Diesel, Crude Oil, Kerosene, Mineral Spirits, and Refined Oil
PFAS and PFCs: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of all PFAS and PFCs.
Pharmaceutical Drug Contaminants: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of all pharmaceuticals from drinking water. Including: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Carbamazepine, Ciprofloxacin HCl, Erythromycin USP, Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim, Bisphenol A, Diclofenac Sodium, 4-para-Nonylphenol, 4-tert-Octylphenol, Primidone, Progestrone, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen Sodium, and Triclosan
Trihalomethanes: Yes, Berkey removes 99.8% of trihalomethanes (including: bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, and dibromochloromethane).
Viruses: Yes, Berkey removes 99.999% of all viruses -- far exceeding standards. Because Black Berkey Filters remove pathogens at such a high level they are actually considered a water purifier. Learn more about the difference between a water filter and water purifier.
Zinc: Yes, Berkey removes 99.9% of zinc. This is the exception to minerals, which are mostly left in.