5 Honest Facts About the Berkey Filter and Microplastics in Water

The Berkey filter is one of the most popular countertop water purifiers on the market, known for removing over 200 contaminants without using electricity or plumbing. But if you’re concerned about microplastics in water, you might be wondering — does the Berkey filter remove them too?

But here’s the question: Does the Berkey filter actually remove microplastics?

Let’s take a closer look at what the Berkey system does well, what it hasn’t been tested for, and whether it’s a good option for reducing your plastic exposure at home.

What the Berkey Filter Does Exceptionally Well

The Berkey Gravity Filter with Black Elements has been independently tested to remove over 200 contaminants from tap water. While it’s not NSF-certified, its third-party lab results show strong performance in a wide range of critical areas:

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum
PFAS, VOCs, pesticides, and herbicides
Chlorine and chemical disinfectants
Pathogens, including bacteria and viruses
Pharmaceuticals and common industrial chemicals

Berkey filters are often praised for their durability and efficiency. Each set of Black Berkey filters lasts up to 6,000 gallons, and the system itself is made from stainless steel—meaning there’s no plastic contact with your purified water. It’s a top choice for anyone looking to eliminate toxins without relying on bottled water or complex installations.

What About Microplastics in Water?

Now to the core question: Does the Berkey filter remove microplastics from water?

Here’s what we know:

The Black Berkey Elements are rated to remove particles as small as 24 to 26 nanometers.
Most microplastics found in water are larger than 100 nanometers, meaning they technically fall within the range Berkey can filter.
However, Berkey has not released any specific lab testing focused on microplastics removal.

So, while the design and micron rating of the filter suggest that it should capture microplastic particles, there is no publicly available testing data confirming this.

microplastics in water and the berkey water filter

Is the Berkey a Good Water Filter for Microplastics?

If your primary concern is microplastics in water, it’s important to note that the Berkey filter has not been officially tested or certified for that specific contaminant. That said, the filter’s extremely small pore size, along with its proven performance on other fine particles and chemical compounds, makes it a reasonable choice for people looking to reduce overall exposure to waterborne pollutants.

Many users trust the Berkey for their families, not just because of what it removes—but also because of what it doesn’t add: plastic parts, chemical leaching, or ongoing filter waste.

Who Is the Berkey Filter Best For?

The Berkey filter is a strong choice for people who want high-quality water filtration without the need for electricity or complicated installations. It’s especially popular among:

Families who want to reduce exposure to common tap water contaminants
Off-grid homeowners, RV users, and preppers
Health-conscious individuals seeking a plastic-free filtering system
Renters or homeowners looking for a non-permanent filtration setup

While it’s not specifically tested for microplastics in water, many users trust its performance due to its sub-micron filtration capability and broad removal range.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Berkey for Microplastics?

The Berkey Gravity Filter is one of the most respected and widely used countertop filtration systems in the world. It’s powerful, portable, and cost-effective over the long run. If you’re trying to reduce your family’s exposure to contaminants in drinking water, Berkey performs exceptionally well in nearly every category.

When it comes to microplastics in water, the truth is that Berkey hasn’t published direct test results. But based on its particle size capabilities, it likely captures many—if not most—microplastic fragments. For many families, that makes it a worthwhile investment in cleaner, safer water at home.