What is the stuff floating in my Berkey water?

The white floaters often observed in Berkey purified water are typically natural minerals that were already present in your source water but have become visible due to the filtration process.

When you notice these tiny specks or flakes in your Berkey water, there's generally nothing to be concerned about. These are not contaminants introduced by the filter, nor do they signify a malfunction. Instead, they are simply minerals that were previously dissolved and invisible in your tap or well water. After passing through the Berkey system, these minerals can sometimes precipitate out of solution, becoming visible.

Understanding Berkey Floaters: Mineral Precipitation

The appearance of floaters in your Berkey-filtered water is a common occurrence, especially for users with hard water, which contains a higher concentration of dissolved minerals.

What Are These Floaters?

These floaters are primarily minerals like calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved solids naturally found in your water supply. Before filtration, these minerals exist in an ionic form, meaning they are electrically charged and suspended invisibly within the water.

Why Do They Appear Now?

While your Berkey system is highly effective at removing harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, chlorine, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals, it is designed to retain beneficial minerals. The process of filtration, combined with factors like changes in water pressure, temperature, or even the slight aeration that occurs as water passes through the elements, can cause these previously dissolved ionic minerals to come out of solution and become solid, visible particles. This phenomenon is similar to how mineral scale builds up in a tea kettle or coffee maker over time.

Are They Harmful?

Absolutely not. These mineral floaters are harmless and do not pose any health risk. Their presence simply indicates the natural mineral content of your source water. They are not a sign of filter degradation or water contamination.

Addressing and Minimizing Floaters

While these floaters are benign, some users may prefer to minimize their appearance. Here are some practical insights:

Common Observations

• Appearance: Floaters can manifest as small white specks, flakes, or sometimes a slight cloudiness.
• Hard Water: They are more frequently observed by individuals using hard water sources, as these waters contain a higher concentration of the minerals that can precipitate.
• Settling: Often, if the water is left undisturbed for a period, these mineral particles will settle to the bottom of the container.

Practical Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean your Berkey system's stainless steel chambers and the Black Berkey Purification Elements according to the manufacturer's instructions. This helps remove any accumulated mineral residue that might contribute to new floaters.
• Proper Priming: Ensure that your Black Berkey Elements are properly primed during installation and after cleaning. Correct priming allows for optimal water flow and can reduce the chances of mineral build-up within the filter matrix itself.
• Water Source Awareness: Understanding the hardness of your local water supply can help set expectations. While Berkey systems don't soften water, knowing your water's mineral content explains why floaters might be more prevalent for you than for others.

Dissolved vs. Visible Minerals

The transformation of minerals from an invisible to a visible state in your Berkey water can be understood as follows:

In essence, the stuff floating in your Berkey water is simply a testament to the natural mineral content of your source water becoming visible after the purification process, and it is nothing to worry about.