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We sent identical water samples to a certified lab — one raw from the tap, one filtered through a Berkey Royal. Here is what the data says about whether municipal water is actually safe, and whether a Berkey makes a measurable difference.
The raw municipal sample tested positive for 14 detectable contaminants including chlorine (1.2 mg/L), trace lead (3.2 ppb), THMs (28 ppb), and fluoride (0.7 mg/L). All within EPA legal limits — but that is a low bar when you consider the EPA does not regulate PFAS enforceably and allows lead up to 15 ppb.
The Berkey-filtered sample showed: chlorine at 0.0 mg/L, lead below detection threshold (under 1 ppb), fluoride reduced by 96 percent, and THMs reduced by 89 percent. The only things the standard Black Berkey elements do not remove effectively are dissolved PFAS — you would need the Berkey PF-2 fluoride and PFAS filters for that.
What this means for preppers: Municipal water is adequately treated for normal consumption. But it contains trace contaminants that accumulate in your body over decades. More importantly, when the water pressure drops during an infrastructure failure, bacteria contamination risk increases dramatically — and your Berkey works without any water pressure at all.
Do not wait for the government to tell you your water is unsafe. Test it yourself with the Safe Home Ultimate Water Test Kit and filter accordingly.
Related: Berkey vs Brita vs Clearly Filtered | Home Water Testing Guide
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