Why Are Berkey Water Filters Banned in California?

Have you ever tried to buy something and found out it’s banned in your state? That happened to me with a Berkey water filter in California. I thought, “How could a water filter be off-limits?” 

At first, I blamed politics. But the truth is more about rules and testing. California has strict regulations, and Berkey didn’t meet them. Want to know why? Let me explain.

California’s Strict Water Regulations

Let me tell you a quick story. When I first heard about California’s water rules, I thought, “Wow, they must really care about safety.” And honestly, they do. California has some of the toughest water safety laws in the country. They’re designed to protect people like you and me—and even the planet.

Here’s how it works: If a company wants to sell a water filter in California, they need approval from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This means the product has to pass extra tests, beyond the ones required by federal rules. It sounds smart, right? But these extra tests cost a lot, and not every company is willing to pay for them.

Berkey filters are famous for cleaning water. They remove bacteria, heavy metals, and other harmful stuff. But they don’t have CDPH approval. Why? Berkey says their filters already meet strict federal and global standards. They think California’s extra tests are not needed and cost too much.

I get it—it’s frustrating. If you live in California, you want safe water. But it’s hard when rules make good products harder to get. It feels like a tug-of-war between safety and red tape. In the end, it’s about finding a balance that works for everyone.

The Science Behind Berkey’s Filters

Berkey filters are very popular. They claim to remove bacteria, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals from water. The company says their filters meet top standards like NSF/ANSI 42 and 53. But here’s the catch—they aren’t officially NSF-certified.

Instead of getting certified, Berkey uses tests from third-party labs, like Envirotek. These tests follow NSF rules but don’t go through the full process. Berkey says certification is expensive. Each system, not just the filter, would need approval. Their test results look good, but some details are unclear. For example, it’s not proven if their filters really last for 3,000 gallons as claimed.

This lack of certification confuses some people. While Berkey filters are effective, not having NSF approval makes some buyers unsure. It’s like saying you’re great at cooking but never entering a contest to prove it.

Other brands, like ProOne, are more transparent. They share detailed test results and use independent labs to back up their claims. ProOne’s filters don’t last as long as Berkey’s, but their openness builds trust.

In the end, Berkey filters work well for most people. But the missing certification raises questions. If you trust third-party tests, Berkey is a good choice. If you want clear proof, look for a certified brand instead.

Read More: Alexapure vs Berkey

Lessons Learned

Choosing Berkey filters wasn’t simple. They work well, but the missing certification made me think twice. It felt like a choice between trust and proof.

This experience taught me that rules are complex. They aren’t always good or bad—just layered. Sometimes, they protect us. Other times, they create barriers.

In the end, I decided it’s about balance. Berkey filters might be right for some, but not for everyone. You need to weigh the facts and decide what works best for you.

FAQs About Berkey Water Filters in California