Why Are Berkey Water Filters Banned In California? Berkey water filters are a popular brand of water filter, known for their ability to remove impurities from water. However, what many people don’t know is that Berkey water filters are actually banned in the state of California.
If you live in California and are in the market for a water filter, you may have come across the Berkey brand. You may have also noticed that Berkey water filters are not available for purchase in California. So, what gives? Why are Berkey water filters banned in California? Keep reading to find out.
Why has California banned Berkey water filters?
Berkey water filters are prohibited in California due to stringent water treatment regulations. California has some of the highest standards in terms of treating its water, and Berkey filters do not meet them. Furthermore, California State Water Resources Control Board has not certified these filters to remove certain contaminants such as Hexavalent Chromium which has been known as a carcinogen.
Berkey Water Filters Are Not Certified By NSF International
The main reason for the ban is that Berkey water filters are not certified by NSF International, an independent organization that tests and certifies water filters. The NSF certification is important because it ensures that a water filter meets certain standards for performance and safety.
While Berkey water filters do not have NSF certification, they are still highly effective at filtering water. In fact, many people believe that Berkey filters are even more effective than some of the other brands that do have NSF certification.
So, if you’re currently using a Berkey water filter in California, you technically should stop doing so. However, given the effectiveness of the filters, many people are choosing to continue using them despite the ban.
Berkey Water Filters Use Adsorption
Berkey water filters use a process known as “adsorption” to remove impurities from water. Adsorption is different from “absorption,” which is the process that most other water filters use. In absorption, impurities are physically removed from the water via a filter. In adsorption, impurities are attracted to and adhere to the surface of the filter material.
Berkey water filters are made of black carbon, which has been shown to be an effective adsorbent of a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, and bacteria. However, because adsorption is not a recognized method of water filtration by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), Berkey water filters cannot be sold in California.
While Berkey water filters may not be available for purchase in California, there are plenty of other brands that offer similar products that ARE available for purchase in the state. Aquagear and Propur are two brands that offer water filters with NSF-approved absorption-based filtration systems. So, if you’re looking for a quality water filter for your home in California, you have plenty of options to choose from.
Berkey Filters Only Remove 99.7%
The main reason why Berkey water filters are banned in California is that they don’t meet the state’s strict standards for water filtration. California requires all water filters to remove at least 99.9% of all bacteria and viruses from water, and Berkey filters only remove 99.7%. While this may not seem like a big difference, it’s enough to get Berkley filters banned in the state.
So, what can you do if you’re a Californian who wants to use a Berkey filter? The best option is to buy a used filter from out of state, as there is no law against owning or using a Berkey filter in California. However, if you do choose to buy a new filter, you’ll need to have it shipped to an out-of-state address. We hope this article has been informative, and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect water filter for your needs!
What are the dangers associated with Berkey Water filters?
Though Berkey water filters are effective in filtering out contaminants, they may not remove all hazardous chemicals – particularly for those who live in areas with lower water quality and are therefore exposed to potentially hazardous substances.
Berkey water filters may expose users to viruses, bacteria, heavy metals such as arsenic and lead as well as mold spores which pose potential health hazards when consumed by humans. Mold growth could also pose health concerns when consumed.
What are my alternatives for water Filtration Options?
If you live in California or another state where Berkey water filtration is prohibited, there are various other solutions for water filtration to consider. Here are a few of the more efficient ones:
Reverse Osmosis Systems:
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems are water filtration systems that utilize semipermeable membranes to remove impurities in water supply sources. As these RO systems are highly effective at filtering out impurities from drinking water supplies, making them an excellent solution for people searching for cleaner drinking water sources.
Reverse osmosis devices work by pushing fluid through a semipermeable membrane that traps impurities while still allowing clean water to pass through. The membrane usually comprises thin film composite (TFC) material which has proven itself highly efficient at eliminating waterborne pollutants.
