The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 10 water filter systems for their ability to remove 25 individual per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (better known as "PFAS") in tap water. During EWG's testing, the Berkey water filter (operated with Black Berkey filter elements) removed PFAS to undetectable levels, which placed the system in the category "Best overall".
The Berkey water filter was also praised for its large capacity compared to other water filters tested, and “exceptionally long filter life” (each pair of authentic Black Berkey filter elements can filter up to approximately 22,700 liters (11,350 liters each) of tap water before replacement is recommended). CBS News Philadelphia produced a news report about EWG's tests, which mentions the Berkey water filter. You can view this here. CBS Colorado also mentioned the Berkey water filter in a TV news segment about EWG's test, you can view it here.
EWG's water filter test results were released a week after the United States Geological Survey (USGS) their studies published showing that drinking water from nearly half of American households contains at least one type of PFAS. PFAS have been in use since at least the 1950s and have been linked to a wide range of human health problems, including certain types of cancer and developmental, metabolic, immune disorders and more. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" due to the fact that they take a very long time to break down in the environment.
To protect against PFAS in your drinking water, make sure you have a final barrier system. This includes a Berkey water filter equipped with the powerful Black Berkey filter elements that have been independently tested by accredited laboratories to remove perfluorinated chemicals below detectable levels.
Read more:
- EWG: News Release | Guide to PFAS Water Filters
- CBS Colorado: Which Water Filters Can Block PFAs
- CBS News Philadelphia: Environmental Group Tests to Find the Best Water Filters for Removing PFAS
- New Study: “Forever Chemicals” Found in Nearly Half of US. Tap Water
- Do Black Berkey® Elements Remove PFAS and Other PFCs in Drinking Water?
- Black Berkey® Elements: The Final Barrier against PFOA and Other PFCs in Drinking Water






