This media formulation includes premium CTC 60 coconut shell carbon, which is activated in a controlled environment using high temperatures to develop millions of micropores. This process exponentially increases its surface area and absorption capabilities to enable the media to effectively absorb and trap a vast range of waterborne contaminants and impurities. The media mixture is then molded and sintered with precise compression and heat to fuse the media particles together into a dense, yet super porous filter for effective contaminant reduction with impressive water flow capabilities.

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements contain a dense and compact matrix of millions of microscopic pores. These pores create a “tortuous path” that traps silt, sediment, colloids (cloudiness), rust, etc., as well as the non-dissolved varieties of herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, etc., preventing them from passing through the pores in the filter wall—a process known as microfiltration.

Additionally, the adsorption properties of the activated carbon adsorb and bind organic contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), man-made substances, compounds, and chemicals, such as perfluorinated “forever chemicals” (PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS), industrial and toxic chemicals (SOCs), disinfectants, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and chlorine; some inorganic elements and compounds are reduced, such as various heavy metals. This process is enhanced by extended contact time, where gravity gently draws water through the filter for prolonged media interaction and efficient contaminant reduction, resulting in removed or reduce contaminants and improved taste and odor of the filtered drinking water.

We are not making microbiological claims for Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements. Water that is questionable or suspected of being microbiologically unsafe should be purified or treated with known EPA/CDC/WHO approved disinfection methods (like chlorination and boiling), before filtering water using Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements to address the claimed non-biological contaminants that could be present in the water.

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372.*

*NSF Certification and online listing PENDING. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are NSF certified (42 & 372) when included as a component in the complete gravity filter system. Because of the demand for replacement filters, we currently are not offering the filters in the gravity filter systems due to backlogged demand for replacement filters. Currently we are working to obtain the NSF certification for the filters themselves as a standalone component. 

No, they contain none of these.

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are not designed to remove beneficial healthy minerals from your water supply. Because the natural filtration process leaves essential minerals like magnesium and calcium in the water, the filter does NOT alter the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Therefore, the TDS remains unchanged. For more information, read our article: “What a TDS Meter Can (and Can’t) Tell You”

Lab tests show that Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements initially reduce fluoride in drinking water up to 75.5%. However, carbon-based elements that reduce fluoride typically begin to lose that ability rather quickly. This being the case, Berkey PF-2^® Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements can be used in conjunction with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements to provide fluoride reduction for up to 1,000 gallons of use.

Yes, Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are shown to effectively reduce PFOA, PFAS and PFOS per third-party accredited lab tests.

Yes, Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements effectively reduce chlorine and 200+ other common contaminants found in U.S. and global municipal water supplies.

We recommend replacing Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements every 2,750 gallons (5,500 gallons per set of 2 filters). Filters may require replacement sooner based upon the quality of influent water.

A Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Element’s base is made from a super durable glass-filled polymer which is BPA free and NSF/FDA food contact compliant.

No. Activated carbon-based filters do not change the hardness of your water.

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements and Black Berkey^® Elements are designed to remove heavy metals, but will not remove mineral salts, which are added by a water softener. Using softened water in our systems equipped with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements and Black Berkey^® Elements will prematurely clog the pores and reduce the absorption effectiveness of the filter. We therefore recommend not using soft water with your Berkey system and/or these filters. Using soft water in your Berkey^® system (with either of our filtration elements) will void the warranty.

The flow rate of Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements is up to 4.2 gallons per hour per pair. Flow rate calculated with upper chamber full to top. Flow rate decreases as water level declines. Additionally, filtration rates increase when used in larger gravity-fed water systems such as Imperial Berkey^® and Crown Berkey™ water systems.

If flow rate slows and or there appears to be debris, scale or mineral build-up on the outside of the filter elements, follow these instructions to clean them:

1. Empty and disassemble the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements from the upper chamber of the gravity filter system.
2. Gently scrub the elements with a stiff brush or Scotch-Brite^® pad under cold running water (never apply soap or other cleaning agents to your filter elements).
3. Re-prime the elements and reinstall them in your gravity system.
4. Lastly, fill your gravity system and perform a red food coloring test as described in the filters instructions to ensure your system has been assembled correctly, and that there are no internal leaks in your system.

For more information you can access the online version of the Phoenix Gravity New Millenium Edition™ Filter Elements instructions here. As that the same instructions apply for Black Berkey^® Elements, you can also reference the following article for more detailed information and instructions: When and how do I clean the Black Berkey^® Elements?

Yes, the test is performed in the exact same way as you would with Black Berkey^® Elements. Please follow directions found on the instructions sheet that comes with the filters and can also be accessed here. A more detailed article can be accessed in our Berkey Water Knowledge Base: How can I tell if my Berkey^® Water System is working correctly?

In theory, the shelf life of the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements is indefinite. If you have already used your elements, the following applies: for longer-term storage, we recommend completely drying the elements first. Ensure they are bone-dry (zero moisture) before storing them long-term. Shake excess water from elements, then air-dry by leaving them on a windowsill or other sunny location for 1-3 days until completely dry. Once elements are bone-dry (zero moisture), store them in a sealable plastic bag (gallon-size or larger)—this prevents elements from absorbing odors. When you are ready to re-use your elements, clean them by scrubbing the outside with a stiff brush or a Scotch-Brite^® pad under cold running water. Then re-prime the elements before putting them back in your system.

Each Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Element measures approximately 9-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ overall, including stem.

No, NMCL does not sell its filter products to residents of California or Iowa. For more information regarding why, you can read the following policy and articles:

• Policy Regarding Sales of Berkey^® Products to Residents of California and Iowa
• Why Berkey^® Products are Not Available in California
• Are Berkey^® Systems Available in Iowa?