Berkey water filter systems have the ability to remove over 200 contaminants from drinking water. This includes a wide range of harmful substances, from heavy metals like lead and chromium 6, to bacteria and viruses like E. coli and Salmonella Enterica, and even endocrine disruptors and pharmaceutical drug contaminants. The Black Berkey Purification Elements have been tested in EPA and state-certified labs and have been shown to remove 99.9999999% of pathogenic bacteria and 99.999% of viruses, elevating the system to a water purifier. Additionally, Berkey filters remove 99.9% of chlorine, arsenic, bacteria, and haloacetic acids, as well as 99.8% of trihalomethanes. Berkey fluoride filters can remove up to 97% of fluoride from tap water. Berkey also removes 99.9% of pesticides, volatile organic compounds, petroleum products, PFAS and PFCs, and pharmaceutical contaminants. However, Berkey does not remove nitrates or minerals, as these substances are important for health and are typically left in the water.