Berkey Filter Red Dye Test

How can I tell if my Black Berkey Elements are working correctly? (Red Dye Test)

• This article contains information about the red food dye test
  
• Video on how to do check Elements with Red food coloring

When doing a red dye test, make sure the Artificial red dye contains FD&C Reds 40 & 3.  (read product label)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start with an empty system (upper and lower chamber) and remove any Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters(if installed). The Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters must be removed prior to performing a red food coloring test in order to stay in compliance with the six month warranty on the Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters .
2. Place the upper chamber only (with the elements installed) on similar- sized cups directly underneath each Black Berkey^™ This will help isolate which filter may be exhausted and which is still purifying effectively.
3. Fill the upper chamber with water and add up to 1 teaspoon(max) of ARTIFICIAL red food coloring for every gallon of water. (hint - 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water is plenty to carry out the test)
4. Allow the water to run through to the bottom chamber.
5. If the red food coloring is removed entirely, your purification system is working properly.
6. If the water in any of the cups is red or has a pinkish tinge, then that particular black filter is defective or exhausted.