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[2025 UPDATE] When I first wrote this post, I confidently stated that “Berkey water filters are THE BEST water filters, not only for emergencies, but for everyday use. They are so good, they are classified as a water purifier, which is a step up from a filter!”
I still believe gravity-fed water filtration is the gold standard for both emergency preparedness and daily use. However, the industry has evolved significantly since my original recommendation, and frankly, so has my expertise. After diving deeper into water filtration technology, regulatory compliance, and testing standards, I’ve discovered an even better option.
In this updated guide, I’ll explain what I’ve learned about the water filtration industry, why my recommendation has evolved, and introduce you to what I now consider the superior choice: Boroux. I’ll also keep my original Berkey analysis so you can compare both options and make the best decision for your family.
The gravity water filter landscape changed dramatically in late 2022 when the EPA issued Stop Sale Orders affecting major distributors of Berkey products. This wasn’t about product quality, it was about regulatory compliance under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Here’s what happened: Water filters that claim to remove microorganisms like bacteria and viruses are technically classified as “pesticide devices” under federal law. While this seems odd, the logic is that these products are designed to eliminate living organisms (pests). The EPA began strictly enforcing these existing regulations, requiring proper registration and compliance.
This industry shift led me to research alternatives and that’s when I discovered Boroux, a company founded by the former largest Berkey distributor who decided to create a better, fully compliant solution.
In order to maintain my integrity and so you can make the comparison for yourself, I am including both my original thoughts on Berkey AND adding my thoughts on Boroux.
I love knowing that my Berkey filter can filter pretty much anything.
A situation where I need to filter water sounds stressful enough! I want a water filtration plan that I can have confidence in.
Because Black Berkey Filters remove pathogens at such a high level, the filters are classified as water purifiers that remove 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.999% of viruses. This distinction is what makes Berkey the only certifiable gravity flow water purification system on the market.
Arsenic, Bacteria, Chlorine, E. Coli, Giardia, Micro Organisms, Pesticides and VOCs are just a few of the contaminants that it removes. If you are concerned about something specific based on where you live (or just like to nerd out on the details) check out their complete list of covered contaminants here.
The shorter list is what IS in Berkey water, because it is pure, delicious water: Hydrogen, oxygen, and beneficial minerals. Nothing else! Unlike other water filtering options (like reverse osmosis), Berkey water is not stripped of the good stuff that our bodies actually need.
Berkey water is slightly alkaline because the ionic minerals (aka beneficial minerals) are able to pass through the filters, while the sedimentary minerals are blocked. Berkey water is also aerated because water drips from the top chamber to the bottom chamber as well as through the spigot. The combination of those things is what helps the water taste so dang good!
The bottom line is, with my Berkey, I know that I can just throw contaminated water in the filter and feel safe.
One huge plus with a Berkey Water Filtration System is that it is mobile!
Not only can it be used in your home for things like water boil advisories, but you can also take it with you in an evacuation.
No, you can’t really fit it in your 72-hour kit, but it is at the top of our grab list for evacuation purposes and we would be able to take it wherever we go.
I also love that I can use my Berkey to filter our daily water. It sits on a little table in our dining room and it’s where we fill our water bottles, pitchers, etc. To sweeten the deal further, we are actually saving money because we decided to stop buying filters for our fridge. The Berkey water is so much better! The only filtered water we use the fridge for is our icemaker, so I just don’t worry about replacing that filter.
Each filter filters 3,000 gallons of “normal” water (if your water is awful in an emergency situation where you’re drinking disgusting lake water, they’re not gonna last quite as long).
If you’re running two filters in one system, that’s 6,000 gallons you could filter before needing to replace them!
We put about 2.5 gallons through our Berkey filter every day, which means our filters should last over 6 years.
6,000/2.5 gallons per day = 2,400 days
2,400/365 days = about 6.5 years!
That’s a heck of a lot better than replacing our fridge water filter every 6 months!
As long as Berkey filters are kept dry, you can keep them forever! Having safe drinking water with an indefinite shelf life is pretty amazing! (It is recommended that you test the filters when you get them to make sure they’re working properly, although I have never gotten one that didn’t work. Just make sure they are completely dry before you pack them away).
I keep a few on hand for emergency backup.
| Feature | Boroux Legacy System | Traditional Berkey |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | AISI 304-grade stainless steel | 304 stainless steel |
| Filter Technology | Activated carbon block | Proprietary composite |
| Regulatory Status | Fully FIFRA compliant | Compliance challenges |
| Testing | Independent 3rd party (IAPMO R&T) | Internal testing |
| Trial Period | Longest in industry | Standard return policy |
| Warranty | Generous manufacturer warranty | Limited warranty |
| Customer Service | Direct from manufacturer | Through distributors |
| Availability | Readily available | Limited due to regulations |
While Berkey systems served the market well for many years, the water filtration industry has evolved. Who knows how long it’s going to take them to fight the legal battles in front of them. Boroux stepped up and actually really helped Berkey users in the process.
To read more about why Boroux Water Filters are a great option for former Berkey advocates, check out this blog post.
Answers to some of your most asked questions about long-term food storage, including the difference between dehydrated and freeze dried food.
There will always be things we don’t think about before we encounter an emergency. But, I’m here to help you think about some of the non-food storage items you might want to keep on hand for the next rainy day.
If you are totally overwhelmed this simple 72-hour kit schedule will keep you focused so you can actually finish your family’s emergency kits.
