What is the history of British Berkefeld® Water Filters?

John Doulton founded his first pottery in 1815. As early as 1827, his son Henry, developed ceramic filters for removing bacteria from drinking water. Because the Thames river was heavily contaminated with raw sewage; cholera and typhoid epidemics were rampant,

Queen Victoria commissioned Henry to produce a water filter for the Royal household. His Research and Development department created micro porous ceramic cartridges capable of removing bacteria with better than 99% efficiency. These ceramics are used in British Berkefeld® gravity filters and are in use in over 150 countries. Today the British Berkefeld® name is the preferred choice for water purification products in world-wide locations where outbreaks of illness are associated with unreliable water supplies. British Berkefeld® is the water filter that has truly stood the test of time.

1) Why are our ceramic elements unique?

A) Our ceramic filters have been in continual use since 1827.
B) Particulate reduction: .2 Nominal
@ .2 Microns 98%, @ .3 Microns >99.7%
@ .5 Microns >99.9% (Spectrum Labs)
C) Removes >99.99% of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli, Vibro Cholerae, Salmonella, Dysenteria.
D) Toxicological extraction is commonly the most difficult area of the NSF testing standards to satisfy. This shows that the filter does not re-contaminate the water. Many other ceramics have not passed and may not be capable of passing the NSF material extraction test. The Ceramic shell of our Super Sterasyl˙ element is an NSF Listed Component and is manufactured to meet NSF standard 42 for materials.
E) Carbon Core: Reduces bad tastes and odors as well as pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents and trihalomethanes.
F) Ceramic elements may be cleaned many times to prolong the life of the filtration elements. 
G) No other ceramic manufacturer may claim all of the above.

2) When and how do I clean the ceramic filter elements?

If the time it takes for the water to filter into the lower chamber substantially decreases, simply hold the ceramic element under clean running water while scrubbing lightly with a ScotchBrite® pad or toothbrush. Cleaning should be performed evenly by working from the threaded mount down. 

3) What else should I do to maintain the system properly?

a) Wash lower chamber once per month with soapy dishwater. 
b) In areas with hard water, calcium scale may build up on spigot and chambers after prolonged use. To remove, soak affected part(s) in vinegar or a 50-50% mix of vinegar and water for about 15 minutes. Wipe away calcium scale with a ScotchBrite® pad or soft brush then wash with soapy dishwater and rinse.  

4) What happens when the carbon becomes exhausted?

The carbon will be unable to reduce chemicals, foul tastes and odors in the source water. Notes: a) When the carbon is exhausted, the ceramic shell will continue to remove pathogenic bacteria and turbidity. 

5) How do I determine when the filter element must be replaced? 

Replace the elements when the carbon has been exhausted or if there is a significant change in diameter of the ceramic after cleaning. Anytime a crack in the ceramic occurs, the integrity has been lost and the filter must be replaced.

6) Does the system remove beneficial minerals?

No.

7) How durable are the systems?

The exterior chambers are made of high-grade polished stainless steel making them rugged enough to handle camping trips and college dorms yet elegant enough to complement your finest décor.

8) Historically, who has used these filtration systems?
A) The Royal household in England.
B) Populations in over 140 countries worldwide.
C) Relief Organizations such as UNICEF, the Peace Corps, Missionary organizations and Red Cross Societies Internationally. 
D) Hunters, campers, adventurers and explorers.

9) What are the limitations found in other types of water filtration systems?

Carbon Block, paper and certain resin based filters: Most commonly used, filters are not re-cleanable, there is no feedback mechanism for filter replacement and most do not remove pathogenic bacteria. Most popular systems provide only about 40-700 gallons (150-2,660 liters) before the filter must be replaced. 

Distillation: Removes beneficial minerals from water, does not remove VOCs (chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers).

Reverse Osmosis: Removes beneficial minerals from water, does not remove pathogenic bacteria, filter is not re-cleanable, there is no feedback mechanism for filter replacement and reservoir tank can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

The Above Sytems: Virtually all of the above systems become useless during emergencies when power and or water pressure is lost.

Bottled Water: Tap water is considered an acceptable source; many bottled waters contain high levels of bacteria and the industry is virtually unregulated.

10) Does New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. (NMCL) manufacture the British Berkefeld® range of Super Sterasyl ceramic filtration candles, including the British Berkefeld® water filtration system?

Berkey®, Big Berkey® and Black Berkey® are trademarks registered to New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. British Berkefeld® is not an NMCL trademark. NMCL manufaturers all water purification systems and elements bearing the Berkey® trademark. NMCL manufacturers some Big Berkey® systems using British Berkefeld® branded ceramic filter elements. NMCL is not involved in the manufacturer of these ceramic filter elements or any other British Berkefeld® branded filter product. Since 1998 New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. has been the
North American Master Distributor for British Berkefeld^® stainless steel gravity filters and replacement ceramic filter candles. British Berkefeld® is a registered trademark of Fairey Industrial Ceramics Limited, UK.

11) Return Policy, Procedures and Forms:

Returns FAQ

Returns/Exchanges Policy