Everybody needs a water filtration device in their home and workplace because tap water cannot be trusted anymore.
When it comes to water filtration units for home, Berkey Canada is one brand that stands out.
Berkey water filters have managed to make a name in the filtration market for purification at affordable rates.
This detailed buying guide for Berkey Canada water filters will walk you through the built, efficiency, capacity and working of their filtration elements.
The guide will also talk about finding a product that works best for you.
Key Specifications
- Countertop water filter
- Works on gravity
- 1 quart to 6 gallons of purified water
- Each filter can provide 3,000 gallons of water before needing replacement
- Microfiltration technology to remove 99% impurities after multiple passes
Pros
- Portable
- Durable
- Can be used anywhere with fresh water source
- Removes viruses and pathogenic bacteria
- available in multiple sizes
Cons
- Filters need to be replaced after 3,000 gallons
Built of Berkey Filters
Berkey Canada water filters is made of two tanks – top and bottom. The bottom chamber has a spigot attached for easy access to drinking water. The top chamber has a lid for convenient pour. It is wide enough for you to replace the purification elements as well. There is a handy rubber basket at the bottom of the unit to protect your countertop from scratches.
Berkey water filters have an elegant design and look good sitting on the countertop, whether at your home or office.
Efficiency of Berkey Filters
Berkey systems, also called gravity filters, use the amazing power of gravity to push water through the purification elements and remove all contaminants from it. Efficiency of these filters has been tested by multiple labs, such as University of Arizona, Spectrum Labs, and the Department of Toxicology and Environmental Science, Louisiana University.
Each unit can completely remove or reduce heavy metals, lead, mercury, volatile organic compounds, and chlorine from water. These systems can also remove pathogenic and disease-causing biological agents from the water. Few accredited laboratory tests have shown that Berkey Canada filtration systems can remove 99.9999% bacteria and 99.999% viruses from the water.
Ultrafiltration efficiency of these filters is due to their dependence on gravity to move water forward through purification elements rather than pressure to push the water.
Durability and Capacity of Berkey Water Filters
All Berkey water filters make use of black purification element which lasts longer than most other water filters. This filter can effectively remove contaminants, pharmaceutical wastes, lead, mercury, and harmful pathogens while having a life of 3000 gallons.
The average person drinks about a gallon of water daily. A family of four can easily last two years on a single filter. Berkey Canada water filter brings economy, efficiency, capacity and durability together. Most Berkey water filters come fitted with black purification elements. However, you can choose to install an arsenic/fluoride purification element as well.
Arsenic and fluoride are known carcinogens and removing them from your drinking water is vital. Berkey Canada provides a trusted solution for removing these carcinogens. Black purification elements can be coupled with this arsenic and fluoride filter in almost every Berkey water filter. However, the lifespan of arsenic/fluoride filters is only 1,000 gallons.
Speed of Purification
All Berkey Canada water filters work on gravity. There is no external pressure pushing the water down.
This means that you will have the quickest filtration rate when the top chamber is completely full.
Filtration rate will be slow if there is less water in the contamination tank.
The smallest filter – Go Berkey Kit gives about 1 gallon water per hour. The Travel Berkey system can produce up to 2.75 gallons of purified water per hour.
The speed of purification also depends upon the age of the unit since old units will have clogged purification elements that may not allow water to pass quickly.
How Do Berkey Water Filters Work?
All Berkey water filters are required to use black purification elements.
However, you can use the optional additional variation of arsenic/fluoride water filter as well. This filter can be attached and removed as per your needs.
There are different mechanisms for both these filters as explained below:
1. Black purification elements
Black purification elements are one of the best quality water purifying elements in town. This is owing to their exceptional matrix that is comprised of six different types of materials.
The materials used are a trade secret.
However, it is proven that the filters get the job done. Berkey Canada has kept the secret to their filters a secret to avoid any other company from replicating the formula.
Water is pushed through the purification elements by gravity and undergoes various microfiltration processes.
The matrix in these filtration elements have small pores that work hard for removing contaminants.
Large particles and particularly harmful substances get stuck in the filtration system and are not allowed to pass through to the bottom chamber.
Besides this, the principles of adsorption and absorption are at play to purify your water as well.
When contaminated water passes through the purification elements, special materials inside the matrix are absorbed into the water.
At the same time, harmful contaminants are adsorbed by the purification elements, allowing only healthy minerals to pass.
This allows for the filter to remove bad odor and taste from the water.
2. Arsenic/Fluoride Filter
Arsenic and fluoride are known carcinogens and two of the toughest contaminants found in water.
It can be difficult for most water filters to remove them. However, Berkey Canada takes care of it like a champ!
Most filtration companies use reverse osmosis to get rid of arsenic and fluoride from water. However reverse osmosis is an expensive and careful process.
Berkey has made a niche in this market segment because removing arsenic and fluoride from drinking water is a cumbersome process.
Berkey water filters use gravity to push the water slowly yet steadily through the filtration chambers.
The filter has a long size and water gets to stay in the matrix for a much longer time.
Other companies use pressure to push the water forward in their filtration system. This may get you drinking water in a relatively short period of time, but it may not remove all contaminants.
Berkey Canada capitalizes on the principles of gravitational force to allow water to move at its own pace and get purified completely.
Choosing the Best Model
It can be confusing to pick the best model from the various options on offer.
There is a Berkey unit for everyone depending on their need and purpose. Almost all Berkey models are similar except for Go Berkey Kit and Berkey Light Water Filter.
It should not be difficult for you to make a choice as long as you know your needs and the kind of water requirements you have.
However, it can still get confusing among the many choices.
It is important that you find the right product to gain maximum benefit from your filtration unit.
These are a few factors you should consider before making a purchase.
1. Portability
You need to ask yourself if you would be moving the Berkey Canada water filter a lot. Do you want to use it for your trips or keep it at home?
Go Berkey Kit is a good choice if you want a fully portable way to filter water on the go.
Travel Berkey Water Filter offers portability too at 6.13 pounds.
2. Purpose
You should identify your purpose before choosing the best Berkey Canada model.
Do you want the Berkey for clean drinking water at home/office or when you are camping?
Do you want to take it along on your international trips? Or, do you just want a way to purify water during emergencies.
All Berkey water filters can be used without plugging in. These filtration systems use gravity to move the water forward and are ideal for emergencies.
3. Size
The size you choose ultimately depends upon your water requirement. The average person requires a gallon of water a day.
Multiply this with your family size and you should know the right Berkey filter for you. Generally, Royal Berkey Water Filter, and Imperial Berkey Water Filter are considered ideal for a family size of four.
If you are thinking of keeping this filter at your workplace, you should consider Crown Berkey Water Filter which has a storage capacity of 6 gallons and has a maximum filtration flow of 16.5 gallons.
Key Aspects
It is recommended that you take a size larger than your needs for emergencies.
You can always cover the empty filtration holes with the lids provided with the unit.
This way you don’t ever have to worry about not having enough water when guests show up or there is a natural disaster.
Having a bigger unit means you won’t have to keep using the same purification element over and over again.
You can always change things around to maintain a steady and quick flow of water. Plus, you always have a few extra purification elements on hand, just in case.