Beware of claims that gravity filtration elements can remove fluoride without any need for separate fluoride reduction elements i.e. “All-in-One” filter elements.
Fluoride is a very difficult contaminant to remove from water, and a great deal of fluoride reduction media is required for long-term reduction. In order to validate such claims, our team had an independent lab evaluate the two most popular “all-in-one” carbon-based filter elements. Both claim they remove fluoride without any need for separate post filtration elements designed to specifically target fluoride contaminants. What the tests revealed was quite shocking.
The Results
The first “all-in-one” carbon-based filter element tested reduced fluoride by just 20.8% at 50 gallons, and a mere 14.3% at 100 gallons.
Take a look at the table below. The influent water level in this test was spiked with fluoride to 2.10 mg/L or higher. The columns “Effluent Fluoride” and “Fluoride % Reduction” show the filtered fluoride levels.
The second “all-in-one” carbon-based filter element tested reduced fluoride by 83.7% at 50 gallons, and 64.4% at 100 gallons.
Take a look at the table below. The influent water level in this test was spiked with fluoride to 1.84 mg/L or higher. The columns “Effluent Fluoride” and “Fluoride % Reduction” show the effluent (filtered) fluoride levels.
The Bottom Line
While most carbon-based filters will initially reduce fluoride, they typically experience a drastic decline in their effectiveness usually within the first 50 gallons or less. In order to ensure long term fluoride reduction, a separate fluoride reduction filter is required, as this provides the proper amount of media and proper contact time in order for effective long term fluoride reduction to take place.
Contrast the performance above with Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements, which reduced fluoride by 98.2% at 50 gallons, and 97.1% at 100 gallons.
Take a look at the table below. The influent water level in this test was spiked with fluoride to 3.75 mg/L or higher. The columns “Effluent Fluoride” and “Fluoride % Reduction” show the effluent (filtered) fluoride levels.
Under normal contamination conditions, the media in a set of Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements has been calculated to reduce fluoride for up to 1,000 gallons.
Ensure the well-being of your loved ones by using ONLY authentic Black Berkey® Purification Elements and the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements. Verified performance is critical, both for everyday use and during emergencies.
Read our in-depth article, “Fluoride and Water Filters: Understanding effective reduction” to learn more about fluoride and our Berkey® Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements.