The short answer is: yes, Berkey water filters can remove fluoride, but this requires a specific type of filter.
The standard Black Berkey filters used in Berkey systems are not designed to remove fluoride over the long term. However, Berkey offers additional PF-2 fluoride and arsenic reduction filters you can easily attach to the standard Black Berkey filters.
These filters are specifically designed to remove fluoride from the water, and we strongly recommend them if fluoride is routinely added to your municipal water during treatment.
Keep reading and learn more about how fluoride reduction works and why you should consider removing it from your drinking water as soon as possible.
From this article, you'll learn
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Why are two different filters needed for Berkey to remove fluoride
- Fluoride-free water for years with Berkey’s improved efficiency and longevity
Health Risks Associated with Fluoride in Drinking Water
Water fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to public drinking water supplies to prevent tooth decay in children. The practice is highly controversial as there are several negative health implications associated with fluoride exposure.
According to a recent study, high fluoride levels in drinking water can cause dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, bone damage, osteoporosis, muscular damage, fatigue, joint-related problems, and chronicle issues.
In extreme conditions, it could also adversely damage the arteries, heart, liver, kidneys, endocrine glands, neurological system, and several other delicate parts of the body. Studies have also shown that prenatal exposure to fluoride in the mother's womb can also be detrimental to the health of a developing fetus.
The good news is that while you may be unable to stop your water utility from adding fluoride to your water supply, you can implement measures to remove the fluoride they have added.
If you are concerned about the impact of fluoride on your family’s health, consider investing in a Berkey water filtration system fitted with a set of Black Berkey filter elements AND a set of PF-2 fluoride and arsenic reduction filters.
Why are Two Different Filters Needed for Berkey to Remove Fluoride?
You require two different types of filters in the Berkey water filtration system to remove fluoride and other contaminants. Why? Each filter is designed to target specific types of impurities using different filtration technologies.
The Black Berkey filter elements use a combination of microfiltration, adsorption, and ion exchange processes to remove a broad spectrum of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, organic and inorganic compounds, and more. While they are highly effective at removing a wide range of impurities and even fluoride over the short term, the Black Berkey filters are not designed to remove fluoride in the long run.
On the other hand, the Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters are specifically designed to remove fluoride and arsenic from water. They contain activated alumina, which is highly effective at adsorbing fluoride ions from water. Activated alumina is particularly suited for fluoride removal due to its high surface area and chemical properties that attract fluoride ions.
PF-2 filters work only in combination with Black Berkey. So, what is the alternative for a time when Black Berkeys are unavailable? In such time, you can use Ceramic All-in-One Filters as a replacement for a Black Berkey + PF-2 combo. If you want to know more about these filters, we prepared a detailed comparison between these sterasyl filters and Black Berkeys.
If you plan to upgrade your filtration system to protect you and your family from fluoride, you're in the right place. We have everything you need to eliminate fluoride from drinking water, and every product bought from our store comes with a lifetime warranty. Read through the next part to discover how our filters make your life healthier!
How Berkey PF-2 Filters Remove Fluoride
When a set of Berkey fluoride and arsenic reduction filters are fitted to your Berkey system, water undergoes a 2-step filtration process to remove a wide range of contaminants, including fluoride and arsenic:
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Step 1 - Standard Filtration: The water first passes through the Black Berkey filters, which remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.
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Step 2 - Fluoride Filtration: After passing through the Black Berkey filters, the water then flows through the PF-2 filters, which use a combination of activated alumina and other media to reduce fluoride levels.
This two-step filtration process ensures a more comprehensive removal of contaminants. The Black Berkey filters first remove the general impurities, and then the PF-2 filters specifically target fluoride and arsenic, ensuring that each type of contaminant is effectively reduced.
This setup allows users to customize their filtration needs. Not everyone requires fluoride removal, so the PF-2 filters can be added as an optional step for those who need them, making the system more versatile and adaptable to different water conditions.
Enjoy Fluoride-Free Water for Years with Berkey’s Improved Efficiency and Longevity
To improve overall removal efficiency, a combination of the Black Berkey filter element (fitted in the upper chamber) and Berkey PF-2 fluoride and arsenic reduction filters (fitted in the lower chamber) is recommended.
A set of these filters can be purchased as a combo package to ensure optimal removal efficiency. But if you already have Black Berkey filter elements, you can add a set of PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters to the lower chamber to target fluoride and arsenic.
Installing the Black Berkey filter elements in tandem with the PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters not only improves filtration efficiency, but the filters will last longer before needing to be replaced. By using the Black Berkey filter elements for the initial filtration, the system can effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, allowing the water to be pre-treated before reaching the fluoride filters. This reduces the load on the PF-2 filters and helps maintain their effectiveness and longevity.
By targeting fluoride specifically, the PF-2 filters can focus on removing it more efficiently. Using a dedicated fluoride filter means the media can be optimized for that purpose without being overloaded by other contaminants.
Using two different filters that are optimized to target specific contaminants ensures optimal efficiency in removing a wide range of drinking water contaminants (and the Berkey systems can remove over 200 of them). It also gives you the flexibility to customize your Berkey filtration system according to the characteristics of your drinking water.
Don’t wait – upgrade your system today and enjoy the purest, fluoride-free drinking water.
Do Berkey Water Filters Remove Fluoride? Frequently Asked Questions
Do Black Berkey filter elements remove fluoride from water?
While the Black Berkey filters can remove fluoride from water, the activated carbon filter media quickly becomes clogged up, becoming less efficient over time. For long-term removal of fluoride, Berkey PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters are recommended due to their superior efficiency.
Do I need both Black Berkey filters and PF-2 Berkey fluoride filters?
If your drinking water contains fluoride and you are concerned about exposure to fluoride in your drinking water, you will need a set of PF-2 filters in addition to the Black Berkey filter elements. The PF-2 filters screw into the Black Berkey filter elements and cannot be used alone.
How long do Berkey fluoride filters last?
Berkey recommends that under normal conditions, the PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters should be replaced after they have filtered 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters) of water or after 1 year of use, whichever comes first.
Do Berkey fluoride filters need to be cleaned?
The PF-2 filters can be cleaned if the filtration rate starts to slow down. However, as they are fitted to the base of the Black Berkey filter elements, the water that passes through them has already had pollutants removed. Consequently, the PF-2 filters generally don't tend to get as clogged as the Black Berkey elements and don’t require frequent cleaning.
