Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter

Score: 6.5/10 | The Berkey has devoted fans and a loyal following, but regulatory issues and lack of standard certifications require careful consideration. This isn't a simple recommendation - it's a case study in why certifications matter.

In late 2022, the EPA classified Berkey's Black filters as "pesticide devices" under FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) because they contain antimicrobial silver and claim to remove microorganisms. This led to stop-sale orders for dealers.

Berkey argues this is a regulatory classification dispute, not a product safety issue. They filed their own lawsuit against the EPA in August 2023. The outcome remains uncertain.

State Bans: California and Iowa have banned Berkey's indoor water systems because they lack third-party certifications. California has required NSF/ANSI certification for home filters since 2009.

Berkey's position is that NSF certifications are "optional" and "limited in their application" for gravity-fed systems. Critics point out this is exactly the kind of thing a company might say to avoid the cost and accountability of certification.

Testing by Wirecutter found that Black Berkey filters "stopped meeting the NSF removal standard after approximately 1,100 gallons" - barely more than a third of the claimed 3,000-gallon lifespan.

What Some Users Love: Large capacity for families and emergency preparedness. No electricity or plumbing required. Stainless steel construction is durable.

The Concerns: Lack of NSF certification means no third-party verification of claims. EPA regulatory disputes create uncertainty. State bans suggest official concern about the products. Filter longevity claims may be overstated.

Recent Development: Berkey has introduced "Phoenix" filters which ARE NSF certified - suggesting they recognize the market demands certification.

I can't recommend the traditional Berkey in good conscience given the certification gaps and regulatory issues. If Berkey appeals to you, consider their newer NSF-certified Phoenix filters instead, or choose a different brand entirely.

Score: 6.5/10 | The Berkey has devoted fans and a loyal following, but regulatory issues and lack of standard certifications require careful consideration. This isn't a simple recommendation - it's a case study in why certifications matter.

In late 2022, the EPA classified Berkey's Black filters as "pesticide devices" under FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) because they contain antimicrobial silver and claim to remove microorganisms. This led to stop-sale orders for dealers.

Berkey argues this is a regulatory classification dispute, not a product safety issue. They filed their own lawsuit against the EPA in August 2023. The outcome remains uncertain.

State Bans: California and Iowa have banned Berkey's indoor water systems because they lack third-party certifications. California has required NSF/ANSI certification for home filters since 2009.

Berkey's position is that NSF certifications are "optional" and "limited in their application" for gravity-fed systems. Critics point out this is exactly the kind of thing a company might say to avoid the cost and accountability of certification.

Testing by Wirecutter found that Black Berkey filters "stopped meeting the NSF removal standard after approximately 1,100 gallons" - barely more than a third of the claimed 3,000-gallon lifespan.

What Some Users Love: Large capacity for families and emergency preparedness. No electricity or plumbing required. Stainless steel construction is durable.

The Concerns: Lack of NSF certification means no third-party verification of claims. EPA regulatory disputes create uncertainty. State bans suggest official concern about the products. Filter longevity claims may be overstated.

Recent Development: Berkey has introduced "Phoenix" filters which ARE NSF certified - suggesting they recognize the market demands certification.

I can't recommend the traditional Berkey in good conscience given the certification gaps and regulatory issues. If Berkey appeals to you, consider their newer NSF-certified Phoenix filters instead, or choose a different brand entirely.