3/10    My new Beretta filter is outputing black water, not just a few
        black particles.  The only unusual thing I did with it was shaking
        it.  Did I break it and let loose some ink/pocket of extra fine
        charcoal or was it defective to begin with?
        \_ You mean Britta?  Baretta is a gun maker.
        \_ If it did that before you shook it, it's defective.  If it started
           after shaking, I'd guess you broke the charcoal.  Either way you can
           probably return it as defective if there's any doubt.
        \_ dumb question, but did you remember to soak it first?