my berkey royal's water tastes weird or like plastic after the first setup, is the water safe to drink?

Diagnosis

The "plastic" or "chemical" taste experienced during the initial setup of a Berkey Royal is typically caused by two distinct factors: residual manufacturing oils on the stainless steel surfaces and carbon fines (microscopic particles of activated carbon) trapped within the Black Redox elements. While the 304-grade stainless steel is food-safe, the polishing compounds used during the fabrication of the Royal's large chambers can leave a faint metallic or synthetic residue that interacts with the water. Furthermore, the Black Redox filters are composed of highly porous carbon. During shipping and handling, these particles rub against one another, creating a fine dust. If the filters were not fully "primed" (saturated) before installation, this dust remains in the filter matrix and leaches into the first few gallons of water. This does not make the water unsafe to drink, as the carbon is inert, but it creates an unpleasant organoleptic experience and can leave a greyish tint in the lower chamber. You can confirm this by pouring a small amount of filtered water into a clear glass; if you see tiny black specks or a slight iridescent sheen on the surface, it is a priming and flushing issue.

How to Fix It

To eliminate the taste and ensure the system is chemically neutral, follow this rigorous deep-cleaning and priming sequence:

1. Chamber Sterilization: Empty both the upper and lower chambers. Wash them thoroughly using a mixture of warm water and a mild, fragrance-free dish soap. Use a soft sponge to scrub the interior walls and the bottom of the upper chamber to remove any remaining polishing oils. Rinse with hot water until no soap bubbles remain.
2. Filter Re-Priming: Remove the Black Redox elements from the system. Place each filter in a separate bowl of warm water. Using your fingers, gently massage the sides of the filter to force air bubbles out. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until the filter is completely saturated and no more air bubbles are escaping from the pores.
3. Seal Verification: Reinstall the filters using the provided wing nuts and washers. Ensure the washers are seated flush against the holes in the upper chamber to prevent "bypass" (where unfiltered water leaks around the filter), which can either cause a taste issue or a slow drip.
4. The Double-Flush Cycle: Fill the upper chamber to the brim with cold tap water. Allow the entire volume to filter into the lower chamber. Do not drink this water; discard it entirely. This removes the bulk of the carbon fines.
5. The Final Purge: Refill the upper chamber a second time. Once this second batch has filtered through, taste a small sample. If the plastic taste persists, discard this batch as well. The third batch is typically where the water reaches its peak neutral flavor profile.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Spigot: If the taste is specifically "rubbery" or "plastic," the culprit is often the food-grade plastic spigot. Remove the spigot from the lower chamber and soak it in a solution of white vinegar and water for one hour to neutralize any factory residues on the internal valve.
• Deep-Clean the Gaskets: Inspect the rubber gaskets used in the assembly. If they were coated in a protective lubricant at the factory, wipe them down with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of lemon juice to remove the synthetic scent before re-tightening.
• Verify Water Source: If you are using highly chlorinated municipal water, the carbon filters may be reacting heavily to the chlorine in the first few gallons, creating a temporary "chemical" taste. Perform an additional two flush cycles to stabilize the carbon bed.
• Check for Cross-Contamination: Ensure that no cleaning agents or soaps were left on the exterior of the lower chamber that could be migrating into the water via the spigot area. Wipe the entire exterior with a microfiber cloth and distilled water.

Heads Up

• Avoid Soap on Filters: Never allow dish soap or detergents to touch the Black Redox elements. This will ruin the porous structure and permanently contaminate the taste of your water.
• Wing Nut Tension: Do not over-tighten the wing nuts. Over-tightening can crack the plastic washers or warp the stainless steel hole, leading to unfiltered water leaking into the lower chamber.
• Avoid Scrubbing Pads: Use only soft sponges or microfiber cloths on the interior of the chambers. Steel wool or abrasive pads can scratch the protective chromium oxide layer of the stainless steel, potentially leading to premature corrosion.
• Saturate First: Always prime your filters before installation. Installing "dry" filters leads to air pockets that cause slow filtration rates and a higher likelihood of carbon dust leaching into your drinking water.