I tested a Berkey... and can’t believe what I found
Вставка
- Опубліковано 21 тра 2024
- We put a Berkey water filter system to the test using a certified third party laboratory. We tested two different samples of water: 1) municipally treated city water, and 2) untreated pond water. In this video, Brian goes over the test results data in detail and discusses an anomaly that was found.
‼*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%
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📒 Show Notes 📒
1️⃣ Test Your Water with Tap Score: geni.us/5VMmvc
$10 off Tap Score Discount Code: motivated-painter-4204.ck.pag...
2️⃣ Learn more about Berkey: geni.us/NNBW
3️⃣ Better Filters for Fluoride Removal
Clearly Filtered Pitcher: geni.us/XPYwx
AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis System: geni.us/DG4w1lF
Waterdrop X12 Reverse Osmosis System: geni.us/Wf4YYyl
4️⃣ Our lab reports
Unfiltered City Water gosimplelab.com/SYHHVW
Berkey City Water gosimplelab.com/G3ZCCX
Unfiltered Pond Water gosimplelab.com/T4CSEO
Berkey Pond Water gosimplelab.com/KBJR8M
Our 2nd Berkey Test Project • I tested a Berkey…AGAIN!
⏰ Chapters ⏰
0:00 I tested a Berkey... and can’t believe what I found
0:36 How We Tested
2:07 Our Sampling Process
2:28 City Water Test Results
4:52 Pond Water Test Results
5:29 Conclusions
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🙋♂️ QUESTION - Have a question about Water Quality, Contaminants, Treatment, or Anything Else? Post in the comments section of this video!
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is provided solely for informational purposes as a public service to our users and the greater good. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS VIDEO DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a qualified health care professional. We assume no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the use, misuse, interpretation or application of any information supplied in this Video. Do not rely on information in this Video as a tool for self-diagnosis or other health-related issues. If you have a specific medical condition, please contact your health care provider. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE VIDEO IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The statements made in this video are solely my opinion and should no be considered scientific fact.
Laboratory Quality Assurance Disclaimer
Like all water test results (indeed, all lab testing), results are subject to variabilities and inaccuracies that Tap Score works to understand, limit, and explain. More information about the most common sources of variability that Tap Score are aware of can be found here: mytapscore.com/blogs/tips-for...
100% Contaminant Removal Rates Disclaimer
A 100% removal rate means there are no contaminant detections above the MDL (Method Detection Limit). The MDL is the lowest concentration of a given analyte for which the laboratory is confident in claiming per each contaminants detection (ie. how low the instruments can measure down to with confidence).
Image(s) and/or Footage used under license from Canva.com. www.canva.com/
Additional images: “Activated alumina” by GOKLuLe 盧樂 licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
#berkey #berkeywaterfilter #berkeyfilters #waterfilterguru - Наука та технологія
‼**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.♥️👍
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.
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
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
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 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 :)
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
I just discovered your Chanel.
It’s great that someone take time for this really important issue
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you've found the videos helpful! Stay tuned for more!
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.
Thanks for the video. Answers so many things I've wondered about, but didn't realize we could test. I really like the testing process being explained, brings a lot of understanding and validity to the results.
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching! We're currently working on a project to test a completely different set of PF2 fluoride filters to see if we get similar results or not
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.
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.
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 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
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
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.
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! ua-cam.com/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/v-deo.html
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!
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?
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."
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.
Thank you I love that we are starting to check if the stuff is working. Actually only you here.
Thanks for watching! Please keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this is just one single test with limited data :) we are actually currently working on re-testing to see if we get the same results with a different set of PF2 fluoride filters or not
@@waterfilterguru Thank you You are awesome for doing it. It is very interesting to know because we have a lot of autism and Alzheimer Parkinson sickness is also growing Heavy metals are not fun
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! ua-cam.com/video/5h87z2rA6Og/v-deo.html
I'm glad you are doing lab tests on water filters- THANKS!
More to come!
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! ua-cam.com/video/5h87z2rA6Og/v-deo.html
great content. helpful, clear, and thorough!!
Much appreciated!
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
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
Helpful content, well presented. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
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
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
This was an outstanding video. Thank you. Please keep it up.
Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for the follow-up. We're currently working on re-testing with a different set of PF2 fluoride filters
Thank you for this. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for the Berley test round 2, currently in the works!
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!
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 just wanted to say thank you very much for the info. Appreciate it.
Thanks for watching and the feedback!
I saw another video a while back testing the berkey. They also found highly elevated aluminum levels when using the fluoride filters. I've been using just the black filters ever since.
We are currently in the process of re-testing with a different set of PF2 fluoride filters to see if we get similar results or not - stay tuned!
we are lost@@waterfilterguru
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.
I love that you're testing these!!!
We All Need Clean Drinking Water!
"Water Is Life... Every Drop Counts!"
