Does a Berkey water filter also reduce PFAS?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 10 water filtration systems for their ability to remove 25 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as "PFAS") in tap water. During EWG's tests, the Berkey water filter (implemented with Black Berkey filter elements) removed PFAS to undetectable levels, placing the system in the "Best overall" category.

The Berkey water filter was also praised for its large capacity compared to other water filters tested, and "exceptionally long filter life" (each pair of authentic Black Berkey filter elements can filter up to about 22,700 litres (11,350 litres each) of tap water before replacement is recommended). CBS News Philadelphia produced a news report on EWG's tests, mentioning the Berkey water filter. You can watch this here. CBS Colorado also mentioned the Berkey water filter in a TV news segment about EWG's test, which you can view here.

EWG's water filter test results were released a week after the United States Geological Survey (USGS) their studies published showing that the drinking water of almost half of US households contains at least one type of PFAS. PFAS have been in use since at least the 1950s and have been linked to a wide range of human health problems, including certain types of cancer and developmental, metabolic, immune disorders and more. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" due to the fact that they take a very long time to degrade in the environment.

To protect against PFAS in your drinking water, make sure you have a final barrier system. So consider a Berkey water filter equipped with the powerful Black Berkey filter elements that have been independently tested by accredited laboratories to remove perfluorinated chemicals to below detectable levels.

Read more:
- EWG: News release | Guide to PFAS Water Filters
- CBS Colorado: Which Water Filters Can Block PFAs
- CBS News Philadelphia: Environmental Group Tests to Find the Best Water Filters for Removing PFAS
– New Study: 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Nearly Half of U.S. Tap Water
– Do Black Berkey® Elements Remove PFAS and Other PFCs in Drinking Water?
– Black Berkey® Elements: The Final Barrier against PFOA and Other PFCs in Drinking Water