Do Berkey Filters Remove Microplastics?

Yes. Berkey water filters effectively remove microplastics.

Every Berkey system comes with Black Berkey Filtration Elements (or compatible Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters as replacements), which use advanced microfiltration and adsorption to capture particles down to the nanometer range (24–26 nm).

This easily traps the vast majority of microplastics found in tap water.

Microplastics are a rising concern, with the U.S. EPA adding them to its Draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6) for the first time in 2026.

Here's how Berkey delivers cleaner, plastic-free drinking water.

What Are Microplastics and Why Should You Care?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles under 5 mm — some as small as 1 micron or less (nanoplastics).

They enter water from bottles, clothing, cosmetics, and runoff, and have been found in tap water, bottled water, and even human blood.

How Berkey Filters Remove Microplastics

Berkey systems are gravity-fed and use powerful elements that combine:

• Microfiltration — Traps particles at the sub-micron and nanometer level
• Adsorption — Binds organic contaminants, including plastic-related compounds

Black Berkey Elements (standard in every Berkey system) filter down to 24–26 nm.

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters, the official compatible replacements, use premium coconut shell activated carbon with advanced microfiltration for excellent particle reduction.

Since most microplastics range from 1 micron (1,000 nm) to 5 mm, they are readily captured by size exclusion.

Read more: Does Berkey Remove Microplastics from Water?

Real-World Performance

Berkey’s technology removes a wide spectrum of contaminants (including 200+ others like PFAS, heavy metals, chlorine, and PFAS) without electricity or plumbing.

While specific microplastics certifications are rare across the industry, the physics of nanometer-level filtration confirms strong performance.

Learn why filtration matters: How to Filter Microplastics from Your Water

Berkey vs. Other Filters for Microplastics

Why Choose Berkey for Microplastic Protection?

• Black Berkey Elements included with every system; Phoenix filters available as affordable, high-performance replacements
• No electricity or installation required
• Long filter life (up to 6,000+ gallons for Black Berkey pairs; 5,500 gallons for Phoenix pairs)
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Portable for home, travel, camping, or emergencies

Shop Berkey systems: View All Berkey Water Filter Systems

Need replacement filters? Get Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements

Take Control of Your Water Today

Reduce microplastic exposure with a trusted, gravity-fed solution trusted by thousands of families. Berkey delivers clean, great-tasting water you can count on.

Not sure which model fits your home? Try our free Water Quality Quiz.

Protect your family with Berkey — clean water, one gravity-fed drop at a time.