The short version explaining why: California law AB 1953/SB1334 & 1395/HSC Section 116875, effective January 1, 2010, stipulates that any “end-use device intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking,” as well as each of their individual components, materials and “pipe, pipe or plumbing fittings, or fixtures,” or flux, must be “lead free” as defined by California law. This law, oddly enough, does not recognize common knowledge or the assays showing that Berkey purification actually removes lead from water - as often happens these days, legal decisions are confusing and not necessarily a reflection of the truth.

While many filtration companies ignore the state law because of its vagueness, Berkey manufacturers prefer to await official certification. We hope for a new resolution to this issue and the chance to serve the many people in California who will benefit from Berkey products.

Why we don't ship to Iowa

The State of Iowa requires extremely high licensing fees for rights to sell the Berkey systems in their state. This sets up a precedent for other states which might then also require exhorbitant fees to generate revenue. If you live in Iowa and want to have a Berkey system, we can ship to anyone you know outside of your state..