Thanks for the comment - I couldn't agree more. Water is the essence of life!
@@waterfilterguru I make glass water drop necklaces and gift them to Water Protectors to thank them for protecting Creator's Water. The work you're doing here helps to keep our water supply safe and drinkable. I'd love to gift you!
This is a great video, thorough. Thank you
Thanks for watching and for your feedback. Stay tuned for test results 2.0, currently testing at the lab!
I had a feeling by just looking at the system that it probably didn’t work that great but wow! Thanks!
The Black Berkey filters actually performed really well. Please see the test results starting at 4:00 and check out the pinned comment :)
The issue was with the PF2 fluoride filters only. We're currently in the process of re-testing a different set of PF2 filters, so stay tuned for those results!
Our Berkey Re-Test video is live! Check it out here ua-cam.com/video/1QL3McV20YM/v-deo.html
I suggest check : Zero Water. If not already done.
Thanks for the comment and suggestion, we've got it on the list!
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?
We’ll done! Interesting and useful. Keep ‘em coming! 😊
Thank you! Have you seen the Alexapure video yet? ua-cam.com/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/v-deo.html
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.
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. ua-cam.com/video/mbGuu9LK_XA/v-deo.html. Get a water distiller if you're really concerned.
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 UA-cam 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/
Great video Brian, Thank You! 🙏
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for testing the Berkey! I would love to see the AquaTru filters tested!!
Already tested, working on the video now! Stay tuned 😬
AquaTru test is live! ua-cam.com/video/NubOZMtj68g/v-deo.html
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
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
We are on well water here in rural KY, and I have a system of filters. Two large house filters that filter sand and sediment. The first is a filter that looks like a spool of yarn. The second one in line is a carbon filter. Then we put it through the Berky.
Thanks for sharing about your setup! When. Was the last time you had your well water tested by a certified lab?
@@waterfilterguru About two months ago. We only tested for total coliform though. I shock the well once a year to be safe. We let the chlorine sit a few hours, then run a garden hose from the house back into the well and let is circulate. OPen all the faucets until we smell the chlorine. Then we let it sit for a couple more hours before doing a full flush. I'll open one faucet at a time and let it run off and on until I smell no more chlorine.
Fantastic work, tnx for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Cool project-nicely done!
Thank you! Cheers!
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
You are freaking awesome. Real tests? This is great. Are there any water filters that do not have plastic in their housing or construction???
Glad it was helpful! Unfortunately I'm not aware of any water filters that have 0 plastic - there is always some plastic component. These stainless steel units come pretty close, but there's always a plastic component to the filter element/ cartridge
Thanks for the test.
Thanks for watching. Did you see the retest?
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: ua-cam.com/video/AVZmZwTxnMc/v-deo.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
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 hope you are aware of the industrial connection between aluminum and fluoride good job I'm glad see it
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?
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 your test!
Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for Berkey test 2.0 where we are testing a completely different set of PF2 filters to see if we get similar results or not
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
Subscribed, great sleuthing ! Keep the findings coming.....
Thanks for the sub! Stay tuned, more stainless steel gravity filter tests coming out soon
Great content first of all thank you, because you didn't have to share this info, and secondly as a berkey owner myself for couple years my family and I use it daily also use the shower fluoride filters , as the man of the house my responsibility is to protect and give my family quality all around ,with that being said did you do a follow up test on these fluoride filters for aluminum thanks in advance
Glad it was helpful! We have not yet retested
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
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
Glad to run across your video👍🏻
Thanks for watching! We're currently in the process of conducting a re-test... make sure you're subscribed so you get notified when we upload those results www.youtube.com/@waterfilterguru?sub_confirmation=1
Thank you! I almost well , maybe they will change the filters and I hope so. I was looking into getting one.
Keep in mind, as is mentioned in the video, this was just one test and the PF2 filter we used may have been defective.
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?
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.
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.
Great video! I have been using Aquasana under counter system with two cartridge system. Would love to see those tested!
Great suggestion, we'll add it to the list. Thank you!
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! ua-cam.com/video/LUwzp-7qV6c/v-deo.html
I would like to see you test the Gopure pods. I think that would be interesting.🤔 Thank you for doing what you do.
Great suggestion! I'd actually not heard of these... this will be a good one!
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.
You never know how accurate the manufacturer claims are until they're tested by outside sources. Thank you for your testing. Living on "The Iron Range" of Minnesota hearing about the remaining Iron in your water was kind of a downer for Berky. The water here destroys everything. Water heaters, coffee makers, clothes washers, shower heads, toilet mechanisms. Who knows what kind of health issues it causes. Water is essential. CLEAN water is essential. Still searching for the best whole house water filtration system. Thanks for the Berkey test.
Please see the pinned comment! More iron was removed than the video mentions (we had an error in our script)
@@waterfilterguru I figured there was something amiss but didn't blame you or Berkey. They are still some of the best on the market.
