Is Berkey going out of business? We know you have probably been searching everywhere on the internet, trying to figure out if Berkey, the well-known water filter brand, is closing its doors for good. You’re not alone in this.
Many people rely on Berkey for clean, safe drinking water, and the mere thought of losing that source can be unsettling. So, is Berkey going out of business, really or it’s just another rumor that needs to be discarded?
We, the short answer is that Berkey is not going out of business. But there’s more to the story, and in this post, we will be walking you through every detail. So, we encourage you to keep reading for the full details of what’s really happening behind the scenes at Berkey.
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A Closer Look at Berkey Water Filters
Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly take a look at Berkey water filters. Perhaps that will help you better understand the gravity of the rumor circulating about its closure.
For many years, Berkey has become a household name when it comes to water filtration. But what’s the story behind this brand? Why are they so popular?
For over a quarter of a century, Berkey has been at the forefront of water purification, offering products that not only meet but often exceed customer expectations. Their filters are designed to tackle a wide range of contaminants, providing safe drinking water to families across the globe.
But Berkey’s journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Recent legal challenges and regulatory hurdles have put the brand in the spotlight, raising questions about its future.
Recently, the company found itself in the middle of a serious lawsuit and also, the EPA surprisingly classified Berkey filters as pesticides. These have stirred up concern and confusion among the loyal fans of the brand.
It has raised serious concern in the minds of families and individuals who rely on Berkey for clean water. One of the questions in their minds is ‘Is Berkey going out of business? Now, let’s address that!
Is Berkey Going Out of Business?
Amidst swirling rumors and growing concerns, the straightforward answer is no, Berkey is not going out of business. But let’s make things a little clearer here.
New Millennium Concepts Ltd., the company behind the production of Berkey water filters remains robust and committed to its mission of providing high-quality water filtration solutions. They’ve weathered storms before and are equipped to handle the current challenges.
However, the situation is a bit more complicated when it comes to their distributors, particularly in the United States, where regulatory pressures have forced some to close their doors.
But you should know that while some U.S. distributors face closures due to the regulatory environment, the company behind those famed filters isn’t going anywhere.
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What’s Going on with Berkey Water Filters?
It’s been a rough patch for Berkey, especially in the U.S. The EPA has recently classified their water filters as pesticides, a label that seems both unconventional and unexpected for products designed to purify water, not to act as antimicrobial agents.
This classification has led to a legal standoff, with Berkey challenging the EPA’s decision, aiming to protect its reputation and its right to operate without such a stigmatizing label. The implications of this classification have not only affected the production and sale of Berkey filters but also the brand’s image and customer trust.
There has since been a stop-sale order on Berkey water filters. And what this legal tangle means is that until it’s resolved, Berkey’s production line is on pause, hence affecting its availability.
Why Are Berkey Water Filters Out of Stock?
If you have tried purchasing a Berkey filter recently, you might have noticed that they are harder to come by. The reason is because of the EPA’s stop-sale order the company received due to the pesticide classification we mentioned earlier.
This has put a significant dent in Berkey’s ability to produce and distribute their filters. For consumers, this means they will need to exercise more patience.
The shortage is a temporary hiccup and we all hope that resolution comes swiftly, not just for Berkey’s sake, but for the countless users who trust in their products for clean, safe drinking water.
When Will Berkey Filters Be Back in Stock in the U.S.?
Predicting the exact timing for when Berkey filters will be back on the shelves is challenging, given the legal uncertainties. The company is eager to resume production and distribution, but the timeline hinges on the legal proceedings with the EPA.
Once there’s clarity on the regulatory front, Berkey can commence its operations again, gradually replenishing stocks and making its filters available to the public once again. While the wait is tough, some distributors still have limited stock to tide you over
Why Are Some Berkey Water Filter Distributors Closing?
Sadly, the ripple effects of the EPA’s decision have been particularly harsh on smaller distributors. These businesses, often family-owned and operated, rely heavily on the sale of Berkey products.
The stop-sale order has choked their primary revenue stream, leading to an untenable situation for many. Because of this, many of them were forced to close down their businesses for good.
In fact, when you hear people ask, ‘Is Berkey going out of business?’ it’s the closure of these distributors that sparked that concern.
Berkey Water Filters’ Owner Has Also Sued the EPA
We think we also need to talk about this before we bring this article to a close. In a bold countermove, New Millennium Concepts has taken legal action against the EPA, challenging the pesticide classification and fighting to protect its brand and products.
This legal action is a fight for Berkey’s future, challenging the EPA’s stance and striving to keep their filters accessible without the controversial pesticide label. The outcome of this legal battle is crucial, not just for Berkey but for the broader industry and regulatory landscape.
Why Aren’t Berkey Filters NSF/ANSI Certified?
Certification is often seen as a badge of credibility and quality, and some customers wonder why Berkey filters don’t carry the NSF/ANSI seal. Berkey’s approach is one of independence; they conduct their own rigorous testing to ensure their filters meet high standards of performance.
This decision is rooted in a desire to maintain control over their testing processes and to avoid the significant costs associated with certification, which, in their view, would ultimately be passed on to consumers.
While some may view the lack of NSF/ANSI certification as a drawback, Berkey argues that their independent testing is thorough and reflects a commitment to quality and safety.
Final Note
To wrap things up, let’s circle back to our main question: Is Berkey going out of business? The answer is a resounding no.
Despite the hurdles and headlines, Berkey is here to stay, fighting to continue providing top-notch water filtration. So, breathe easy, and trust that Berkey isn’t disappearing from the water purification scene anytime soon.
FAQs
Why Did the EPA Ban Berkey Water Filters?
The EPA didn’t exactly “ban” Berkey water filters, but it did introduce a significant regulatory challenge for the company. The EPA classified Berkey’s water filters as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) because the filters contain silver, which has antimicrobial properties.
This classification was unexpected because silver, as used in water filters, has not traditionally been considered a pesticide. The result of this classification meant that Berkey would have to label their products as pesticides, leading to a stop-sale order until the legal and regulatory issues could be resolved.
Can Bacteria Grow in Berkey Filters?
Like any water filter, Berkey filters must be maintained properly to prevent the growth of bacteria. The Black Berkey purification elements are designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, but if the filters are not used or cleaned correctly, bacteria can grow.
Does Berkey Remove Fluoride?
Yes, Berkey can remove fluoride from water, but it requires an additional element called the Berkey PF-2 fluoride filter. These add-on filters attach to the bottom of the Black Berkey purification elements and are specifically designed to remove fluoride and arsenic from the water.
However, you should note that the standard Black Berkey elements do not remove fluoride on their own.
Can You Put Dirty Water in a Berkey?
Yes, you can put dirty water in a Berkey system, and it will effectively purify it. Berkey water purification systems are designed to handle untreated, raw water from sources like lakes, rivers, and ponds.
The powerful filtration capability of the Black Berkey elements can remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals, making the water safe to drink.