Frequently Asked Questions

Doulton and British Berkefeld water filter systems are premier choices for premium home water purification. These systems combine a natural ceramic outer shell with an activated carbon core to deliver clean, crisp drinking water directly from your tap.

• The Ceramic Shell: Acts as a microscopic sieve to physically block tiny particles, rust, sediment, and microplastics.

• The Carbon Core: Acts like a high-absorbency sponge, trapping chemical impurities, unpleasant odors, and foul tastes.

• Essential Minerals: Unlike reverse osmosis systems that strip your water bare, Doulton filters preserve the beneficial minerals your body needs, ensuring healthy water for cooking, coffee, and daily hydration.

Doulton (including British Berkefeld) has been the pioneer of clean water since 1826. Still Made in Britain at a world-class manufacturing facility in Staffordshire, these systems provide reliable, premium protection for your household.

• Rigorous Testing: Every batch undergoes strict internal and external quality testing to meet international safety standards.
• Dedicated Support: You receive direct access to expert customer service to help you choose and maintain the right setup for your kitchen.

Yes. Doulton water filters are designed to handle municipal tap water across Australia and New Zealand. Because regional water profiles vary, you can customise your filtration setup to target specific local concerns:

• Standard Tap Water: A countertop or under-sink system works perfectly for general sediment, taste, and chlorine removal.

• Hard Water & Limescale: If you live in an area with high mineral hardness, Doulton manufactures specialised limescale cartridges. Use Doulton Biotect Ultra SI cartridges for scale reduction. For high-limescale zones, there are specific limescale pre-filter cartridges that can be used in Doulton DUO systems.

• Tailored Advice: For specific advice, reach out to our team at sales@waterfiltercompany.co.nz.

Doulton filters reduce up to 99.99% of common drinking water contaminants, including:

• Microplastics and fine dirt particles.

• Chlorine and monochloramines (the main causes of chemical smells and bad tastes).

• Bacteria, cysts, and parasites (such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium).

• Insecticides, herbicides, and agricultural runoff.

• Heavy metals including lead, cadmium, and mercury.

If you want to actively remove fluoride from your household drinking water, Doulton offers dedicated, multi-stage systems:

• Gravity Setup: Choose the British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Gravity System (part of the official Doulton brand family), which uses specialised gravity-fed elements to strip out fluoride without plumbing.

• Countertop / Under-Sink Setup: Choose a Doulton DUO system equipped with a specialised fluoride reduction cartridge alongside the main ceramic filter.

Yes. Switching to a Doulton or British Berkefeld filter stops thousands of single-use plastic bottles from entering New Zealand and Australian landfills. Because the filters last for months and are made of natural earth materials, they offer a highly sustainable way to enjoy premium water.

Doulton filters prioritise food safety and premium material design:

• Filtration Media: Made from refined, natural ceramic materials and a compressed activated carbon core.

• Seals & Gaskets: Made from high-quality, food-grade synthetic rubbers (such as silicone, nitrile, NBR, and EPDM). These materials do not naturally contain latex and are safe for water contact.

• Latex Note: These components are manufactured in environments that handle natural rubber, meaning trace levels are possible.

• For the British Berkefeld Stainless Steel Gravity Units, the exterior anti-slip base and stand feet are made of natural rubber, but they never touch your drinking water.

Yes. Doulton and British Berkefeld filters are independently tested and certified by global health and safety organisations to meet NSF/ANSI standards. These certifications verify our performance claims regarding contaminant, bacteria, and heavy metal removal.

On average, a Doulton system delivers a steady flow rate of 1 to 3 liters per minute, depending on your home’s water pressure. If the flow drops significantly below this, it is time to scrub the ceramic exterior or replace the candle.

Absolutely. British Berkefeld offers portable, gravity-fed water filter solutions that require no plumbing or power. They provide a high level of filtration on the go, making them ideal for camping, 4WD touring, or rural holiday homes across Australia and New Zealand.

If you are heading away on holiday or storing your system for an extended period:

1. Remove the ceramic filter candle and allow it to dry completely in the open air.

2. Store the dry candle and housing components in a cool, dry place.

3. When you return, reinstall the filter and flush it thoroughly with cold water for a few minutes before drinking.

No. Doulton water filters are strictly designed for cold or room-temperature water. Running hot water through the system can crack the natural ceramic material and ruin the carbon core, reducing its ability to protect your water quality.

If you drop your ceramic candle, inspect it under a bright light for fine cracks. Even microscopic cracks will allow unfiltered water and contaminants to bypass the system. If you see any structural damage, replace the candle immediately to ensure your drinking water stays safe.

For the best tasting and safest water, use these maintenance guidelines:

• Replacement Lifespan: Replace your ceramic filter candle every 6 months under average daily use.

• When to Change Early: If you notice a distinct drop in your water pressure or a change in taste, it means the filter has successfully trapped a high volume of local sediment and needs replacing.

• Ongoing Cost: Your only regular maintenance cost is for the replacement cartridges every 6 to 12 months, making this a highly cost-effective choice for long-term health.

If your water flow slows down due to trapped sediment, you can clean the filter to restore its performance within its 6-month lifespan.

1. Remove the filter candle from the housing.

2. Gently scrub the ceramic surface under cold running water using a soft brush or clean sponge.

3. Never use soap, detergents, or steel wool, as these will permanently damage the natural filtration material.

4. Reinstall the candle to restore an optimal flow rate.

Yes, installation is straightforward and designed for DIY success. Every system ships with a clear, step-by-step instruction manual.

• British Berkefeld Systems: Simply attach the tap to the lower canister, attach the knob to the lid and stack the two canisters together.

• Doulton Countertop Systems: Simply attach the diverter valve directly to your standard kitchen faucet thread.
  Note: If you have a custom, non-standard designer faucet, you may need a thread adapter. You may be able to source this from your local hardware store.

• Doulton Under-Sink Systems: Mount the bracket under your bench and connect it to your cold water line using the supplied push-fit fittings and installation kit.

Whenever you install a new filter, please do the following:

• Doulton Under-Sink & Tap Systems: Run the cold water through the new filter for 10 minutes, let the system sit idle for 24 hours, and then run the water again for another 10 minutes. This fully activates the carbon core.

• British Berkefeld Systems: Follow the specific steps included in your manual to ensure the cartridges are fully flushed before use.

Cloudy water right after a filter change is completely normal and safe. It is caused by harmless air bubbles trapped inside the new dry ceramic pores. Run the water for a few minutes, or use the system for a couple of days, and the cloudiness will disappear completely.

If you still need help after reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), our team is ready to assist:

• Email Support: Reach us anytime at sales@waterfiltercompany.co.nz.

• Phone Support: Call us on +64 22 0433 123 for direct advice.