Gravity water filter systems have quickly become commonplace in most kitchens, as homeowners want to give their families the purest, cleanest drinking water possible. Simple in design and a much more affordable and environmentally friendly way to purify water, let’s discuss how to choose an effective and reliable gravity water filter system. Reasons to Invest […]
Berkey Water System
Berkey Water Filters vs Brita: Which Is Best?
On-the-counter filtration options like Brita water filters are found in stores nationwide and are arguably the most recognizable household name. Still, are they as effective at purifying water as a more advanced setup like Berkey water filter systems? While the U.S. has safe water generally, over 21 million Americans drink contaminated water that violates nationwide […]
First Steps for Using Your Berkey System
Once you receive your Berkey System, we recommend taking the following steps in order to make the most out of beginning to use your Berkey Water System: 1. Inspect your system & confirm you have all parts. Once you remove your Berkey from the box, inspect the chambers, lid, and spigot visibly. Do the same […]
What Should I Do During A Boil Order or Boil Water Advisory?
What is a boil order or boil water advisory and why do they happen? When public tap water becomes unsafe to consume, drink, or use, an announcement is made by the entities responsible for ensuring its safety, typically local governments and water districts or municipal utility companies. In such cases, water has become contaminated with […]
Using My Berkey Systems During an Emergency
When I lived in southern California, I used my Berkeys during boil water alerts, earthquakes, and for long-term camping trips. Here in Texas, I’ve used my Berkey® Water Filter Systems during blackouts, boil water alerts, and brown outs, in addition to our daily usage within our home. Whenever I’ve used freshwater sources such as lake, […]
Are the Black Berkey® Elements able to remove microscopic parasites that cause giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis?
Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis are intestinal infections caused by the protozoan parasites giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium parvum. The ailments are often caused by ingesting water or food contaminated by the feces from infected animals and humans. Symptoms of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis can include diarrhea, gas, nausea, and cramps. The parasites are commonly found in outdoor water sources such as […]
What Can Cause My Water to Look Cloudy After Filtering Through Black Berkey® Elements?
A small number of customers have reported that their water (which was clear before filtering) appeared cloudy after filtering it through Berkey® systems equipped with Black Berkey® Elements, and in conjunction, some experience a very slow flow rate. NMCL sells a large number of Berkey® systems and replacement Black Berkey® Elements globally each year, yet isolated reports of water […]
Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Elements and Activated Alumina (Aluminum Oxide)
Recently, we learned of concerns expressed online regarding the use of activated alumina in the Berkey® PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Elements (PF-2s). In the name PF-2, the “PF” stands for post-filter because they are a secondary filtering media that attach directly to the Black Berkey® Elements. The misconception about the media technology used exclusively […]
Do Black Berkey® Purification Elements Reduce Bromate from Tap Water?
Bromate is a disinfectant byproduct that is formed after bromine reacts with chemical oxidants such as ozone. This process can occur during the treatment of drinking water. While New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. has not conducted specific testing for bromate, our expectation is that reduction of bromate should occur for the following reasons: Bromate (BrO3-) is […]
Are Berkey Systems able to remove Chromium 6 from water?
The short answer is Yes! Black Berkey elements have been tested to remove greater than 99.8% of Chromium 6. In fact, Both the Black Berkey purification elements and the Berkey Sport Bottle have laboratory testing, showing both Chromium and Chromium 6 reduction. It is important to note though, that not all forms of Chromium are […]
How to Collect and Handle A Water Sample
Proper collection and handling of a water sample is critical for a meaningful water test. Sample containers should always be obtained from the testing laboratory because containers may be specially prepared for a specific contaminant. Sampling and handling should be followed carefully. Water samples for bacteria tests must always be collected in a sterile container. […]
Does Your Water Look Cloudy After Filtering Through Black Berkey® Elements?
A small number of customers have reported that their water (which was clear before filtering) appeared cloudy after filtering it through Berkey® systems equipped with Black Berkey® Elements, and in conjunction, some experience a very slow flow rate. NMCL sells a large number of Berkey® systems and replacement Black Berkey® Elements globally each year, yet isolated reports of water […]
When and how do I clean the Black Berkey® Elements?
The Black Berkey® Elements don’t necessarily need to be cleaned every time you clean your Berkey® unit. However, this can vary depending on your area and water source. In certain areas, the water is much dirtier than normal, and will necessitate cleaning the elements more frequently, possibly even more than cleaning the rest of the […]
Can I use my Berkey® system to filter water from my dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers that use refrigeration will have cold metal tubes to turn water vapor from a gas to a liquid. According to the EPA, stagnant condensate water can harbor biological contaminants, including mold, mildew and algae, especially if the collection bucket isn’t cleaned regularly. These contaminants have the potential for causing diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis […]
Is the Activated Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) Media used in the Berkey PF-2™ Elements the same thing as Aluminum?
While many people want to remove fluoride and heavy metals from their drinking water and use the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Elements along with their Black Berkey Elements, they are concerned about aluminum being added to their water and the potential side effects. We’ve included this information from New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., the manufacturer […]