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Berkey Lab Tests and Certifications
Berkey® Filter Lab Tests, NSF Certification, & The New Phoenix™ Filter
Welcome to the definitive resource for understanding the performance and rigorous independent testing behind Berkey® water filter elements.
For decades, the core of the Berkey system has been the powerful Black Berkey® Purification Element (BB9).
Now, we proudly introduce the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Element, the first Berkey-endorsed alternative with Official NSF/ANSI Certification.
This page provides the data and transparency you need to trust your Berkey system completely.
Introducing the NSF/ANSI Certified Phoenix™ Filter Elements
The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters mark a significant achievement, offering comparable performance to the Black Berkey® elements while carrying two key NSF International Certifications from accredited third-party labs.
*NSF Certification and online listing PENDING. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are NSF certified (42 & 372) when included as a component in the complete gravity filter system.
| Certification Standard: | What This Means for You: |
| NSF/ANSI 42 | Certified for the reduction of Chlorine, Chloramines, and particulates that impact the taste and odor of your drinking water. |
| NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 | Certified for compliance with the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Canadian standards, verifying the filter’s efficacy in Lead reduction. |
Third-Party Testing Integrity
Like all Berkey elements, Phoenix™ filters undergo testing by independent, third-party laboratories accredited to NABL, ISO 9000, and ISO 17025 standards. These labs use protocols established by the EPA and ANSI/NSF to ensure accurate, verifiable results.
Black Berkey® (BB9) vs. Phoenix™ Filter Comparison Chart
| Classification | Water Purifier (Third Party tested) | High-Performance Filter (NSF Certified) |
| Official Certification | Extensive Third-Party Lab Testing to EPA/ANSI/NSF protocols | NSF/ANSI 42 & NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 Certified |
| Core Filter Media | Proprietary Carbon Block/Blend | Premium CTC-60 Coconut Shell Carbon Block |
| Lifespan (Per Pair) | Up to 6,000 gallons | Up to 5,500 gallons |
| Microbiological Removal | Purifier Standard: 99.99% Bacteria, 99.99% Viruses | Tested for high-level pathogen reduction |
| Heavy Metals (e.g., Lead) | 99.99% (Lab tested) | 99.5% (NSF 372 Certified) |
| Chlorine/Chloramines | 99.99% (Lab Tested) | 99.99% (NSF 42 Certified) |
| PFAS/PFOA/PFOS | 99.99% (Lab Tested) | 99.8% Tested to NSF 53 protocols) |
| VOCs & Pharmaceuticals | 99.9% (Lab Tested) | (Tested to NSF 401 protocols) |
| Fluoride/Arsenic Removal | Requires PF-2™ Add-on Filters | Requires PF-2™ Add-on Filters |
| Compatibility | All Berkey® Systems | All Berkey® Systems and most other gravity filters |
Summary of Differences between the BB9 Black Filter Elements and the Phoenix Gravity Filters
The Black Berkey® Elements offer a slightly higher reduction rate for heavy metals and PFAS and hold the Purifier classification for microbiological contaminants. They are the established, gold-standard element.
The Phoenix™ Filters offer the advantage of official NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 certifications (for aesthetic effects and lead reduction), providing an excellent, high-value alternative with a very comparable contaminant reduction profile and a similar long lifespan.
Why Black Berkey® Elements (BB9) Are Not Fully NSF Certified
Many customers ask why the powerful Black Berkey® Purification Elements (BB9) rely on independent third-party testing rather than carrying the full NSF/ANSI seal, especially now that the new Phoenix™ filters are certified.
The choice is rooted in the Black Berkey® element's unique engineering, long lifespan, and the rigorous cost and scope of the NSF certification process.
A. Unnecessary Cost and Focus on Performance
The Black Berkey® Elements are already tested by independent, ISO 17025 accredited labs that use the same EPA and ANSI/NSF protocols and standards as the certification bodies. These tests consistently prove the elements meet or exceed the highest performance standards, classifying them as a "Purifier."
- The Cost Barrier: Fully certifying every single Berkey® system (Big Berkey, Travel Berkey, etc.) and every relevant standard (NSF 42, 53, 401) is estimated to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus significant annual maintenance fees.
- The Consumer Choice: The manufacturer determined that passing this significant cost to the consumer to obtain a stamp was unnecessary, as the independent testing already verifies the claims. They chose to invest in continuous performance testing rather than certification paperwork.
B. Conflict with the 6,000-Gallon Lifespan
The single biggest procedural challenge is the BB9's unmatched rated life of 6,000 gallons per pair.
- NSF Testing Protocol: For certain health standards (like NSF/ANSI 53), the NSF requires testing a filter through its full rated life and often beyond (sometimes up to 200% of the rating). This ensures performance holds up over years of use.
- The Black Berkey Challenge: Running water through a filter for 6,000 to 12,000 gallons for a single test is logistically immense, extremely costly, and time-consuming for labs.
- Berkey's Solution: Berkey’s third-party tests demonstrate reduction rates using test protocols designed to prove exceptional reduction performance, even if they do not process the full 6,000-gallon volume required for the specific NSF maintenance rule.
C. The Solution: Two Filter Choices
With the launch of the Phoenix™ Filters, the manufacturer now addresses all customer needs:
- Black Berkey® (BB9): Your choice for the absolute highest contaminant reduction rates and the "Purifier" classification, backed by decades of independent third-party performance testing.
- Phoenix™ Filters: Your choice if having an official NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 seal (for Chlorine reduction and Lead-Free compliance) is a requirement for your household.
This strategy ensures that every customer can find a Berkey-endorsed filter that meets their specific standard of trust and verification.
