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Although Berkey is a well-known and trusted brand, it was still hiding something very important from its customers. And after hearing the problems and doing testing, there are a few things every user must know.
In this article, I will try to clarify all the questions like why Berkey is not NSF certified, why is Berkey water filter making me sick, and others because having a good water filtration system is essential for maintaining good health.
A few reasons why is Berkey not NSF certified
Although the Berkey water filter has a strong following and people have been using it over the years, but still, some problems are being reported. The manufacturers of Berkey claim that this filter can remove a huge number of contaminants as compared to other filters. However, this claim is false, as this unit is not independently certified to NSF standards like other water filters present in the markets.
Not following the standards of NSF makes it hazardous for everyday use as NSF standards are necessary for the safety and protection of consumers by providing third-party testing and the validation of products to the public. And below, I have a few reasons to tell why is Berkey not NSF certified and unsafe for the consumer.
Require unnecessary maintenance
If you want the proper functioning of the Berkey filter, you need to clean it regularly. You have to start by removing the filter and scrubbing it with the scouring pad. This cleaning method can introduce harmful bacteria and hinder the performance of the filter. In short, an attempt to clean the filter can create an unhygienic environment for drinking water.
Slow and inconvenient
This water filter is much slower than typical filters. It is because an extremely dense medium is used to filter elements that remove sustainably more impurities than other filters, but the flow rate can be increased by adding more black Berkeys.
Typically, the extra filter elements will cut the flow rate in half as it works on the basis of gravity, which means the force of gravity push the water through the filter. As the water filters from the top chamber, the quantity of water and gravity reduce the water flow.
So cold and freshwater is not frequently available when you want. Furthermore, due to its huge size, it will occupy a large space on your kitchen countertop or in the refrigerator.
Frequent cleaning
It is recommended to clean every chamber, piece, and part of the filter to clean once every month, which means monthly cleaning! It can be really difficult for many people due to its dense structure. It removes more contaminants, but it is necessary to know that the removed impurities are trapped in the outer layer of black filter media. So, you need to spare separate time for cleaning this part.
Replacement filters are expensive
If you are thinking of buying a new water filter, the first thing that comes to mind is its efficacy and budget. Many users found Berkey water filters very expensive as they may cost up to 120 dollars per set, which is a big amount for a household water filter.
In many cases, users accept an expensive water filtration system, but only if it works properly. Unfortunately, Berkey has failed to be budget-friendly and suitable for local users.
It does not remove nitrates
As nitrate can cause serious health problems, therefore, the levels of nitrate must be regulated in drinking water. Berkey claims to remove 95% of nitrates which is not possible due to its climate and purification type.
Because it uses a carbon filtration system to purify water, but according to EPF, nitrates can only be removed from water by using an Ion exchange, electrolysis, and reverse osmosis method.
Nitrate can turn hemoglobin into methemoglobin, and its high levels can turn your skin bluish-grey with a lot more serious health effects like fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and increased heart rate.
Large systems
Although the water Berkey filters come in 6 different sizes, still it is not suitable to fit in your kitchen. Accordingly, if you are planning to place a Berkey in your small kitchen, be sure to measure the available height and diameter.
So, you would need to buy a special table on the side to put the Berkey, which is just not convenient for the user. The smallest among all types is a travel Berkey.
Even though this is 19 inches tall, that is not so suitable to fit in your suitcase. It’s still going to be something really heavy and large for a traveler.
Leaches aluminum to water
A Berkey water filter has Aluminum oxide for the purification of some unwanted minerals. Although Aluminum oxide, known as activated aluminum, removes hazardous minerals like a magnet, it adds an unacceptable amount of aluminum to filtered water.
This mineral is unnatural for human consumption and may not be good for you. The truth is aluminum is not found in food that we eat or we drink. So, if it leaches into water, it can have a few health problems like nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, and arthritic pain.
Berkey can make you sick
Many people say the Berkey water filter making me sick, and I believe it is correct to some extent as this filter can grow coliform bacteria inside it. If you don’t clean it on a regular basis, it can add bacteria to your water which will make you sick.
A study found that the number of bacteria was more as compared to bacteria present in tap water. After thoroughly testing, it is proven that an old Berkey filter can be home to health-hazardous coliform bacteria.
So, it won’t be a good choice to stick to a Berkey water filter. You can get numerous water filters that are far better than this.
Final words