By molliemason 
Berkey water filters are well known for their remarkable capacity to eliminate impurities and produce pure, great-tasting water. Nevertheless, if you detect an unusual or unpleasant taste in your Berkey water, there may be various causes behind it. By being aware of these possible problems, you can take swift action to fix them and resume enjoying clean, fresh water. In the paragraphs below, we dive into the usual causes of why your Berkey water tastes bad, as well as what you can do about it.
Causes Why Your Berkey Water Tastes Bad
New Filters Need Proper Priming
Berkey filters require to be well primed for the first time after you install them. However, if this is not the case and it includes residual manufacturing dust or carbon of the filter elements, then this can result in an off taste. This can be fixed by following the priming instructions given by Berkey when they advise you to change the filters to be sure they are fully saturated and ready to use. The bad taste, however, sometimes remains, and it may be necessary to repeat the priming process a couple of times to eradicate it.
Over-Saturated Filters Reduce Efficiency
Filters that have endured a long time can become blocked with contaminants, which may affect taste oddly. If you have been using your filters for several months, they may have reached their capacity. Periodic cleaning of the filters or replacing them when necessary will help restore water quality.
Contaminated Storage Container
Regular cleaning of the stainless steel or plastic container holding your filtered water should be performed. The taste of your water can be affected by a buildup of bacteria, mold, or algae. It’s also possible to use mild soap and water to scrub the center of your Berkey chamber if your Berkey chamber hasn’t been cleaned for a while. On top of this, a periodic sanitizing of the interior of the chamber with either diluted vinegar or bleach solution can help keep it fresh and uncontaminated.
Impurities in the Source Water
While Berkey filters are highly effective, even the best source water can have a negative taste. Residual flavors in the filtered water might be present if your tap water contains high levels of chlorine, sulfur, or other chemicals. In cases like this, pre-filtering your water or taking an additional purification step may help. If the taste of your water changes depending on the season, take into account that the water might change as well.
Fluoride and Arsenic Filters Need Replacing
If you use additional fluoride and arsenic reduction filters, they last less than 1,000 gallons (less than a year). Expired filters typically degrade over time and can affect how your water tastes. For optimal performance and fresh-tasting water, the filters of this one will be replaced regularly, especially after your water starts tasting off.
Air Bubbles Trapped in the Filters
To avoid inconsistent taste, air pockets in the Black Berkey filters can prevent proper filtration. Reprime the filters by running water through them again if you suspect air bubbles are present. Removing the trapped air and improving the flow of the water will help a more evenly and neutral taste.
Mineral Leaching from Old Filters
Used filters can eventually leach minerals back into the water, leaving it with an odd taste. This may mean that if you’ve had your filters for a long time, they are more likely to need replacing. Wear and tear should be looked for, and they should be replaced according to Berkey’s recommendation to maintain water purity.
Water Stagnation in the Storage Chamber
If you leave filtered water sitting in the Berkey system over some time, it will develop a stale or metallic taste. Bacteria and other chemicals in the air may also play a role if you drink the water too slowly. To avoid this, you should cycle through your water regularly and clean out your system often to prevent stalagmite formation.
Rubber Washer or Spigot Issues
The rubber washers and spigot parts of the Berkey system can absorb scents or transfer materials to the water, causing it to taste different. The parts will eventually degrade over time, delivering unwanted flavors into your water. To fix this, clean and remove these components or replace them if they seem worn.
Improper Filter Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the best-tasting water. Your filters, however, will collect bacteria and debris if they are not cleaned periodically and will change the flavor of the water. To keep all Black Berkey filters and Premium Ceramic filters performing optimally, we recommend scrubbing them with the Scotch-Brite pad every few months. In addition, it’s also important to always follow Berkey’s steps for cleaning filters and the chamber.
Conclusion
To sum up, here are the common issues to address why your Berkey water tastes bad. Your Berkey system will work efficiently as long as it is regularly cleaned, maintained with regular filter replacement, and properly primed on new filters. Keep your system running as it should by cleaning and watching out for possible sources of contamination, and you’ll continue to savor the high-quality water that Berkey is known for.
amyjulia 
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