Black Berkey® Elements Replacement Filters (Set of 2)
Black Berkey® Elements are the original primary filtration elements used in Berkey® gravity-fed systems. A pair is rated for up to approximately 6,000 gallons under typical use conditions and is supported by extensive independent third-party testing covering PFAS/PFOA, lead, chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and many other contaminants.
Current availability: Standalone Black Berkey® Elements are currently unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution, and there is no confirmed restock date.
Already using Black Berkey® Elements? Existing elements can continue to be used according to their normal service-life, cleaning, priming, and maintenance guidance.
Need replacement elements now? Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are the current compatible primary replacement option for stainless-steel Berkey® systems.
Black Berkey® Element Specifications
| Specification | Black Berkey® Elements |
|---|---|
| Package | Set of 2 elements |
| Element size | 9 inches |
| Approximate capacity | Up to approximately 3,000 gallons per element |
| Pair capacity | Up to approximately 6,000 gallons under typical use conditions |
| Installation | Upper chamber of compatible Berkey® gravity-fed systems |
| Warranty | Two-year limited prorated warranty |
| Country of manufacture | Made and assembled in the USA |
| Current availability | Unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution |
| Current replacement option | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ |
What Is Included?
- Two 9-inch Black Berkey® Elements
- Two washers
- Two wing nuts
- One priming button
Independent Black Berkey® Test Evidence
Black Berkey® Elements have been evaluated by independent third-party laboratories across a broad range of drinking-water contaminants. Published reports include testing for PFAS/PFOA, lead, heavy metals, chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, disinfection byproducts, petroleum-related compounds, selected radiological contaminants, and other substances.
PFAS / PFOA Example
In Envirotek Laboratories Report #16-296, a Gravity Black Berkey Filter was directly challenged with PFOA at 1.00 µg/L (1,000 ppt). Reported effluent remained below 0.002 µg/L (2 ppt) at the start, 10 gallons, and 25 gallons, supporting >99.9% PFOA reduction under the documented test conditions.
The same report also lists PFOS, PFBS, PFDA, PFHxA, PFNA and additional fluorinated compounds using PFOA as the surrogate compound. These should be distinguished from separate direct challenge testing.
| Black Berkey® PFOA test point | Influent | Reported effluent | Reported reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 1.00 µg/L | <0.002 µg/L | >99.9% |
| 10 gallons | 1.00 µg/L | <0.002 µg/L | >99.9% |
| 25 gallons | 1.00 µg/L | <0.002 µg/L | >99.9% |
Rather than relying on a broad contaminant claim alone, review the original laboratory evidence for the exact substance that matters to your household.
Contaminant Categories Included in Testing
- PFAS and perfluorinated compounds
- Lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium and other heavy metals
- Chlorine and chloramines
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Trihalomethanes and other disinfection byproducts
- Pharmaceutical compounds
- Pesticides, herbicides and industrial compounds
- Petroleum-related compounds
- Selected radiological contaminants
- Sediment and turbidity-related particulates
Test-results note: Laboratory results apply to the tested filter sample and the challenge concentrations, service volume, analytical methods, and other conditions described in each report. Use the original reports when evaluating contaminant-specific performance.
Compatible Berkey® Systems
Black Berkey® Elements are designed for the upper chamber of compatible stainless-steel Berkey® gravity-fed systems:
- Travel Berkey® — 1.5 gallons
- Big Berkey® — 2.25 gallons
- Royal Berkey® — 3.25 gallons
- Imperial Berkey® — 4.5 gallons
- Crown Berkey™ — 6 gallons
Black Berkey® vs. Phoenix Gravity
Black Berkey® Elements and Phoenix Gravity elements serve different roles in today's Berkey® ecosystem. Black Berkey® Elements remain installed in many existing systems, while Phoenix Gravity is the current compatible replacement option when new primary elements are needed.
| Feature | Black Berkey® Elements | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Original Berkey® primary element | Current compatible primary replacement option |
| Availability | Standalone elements currently unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution | Currently available |
| Approx. pair capacity | Up to ~6,000 gallons | Up to ~5,500 gallons |
| PFAS evidence | Yes | Yes |
| PFOA | Direct independent challenge testing | Direct independent testing, including capacity checkpoints through 1,500 liters |
| PFOS | Included in Black report using PFOA as surrogate | Direct independent testing through 1,500 liters |
| Cleanable | Yes | Yes |
| Current NSF listings | No current NSF PFAS certification claimed | Travel, Big and Royal configurations featuring Phoenix are listed to NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine reduction and taste-and-odor reduction, and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for applicable lead-content requirements |
The two filter families were not tested side-by-side under one identical PFAS protocol. Percentages from different laboratory programs should not be used as a simple head-to-head ranking.
