WHY I BOUGHT A BERKEY (AND NOW BOROUX)

[Update 9/10/2024: I am leaving a lot of similar info here, just for reference! But keep in mind Berkey as a whole is no longer a company – please see below’s updated info for a new option and more information on that!]

If you’re looking for something easy, cost-effective, and accessible, THE best countertop water purifier (in my opinion) is the Boroux. Besides the incredible technology BOROUX utilizes that was developed, refined, and proven through rigorous performance and verified data*…let’s look at the other great reasons why it’s highly recommended by me, as well as many others!

1. BOROUX’s are effective at filtering and therefore the result is tasty water.
The whole reason why you want a water filter is to get contaminants out and have pure and great-tasting water, right? Well, voila! The BOROUX systems include a set of Foundation Filtersthat use the same formulation that was used for the Black Berkey Filters. The BOROUX foundation filters are not intended to filter microorganisms. The BOROUX foundation filter uses silver, which is a registered pesticide, as an antimicrobial agent, to prevent the filter from degrading while treating municipal tap water. Their filters are guaranteed to remove the following!

2. They last a long time.
Each filter has a lifespan of up to 6,000 gallons per filter (12,000 gallons per pair).

3. The countertop design makes them portable and easy to use. If you don’t have a permanent living situation the BOROUX is a flexible, portable solution to water filtration. It sits on the countertop instead of being plumbed in, which can be a big commitment if you are on the move.

4. The BOROUX Filters are extremely cost-effective!

Something to consider is they do not currently have fluoride filters, but they’re actively working on those! So stay tuned! Some people are fortunate enough to be on well water, so you can purchase a model without this filter. However, if you’re on municipal water (as I am) that is fluoridated, this would be a (necessary) option for you.

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So, what happened to Berkey?

Some of you have heard and some of you may not, but basically due to expanded COVID-era regulations, the EPA recently wielded its newfound authority (big eye roll) to categorize Berkey black filters as pesticides. This decision resulted in Berkey having to stop selling these filters, even though they are composed of the same natural materials they have always used, without any harmful substances. Notably, no similar device has ever been classified as a pesticide before, and the filters DO NOT meet the definition of a pesticide. (Again, big eye roll!)

As Berkey stated:

Berkey’s filters are not “substances or mixtures of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest”, as FIFRA defines pesticides. Rather, they mechanically remove contaminants through a tortuous maze of micropores, absorption and ionic adsorption.

The EPA’s decision to label these filters as pesticides required Berkey to undergo a time-consuming and costly registration process to continue selling them. While there are other gravity water filters on the market, the EPA specifically targeted Berkey, preventing them from selling their product since May. The EPA has even pursued smaller retailers selling Berkey (gravity filter) products…so ridiculous.

In essence, the EPA’s stance boils down to a demand: either pay to register the filters as pesticides or forfeit the ability to sell them. (Are you joking me!? Extortion at its finest!)

Berkey even came out with a statement on it all HERE, but of course, the EPA doesn’t care about any of it.

Despite the EPA’s classification, it is important to emphasize that there are ZERO harmful substances in Berkey filters, and they have not been treated with pesticides. Surprise surprise, the EPA is stretching the legal definition of a pesticide to fit its agenda.

So, what’s next then you may be asking? You might have a Berkey unit and need to replace your filters soon…how will that work?

Well the good news is that BOROUX now exists! This new unit will function in a very similar way as the Berkey black filters did! Yay! Again, check them out HERE and read some FAQs HERE!

So for now, this is what’s available and I know Boroux is going to be working hard on creating more products and accessories down the line! Be sure to give them a follow on IG and check their website out!

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