If you’ve ever thought about investing in a water filter, check out my review on the Berkey Water Filter and learn why we now use BOROUX filters.
Clean water is a priority at the farmhouse. It’s important for our health, and, of course, clean water is essential in creating a thriving sourdough starter. (Sourdough is a pretty big deal around here in case you didn’t know!)
Whether you have well water or city water, it’s important to filter your water or find another water source.
And with eleven people in our house, we wouldn’t want to go through that much bottled water.
That’s why we’ve been using our Berkey® water filter (now BOROUX® filters … more on this below) for almost 15 years.
But when I first started looking into water filtration options, I quickly discovered there were an overwhelming amount to choose from — reverse osmosis system, refrigerator pitcher systems, under counter systems, and more.
I did a lot of research, and after 15 years of use, I am still sold on our decision to invest in a Berkey.
You may have noticed, though, that Berkey no longer sells its famous Black Berkey Filters. So, if you are looking for a water filter now, here is a run down of what we use currently and why we love it.
Why are the Black Berkey Water Filters no longer available?
Berkey came under fire from the EPA in 2022. The EPA ordered that the sale and use of the Black Berkey Filters stop because it was not compliant with the federal law FIFRA. This non-compliance was due to claims made by the company and not the product itself. (Learn more about this EPA battle here.)
Due to these issues with the EPA, Berkey no longer sells its Black Berkey Filters, but a different filter system.
However, one of the main distributers of Berkey, JEI, created a new brand, called Boroux. Using the same technology as the Black Berkey filters with improvements and third-party testing, they created the Boroux Foundation Filters. These filters are FIFRA compliant.
So, long story short, we still use our Berkey, but with replacement filters from Boroux.
If you have a Berkey, you can now purchase replacement filters through Boroux. But if you are looking for a whole water system, Boroux offers it all, with beautiful stainless steel chambers.
We have a Royal Berkey, which is comparable to the Boroux Legacy Water Filter System. Both hold around 3 gallons of water. You can also purchase a smaller, more compact gravity-fed water filter from Boroux, that holds about a gallon and a half.
How the Boroux Water Filters Work
The Boroux is a gravity water filter, just like the Berkey.
You simply pour water into the top chamber, and then it trickles down through the filter. The Foundation Black filters remove more than 80 contaminants, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pharmaceuticals, plastic and industrial chemicals, and more. For a full list of the contaminants the filter removes, check out the Boroux website here.
It does this all while keeping the good minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in your water.
Once the water is filtered, it trickles into the lower chamber, where you can use the spigot to get your filtered drinking water.
One note to keep in mind: If you are hoping to get rid of fluoride in your water, you’ll need to add on the fluoride filters, too.
The Pros: Why I Recommend Boroux Filters
Here are the top reasons why I recommend the Boroux Filters.
Price Point – Even though some systems were slightly cheaper up front, many required you to purchase replacement filters every few months. With Boroux, you replace filters about every year. Overall, I felt this was the most cost-effective option for our family. The Boroux filter also comes with a lifetime warranty. And if you are purchasing the whole filter system, you have a 101 day risk free trial to make sure you love it.
Third-party Testing – The filters are tested by third-party labs and are scientifically proven to remove more than 80 contaminants. That means these are test results you can trust, making you confident in your filtered water.
Filter Replacement – Many filtration systems require you to change out filters every few months or even more frequently. For example, pitcher water filters typical require a filter change every month or two. Boroux filters last up to one year before you need to replace them.
Easy to Refill – I simply fill the chamber right in my kitchen sink. It’s so easy!
One of the other features I love about the Boroux is the stainless steel and ceramic spigot. This is a big upgrade from the plastic spigot on the Berkey.
The Cons
Space – Stainless steel countertop water filters do take up precious countertop space. The 3-gallon Boroux stands almost 2 feet tall, and is 9 inches wide. So, make sure to measure the spot you plan to keep it in before purchasing.
Cleaning – You will want to clean the upper chamber and bottom chamber every once in awhile. They recommend once every month. This is typical for gravity-fed filters. Although it does require this maintenance, it is super easy to clean. So, for me, this is not a down side. It takes no time at all to clean the stainless steel compartments. For full instructions on how to clean your Boroux, visit their site here.
FAQs
We never have an issue with not using up the water quickly with 9 kids in the house. However, Boroux recommends using the water within 1 to 3 days, ideally.
The red dye test allows you to test your Boroux filter to make sure it is still working. The Boroux filters come with the red dye test solution so you can verify they are working before you begin. You can also use this test to make sure your filters are still working properly after a few months and do not need replaced.
Here’s how to perform the test: Remove the top portion of the stainless steel system, leaving the black filters securely screwed in. Place the bottom tip of each filter into a glass jar. Add eight cups of water and 10 drops of food coloring to the top basin and give it a little stir. Watch the water come out completely clear into the glass jars below. If the water in the jars has any tint to it, its time to replace those filters.
Yes. According to Boroux’s website, it removes up to 99% of lead.
They recommend switching out filters every 12 months if you have up to two people using it, and every 9 months if you have up to four people.
To remove fluoride from your water, you’ll need to purchase a separate fluoride filter. This additional filter will fit onto a Berkey as well.
Hello! Do you still recommend the berkey water filter. I no longer see it on your counters and I see they have a lawsuit against them do to their filters leaching.
I do still use it, but moved it to the pantry.
What size berkey do you have?
Royal
Hi Lisa,
We’re a family of 7. What size would you purchase if you had it to do over again?
Can a Berky that I plan on taking to a friend’s vacation cabin (that we use a few times a year) be left there for occasional use?
Yes, I would just empty before I left each time.
This is the most in-depth post on the Berkey walter filter system that I’ve seen. Well done, Lisa!
Hi! I just purchased a Berkey and love it! So much easier than a Zero water purifier. I wish I would have watched your videos before trying to set mine up. The instructions should note your blog and videos!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Hello, I see there are four filters used in the video. Two are in my with the initial purchase. Is four or two filters needed?
Thank you for the information video.
Lori~
Do you use your Berkey water filter for baby formula?
I have never used formula, but the Berkey filter is perfect for that.
I just received my first Burkey system with two black filters. I primed filters installed filters and plugs and filtered 2 gallons of water Xs2. Then performed the red dye test—big fail. I’m going to test them individually to check specificity however my question is have u ever received a damaged filter- possibly in transit. Truly I’m bummed, I’ve been looking forward to fresh clean water. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. John
Hi Jackie –
I think this article will answer you question:
https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/microplastics/can-berkey-remove-microplastics-from-water/