## Are Black Berkey filters still available?

No longer sold separately: production has been at a standstill since 2023 following a decision by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are three successors that fit the same housing, with BOROUX Foundation being the most popular choice.

## What exactly is BOROUX?

The brand of the team behind America's biggest Berkey dealer, together with the factory that made the original Black Berkey formula. Alternatievemiddelen.nl is the only BOROUX dealer in Europe.

## Do BOROUX Foundation filters fit my Berkey?

Yes, as a drop-in replacement: same size, same fitting, same basic formula. The BOROUX Proactive fluoride add-on filters also fit an existing Berkey system.

## Which filter element fits my system?

That depends on brand and model. The selection guide shows the matching elements for each system, with current stock and price.

## ProOne can't be found anywhere any more. What now?

ProOne was taken over in America and disappeared from the market. The element that made the brand big comes from an English factory and is really called Coldstream FTO PLUS; that one is simply still available.

## My British Berkefeld needs new elements. Is that still possible?

British Berkefeld no longer sells through shops. The ceramic Coldstream FTO PLUS fits the same housing and filters more substances, including fluoride.

## Do I need to prime Coldstream FTO PLUS filters?

No. Unlike the black carbon elements, you don't need to prime ceramic Coldstream filters, and separate fluoride add-on filters aren't necessary either.

## Does a water filter remove PFAS from tap water?

Yes, certain water filters can reduce PFAS in tap water. Activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis are among the methods used for this. How well a specific filter works has to be shown by independent test results.

## Is filtering tap water actually necessary?

No. Dutch tap water meets the legal standards. Filtering is an extra step on top of a high basic quality, or a matter of taste.

## How often do I need to replace my filter element?

From six months (Coldstream) to about three years (BOROUX Foundation), depending on brand and use. The lifespan of each element is given in the guide.

## What does a good gravity filter cost?

Complete systems start at around 315 euros and go up to just over 400 euros for the largest sizes. The elements determine the cost per year.

## What does a shower filter do?

It reduces, among other things, chlorine and chlorine by-products in shower water. A shower filter does little against limescale; that is a job for a water softener.

## How do I clean my Berkey or BOROUX?

The chambers with mild soapy water, the elements as instructed, and a thorough clean once a season. Six steps, a quarter of an hour's work.

## Can I take a water filter with me when travelling?

Yes. There are drinking bottles with a filter element and compact travel systems that fit in a rucksack.