Filter Lifespan
Each Black Berkey® Element is rated for approximately 3,000 gallons under typical use conditions. A pair therefore provides up to approximately 6,000 gallons of total filtration capacity before replacement is recommended.
Practical service life can vary with source-water quality, frequency of use, sediment loading, cleaning, storage, and maintenance. Slower flow does not always mean the element has reached the end of its capacity; exterior buildup may need to be cleaned first.
Priming Black Berkey® Elements
Black Berkey® Elements should be properly primed before first use. Priming removes trapped air from the filter media so water can move through the element correctly.
Follow the manufacturer's current priming instructions and use the priming method appropriate for your faucet and installation. An improperly primed element may flow very slowly or fail to begin filtering normally.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Black Berkey® Elements can be cleaned during their service life. If flow slows because material has accumulated on the exterior surface, remove and clean the elements according to the manufacturer's instructions, then reprime and reinstall them.
Do not use soap or detergent on the filter media. Handle the elements with clean hands and follow official guidance for cleaning, storage, and reinstallation.
Important Use Notes
- Saltwater: Black Berkey® Elements are not intended for saltwater filtration.
- Water softeners: Black Berkey® Elements are not designed to remove the mineral salts added by conventional water softeners. When possible, obtain source water before it passes through the softener.
- Follow current manufacturer instructions for priming, installation, cleaning, storage, and replacement.
- Actual service life and contaminant reduction depend on incoming water and operating conditions.
Why Are Black Berkey® Elements Unavailable?
Standalone Black Berkey® Elements became difficult or impossible to obtain through normal U.S. authorized distribution after EPA Stop-Sale, Use, or Removal Orders affected parts of the Berkey® manufacturing and distribution network.
The dispute concerns the regulatory classification of certain Berkey® products and associated claims under federal pesticide law. Berkey-related companies have challenged EPA's classification and enforcement actions.
Because the situation involves regulatory, legal, manufacturing, and distribution issues, there is currently no reliable restock date. For more context, see Is Berkey Going Out of Business? The EPA Situation, Explained.
Black Berkey® FAQ
Are Black Berkey® Elements discontinued?
They are currently unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution, but “discontinued” can imply a permanent manufacturer decision. At this time, it is more accurate to describe them as unavailable with no confirmed restock date.
Can I keep using the Black Berkey® Elements already installed in my system?
Yes. Existing Black Berkey® owners can continue using their elements according to the normal service-life, cleaning, priming, and maintenance guidance. Phoenix becoming available as a replacement option does not erase the independent test evidence for Black Berkey® Elements.
What should I use when my Black Berkey® Elements need replacement?
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are the current compatible primary replacement option for stainless-steel Travel, Big, Royal, Imperial, and Crown Berkey™ system housings.
How long do Black Berkey® Elements last?
Each element is rated for approximately 3,000 gallons under typical use conditions, or approximately 6,000 gallons for a pair. Actual service life varies with water quality, use, cleaning, storage, and maintenance.
Can Black Berkey® Elements reduce PFAS?
Yes. Independent laboratory evidence supports PFAS reduction. Envirotek directly tested PFOA at 1.00 µg/L and reported effluent below 0.002 µg/L at the start, 10 gallons, and 25 gallons, reported as greater than 99.9% reduction. The same report lists PFOS and several additional PFAS using PFOA as a surrogate compound. See our Berkey® Filter Test Results page for the evidence summary and report links.
Can Black Berkey® Elements be cleaned?
Yes. Exterior buildup can be cleaned during the service life of the elements. Follow the manufacturer's current cleaning instructions and do not use soap or detergent on the filter media.
Where can I review Black Berkey® laboratory reports?
See our Berkey® Filter Test Results evidence page, which covers both Black Berkey® and Phoenix Gravity elements. You can also review the manufacturer's Black Berkey® Elements test-results library.
Need Berkey® Replacement Filters Now?
If your existing Black Berkey® Elements are still within their service life, continue using and maintaining them normally. When replacement is needed, Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are the current compatible primary replacement option.