Why aren't Black Berkey filters sold separately anymore? And what alternatives are there?
Many customers wonder why the original Black Berkey filters are no longer available for purchase separately and have often heard something about the EPA ban. Below, we clearly explain what’s going on and what alternatives are currently available.
What happened to Berkey?
In early 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that Black Berkey filter cartridges fall under the U.S. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
The reason for this is that the filters contain silver (which is registered as a pesticide in the U.S.) and that claims were made about reducing bacteria and viruses. According to the EPA, a product that combats such microorganisms falls under the category of “pesticide.”
As a result, the filter elements were given a different legal classification. This led to legal proceedings (Berkey’s lawsuit against the EPA to have this classification revised) and production restrictions in the United States. The lawsuit regarding this matter is still ongoing.
Consequences:
- The individual Black Berkey filter cartridges are no longer manufactured under the Berkey brand name. Production under the name “Black Berkey” has therefore been suspended for some time now.
- Berkey is using its remaining stock of Black Berkey filter elements to keep the entire water filter product line on the market. This means that if you buy a Berkey water filter now, it will still come with the original Black Berkey filters.
What alternatives are there to the Black Berkey filters?
Fortunately, new solutions have since been developed, allowing users of Berkey systems to continue using their water filters.
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 (since the Black Berkey filters were actually produced by a separate factory working on behalf of Berkey) have joined forces to create new filters that do comply with U.S. law.
These new filters use the same basic formula as the Black Berkey filters, but on paper they are a different product because they do not claim to remove microorganisms—which means they comply with EPA regulations.
They have also been enhanced with new, patented improvements and have been tested by an independent third party.
This has therefore resulted in the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters. In practice, the new BOROUX Foundation Filters use the same formula as the old Black Berkey filters, but they are marketed in a way that is legally permissible (i.e., NO official claims regarding the removal of microorganisms in the U.S.). This is primarily a regulatory difference, not a technical difference in the filter media used
What does this mean in practical terms?
- The filters are based on the same core technology and formula as the earlier Black Berkey filters. So you can buy the same product again, but now under the name BOROUX Foundation Filters.
- They comply with current U.S. regulations (EPA-compliant) and come with transparent test results.
- No official claims are made anymore regarding the removal of bacteria and viruses, in order to comply with the law.
- They are suitable for use in existing Berkey systems.
- BOROUX is not affiliated with Berkey —it is a completely different brand. However, the filters are manufactured at exactly the same location in the United States.
- The recommended replacement interval is similar to that of the original Black Berkey filters (current recommendation: with average use and tap water, replace no more than once every 3 years).
For many Berkey users, this is currently the go-to solution and, as a result, the most popular choice.
Since BOROUX has, of course, always been in direct contact with end customers, they have listened closely to the market. As a result, they have introduced their own line of water filters, featuring a unique design and a choice of different colors. They have also incorporated new, patented improvements into these products. Check out our overview page featuring all BOROUX water filters. Every BOROUX water filter comes standard with two BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters included as standard.
2. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters
As a result of all this, the company behind the Berkey brand (New Millennium Concepts) has now established a partnership with Phoenix Gravity. This has led to the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters (a filter specially developed for New Millennium Concepts).
Features:
- Developed as replacement filters by Berkey (New Millennium Concepts).
- Suitable for use in all Berkey water filters.
- Shorter replacement interval (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, there is even less long-term experience available than with the BOROUX version.
So, just to be clear: if you buy a new Berkey water filter, it will still come with 2 original Black Berkey filters. The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters are therefore marketed as replacement filters.
What does this mean for current Berkey users?
Do you already have a Berkey water filtration system? If so, you currently have two options:
- BOROUX Foundation™ Black Filters – based on the original technology.
- Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters – a collaboration between New Millennium Concepts and Phoenix Gravity.
Both are compatible with existing Berkey systems.