Reverse Osmosis systems offer many advantages for water quality management, including being extremely effective at eliminating viruses, bacteria, and sediments as well as chlorine fluoride and other chemicals from drinking sources. Furthermore, reverse Osmosis systems can remove dissolving solids effectively – ideal if living in hard water areas.
Reverse osmosis systems require minimal upkeep and care, though it should be noted that reverse osmosis purification systems may perform less efficiently due to using water during their filtering processes.
Reverse Osmosis systems may not be effective at eliminating certain water contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or heavy metals; selecting one compatible with both your source water source and personal requirements is key.
Activated carbon filters
These water filtration systems utilize activated carbon to eliminate contaminants from water supplies, such as sediment, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them the go-to choice for those seeking pure drinking water.
Activated carbon filters operate by passing water through an activated carbon layer that attracts and absorbs impurities from the water, such as impurities from food or environmental sources. Activated carbon features a large surface area as well as an impermeable structure which allows it to hold various contaminants effectively.
One of the primary advantages of activated carbon filters is their effectiveness in removing chlorine from water supplies, improving both flavor and odor while protecting health. Furthermore, activated carbon filters may be efficient at filtering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from drinking water which could pose potential threats.
Carbon filters that have been activated are relatively straightforward to keep clean, with minimal upkeep or maintenance requirements. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that carbon filters activated may become blocked over time and need replacement every so often in order to maintain efficiency.
Active carbon filters may not be effective at eliminating other water contaminants such as heavy metals or bacteria, so it’s essential that you find one suitable to your water source and situation.
Ceramic Filters:
Ceramic filters are water filtration systems that utilize porous ceramics to remove impurities from water sources. Ceramic filters have proven highly successful at eliminating viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants contaminating drinking water sources – making them a highly preferred choice among consumers looking for pure drinking water sources.
Ceramic filters work by forcing water through porous ceramic material that traps impurities while still allowing pure water to pass through. Ceramic material often features antimicrobial properties to help stop an increase in bacteria or microorganisms within its filters.
Ceramic filters offer many benefits to users, including their effectiveness in eliminating harmful viruses and bacteria from water sources. Ceramic filters have proven useful both during emergencies as well as in developing countries to provide essential water purification to those in need.
Ceramic filters are easy to maintain and require only minimal upkeep or upkeep. It is important to remember that ceramic filters may become blocked over time and need regular cleaning or replacement in order to remain effective.
Ceramic filters may not be effective at filtering out all kinds of contaminants in water sources, including heavy metals or chemicals, so it is crucial that you select one suitable to both your source and individual requirements.
UV Purifiers of Water:
UV purifiers are water filtration systems that employ ultraviolet (UV) radiation to purify water sources and eliminate harmful microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and protozoa from them.
UV water purification involves subjecting the water to UV radiation which alters microorganism DNA, rendering them incapable of reproducing and eliminating them altogether. This method has proven extremely successful at eliminating harmful microorganisms which could cause illness and disease.
UV water purifiers offer many advantages, one being their lack of chemicals needed to treat water. This makes them safer and eco-friendlier options for those concerned about how conventional techniques affect our natural surroundings.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a Berkey water filter in California, you’re out of luckāat least for now. Berkey water filters are banned in California because they use a filtration method (adsorption) that is not recognized by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). While there are plenty of other brands that offer similar products with NSF-approved filtration systems, Berkey is not currently one of them. Hopefully, that will change soon so Californians can enjoy the benefits of clean, filtered water without having to leave the state to do so!
The bottom line is that while Berkey water filters are not currently certified by NSF International, they are still highly effective at filtering water. If you’re currently using a Berkey filter in California, you may want to consider switching to a different brand that is certified by the NSF. However, if you’re happy with your Berkey filter and don’t mind taking a bit of a risk, you can continue using it despite the ban.
Berkey water filters are popular among those who want clean, filtered water. However, what many people don’t know is that these filters are actually banned in the state of California. The main reason for this ban is that Berkey filters don’t meet the state’s strict standards for water filtration. If you’re a Californian who wants to use a Berkey filter, your best bet is to buy one from out of state. Thanks for reading!