Great video! Would love to see the rest for Zero Water if possible.
Thanks - ZeroWater test coming soon!
ZeroWater lab test video is published! ua-cam.com/video/Ud45hxCFQyM/v-deo.html
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!
👍 & SUBSCRIBED. Thanks for putting these filters to the test! Sad to see how claims are easily trusted by consumers. How would we’ve known, if it weren’t for you guys put these products through the ringer & actually test its claims?! OMG! Being TRICKED/CONNED is NOT a good feeling, that’s for sure! And this is just ONE product out of ….. 😵💫🤯🤬
Thanks for watching! Please 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 testing again
Thank you! You asked for what to test: please test distillers? There's a bit more "expense" but it makes the cleanest water I know of. (Adding a "structured water device" should make it healthier; am working on that.) Thanks again!
Hey thanks for watching and for the comment and request. We've had a few requests for distillers - we will definitely test one out soon
Thank you I just found your channel. This is a good topic because we all need to know about the real things in our water since we are all water in this meat temple
I would love to see the testing for WaterBoss And aqua Cena also the comparison of RO water. What’s really in that?
Much appreciated. Looking forward to your ongoing experiments.
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for your suggestions
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
Thank you for doing this video ❤
Thanks for watching! Stay tuned, currently working on an update after testing a different set of PF2 fluoride filters
Our Berkey Re-Test video is live! Check it out here ua-cam.com/video/1QL3McV20YM/v-deo.html
Please do the brita filter line! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Cheers
We'll be testing Brita in an upcoming project. Thanks for adding you request!
I would love to see ProOne filters tested as they are a ceramic filter and many buy them for gravity filtration backups.
Are these the updated name for ProPur? I have the ProPur but cannot find replacement filters.
You can blow ceramic filters out with compressed air, put filter in a bag of water, keep psi low & Increase as you go. You will be amazed.
Yes Propur rebranded to ProOne. We will be testing one in an upcoming project soon!
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:
ua-cam.com/video/HHjSxI9XAWQ/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/zAr7axoc8eI/v-deo.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?
Very helpful. Thank you water dude.
Thanks for watching and your feedback!
Hi, thank you so much for this video! To date, can you tell me what free standing water purifier is best?
Hey thanks for the question! By 'free standing', do you mean gravity based systems?
Interesting... not what I would have expected!
Yeah isn't that crazy?!
I have had my Berkey for years and use it to filter running water from a seasonal creek on my property. I have been using the filtered water all those years and am here to write about it. My only issue with the black filters is that the plastic stems that protrude through the top half and are secured by plastic nuts and tend to wear after a few rounds of filter maintenance and get stripped to the point where they no longer tighten enough for the rubber gaskets to prevent unfiltered water from the top half leaking into the bottom half. My fix is to use teflon tape as one would on any typical plumbing connection. The stand-up black filters should not be able to be wiggled when in place or there will be leakage of unfiltered water into the bottom reservoir. The fix on Berkey's part would be to make these connections out of stainless steel, but that would dramatically raise the cost of the units.
Thank you for your efforts.
Hey thanks for your comment, and great input! That's why it's also always a good idea to do the red dye test after installing new filters, just to make sure there aren't any leaks! Love the workaround
Good video. You asked for suggestions on other filters to test. Please test Nispira filters (third party replacement for Berkey), and also please test MultiPure counter top filters. Thanks!
Great, thanks a ton for your requests! I'll put them on the list
An issue w/ gravity filters is the top chamber rarely is filled so the top parts of the black filters are not fully utilized. Dr Ealy also tested the Berkey and concluded the issue was in the fluoride filters; the charcoal filters in general worked better w/o them tho issue of fluoride is not addressed. His theory is that the lower chamber water has the fluoride filters sitting it in an d possibly recontaminating the water. I've heard Aqua Pure filters scored higher than Berkey - you could try those to compare.
Great info, thanks for sharing! This is indeed one issue with these gravity-fed stainless steel systems. The media in the bottom part of the filters in the upper chamber gets much more use than the top part. We are actually seeing some interesting data in a new test that has to do exactly with this. Stay tuned for those results! And thanks for the suggestion about Aqua Pure, I'll put it on our list for consideration for a future project
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
Have you contacted Berkey about this problem with the Fluoride filter?
THANK YOU! NEW SUB. FROM THE 641.. i ALMOST HOOKED UP THE WHTE CHLORINE FILTERS, USING MY BERKEY FOR THE FIRST TIME. REALLY GLAD TO FIND YOUR CHANNEL. ALWAYS THUMBS UP!
You mean the PF2 fluoride filters? The black filters, which actually performed really well in our test, are the ones that reduce chlorine
Thank you, very helpful information! Will you do an other test after one years?
Re-test is currently in the works ;)