Why are the Black Berkey filters no longer available separately? And what alternatives are there?
Many customers wonder why the original Black Berkey filters are no longer available separately and have often heard about the EPA blockade. Below, we clearly explain what is going on and what alternatives are currently available.
What happened to Berkey?
In early 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that the Black Berkey filter elements under the US pesticides act (FIFRA).
This is because the filters contain silver (which is registered as a pesticide in the US) AND claims were made about reducing bacteria and viruses. According to the EPA, a product that fights such micro-organisms falls under the category of "pesticide".
This gave the filter elements a different legal classification. This led to legal proceedings (lawsuit by Berkey at the EPA to adjust this classification again) and production restrictions in the US. The court case on this is still ongoing.
Consequences:
- The loose Black Berkey filter elements are no longer produced under the name of Berkey. So production under the "Black Berkey" name has been on hold all along.
- The stock that Berkey still has of the Black Berkey filter elements is used to keep the complete water filter product on the market. So that means that if you buy a Berkey water filter in it now, you will just have the original Black Berkey filters sit.
What are the alternatives to the Black Berkey filters now?
Fortunately, new solutions have since been developed, allowing users of Berkey systems to continue using their water filter.
1. BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters
The team behind one of the largest Berkey dealers (JEI) and the manufacturer of the original Black Berkey filter formulation (in fact, the Black Berkey filters were produced by a separate factory commissioned by Berkey) have teamed up to create new filters that do comply with US law.
Using these new filters same basic formula as the Black Berkey filters, but they are on paper a different product because they make no claims that they remove microorganisms - thus complying with EPA regulations.
They also new, patented improvements received and have been tested by an independent party.
This has thus resulted in the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters. So in practice, the new BOROUX Foundation Filters use the same formula as the old Black Berkey filters, but are positioned in a way that is legally permissible (i.e. NO official claims for removing microorganisms in the US). This is mainly a regulatory difference, no technical difference in the filter media used
What does this mean concretely?
- The filters are based on the same core technology and formula as the earlier Black Berkey filters. So you can buy the same again but now under the name BOROUX Foundation Filters.
- They have been adapted to current US regulations (EPA-compliant) and come with transparent tests.
- No more official claims are made about removing bacteria and viruses to comply with legislation.
- They are suitable for use in existing Berkey systems.
- BOROUX is not connected to Berkey - it is a completely different brand. So the production of the filters does take place at exactly the same place in America.
- The recommended replacement period is similar to the original Black Berkey filters (current recommendation: with average use and using tap water, replace every 3 years at most).
For many Berkey users, this is currently the solution and therefore the most preferred alternative.
Since BOROUX has, of course, always been in direct contact with end customers, they have listened carefully to the market. They have therefore also launched their own water filters with their own design and a choice of colours. In doing so, they have also again new, patented improvements applied. Check out our overview page with all BOROUX water filters. Two BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters delivered.
2. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters
Through all this, the company behind the Berkey brand name (New Millennium Concepts) has now partnered with Phoenix Gravity. From this, the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters arise (a filter specially developed for New Millennium Concepts).
Features:
- Developed as replacement filters from Berkey (New Millennium Concepts).
- Suitable for use in all Berkey water filters.
- Shorter replacement time (recommended: 1 year).
- It is slightly smaller than the original Black Berkey filter.
- New manufacturing partner, production takes place in India.
- Recently introduced to the market.
Because this filter is new, even fewer long-term experiences are available than for the BOROUX variant.
And so just to clarify: if you buy a new Berkey water filter, it will now just be delivered with 2 original Black Berkey filters. The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters are thus presented as replacement filters.
What does this mean for existing Berkey users?
Do you already have a Berkey water filtration system? If so, there are currently two options:
- BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters - based on the original technology.
- Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters - a collaboration of New Millennium Concepts with Phoenix Gravity.
Both are compatible with existing Berkey systems.
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