What’s the difference between a Berkey and an R.O.?
Berkey filters and reverse osmosis (R.O.) systems are two of the most popular ways Houston families try to clean up their drinking water—but they’re very different tools with very different results.
If you’re trying to decide between the two, this breakdown will help you understand what you’re really getting—and why more families are choosing R.O. for long-term peace of mind.
🛠️ how they work
Berkey is a gravity-fed countertop filter. You pour water in the top, and it slowly drips through carbon filters to remove some contaminants. It doesn’t connect to your plumbing, and the filtration is passive.
R.O. (reverse osmosis) is a high-performance under-sink system that uses water pressure to push water through multiple stages of filtration—including a semi-permeable membrane that removes up to 99% of contaminants.
🔬 what they remove (and what they don’t)
Berkey removes:
Sediment
Chlorine
Some heavy metals
Some bacteria (depending on filter type)
But here’s the issue: Berkey does not reliably remove fluoride, nitrates, arsenic, or PFAS—and doesn’t carry official third-party testing to prove long-term effectiveness. In fact, it’s currently under scrutiny by the EPA and some states for unverified claims.
R.O. removes:
Lead
Fluoride
Chlorine and chloramines
Arsenic
Nitrates and nitrites
PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
Bacteria, viruses, and microplastics
And most dissolved solids
It’s what hospitals, commercial kitchens, and bottled water companies use for a reason.
✅ Bottom line:
If you're serious about removing harmful chemicals in Houston water, R.O. wins by a mile.
⚖️ convenience + lifestyle
Berkey:
Manual filling required
Takes up counter space
Slower filtration
No connection to your sink or faucet
Filters need frequent scrubbing and replacement
R.O.:
Hidden under the sink
Purified water comes from a dedicated faucet
Automatic filtration—no manual refilling
Low maintenance (filter changes by our expert technicians are efficient and affordable!)
✅ Bottom line:
RO systems are set-it-and-forget-it, while Berkey requires more work for less performance.
💰 cost comparison
Berkey: Lower upfront cost (~$300–400), but frequent filter changes and no plumbing integration. Also doesn’t filter your cooking or produce-washing water unless you transfer it manually.
R.O.: Higher upfront investment (~$800–1900 installed), but long-term savings and whole-kitchen integration.
Plus—you stop spending money on bottled water.
✅ which one is right for your home?
If you want a temporary solution, Berkey might be fine.
But if you want comprehensive protection, medical-grade purity, and long-term convenience for your entire kitchen… reverse osmosis is the clear winner.
Which one is right for your home?
Complete the 60 second quiz to find out which system is right for you and your family 👇
PS. We have over 30 years experience in bringing clean water to the Houston Homeowners. Our reviews speak for themselves! If you want clean drinking water from your faucet, contact us at 281-495-4420 to schedule your free water test today.