Imagine drinking water that might be carrying tiny, invisible invaders. These are PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals,” and they can be found in many of our homes. You might be wondering if your tap water is truly clean and safe for your family. It’s a big concern for many people, and when you start looking for a water filter to get rid of these chemicals, it can feel overwhelming. There are so many different types, and it’s hard to know which one will actually work best.
You want to protect your loved ones, but figuring out the best way to do it can be confusing. That’s why we’re here to help! By reading on, you’ll get a clear understanding of what PFAS are and why they matter. We’ll break down the different kinds of water filters that are proven to remove them, making it much easier for you to choose the right one for your home. Let’s dive into how you can ensure the water you drink is as pure as possible.
Our Top 5 Water Filter To Remove Pfas Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Water Filter To Remove Pfas Detailed Reviews
1. Culligan with ZeroWater Technology 22-Cup Water Filter Dispenser – Includes 5-Stage Advanced Water Filter
Rating: 8.8/10
Say goodbye to tap water worries with the Culligan with ZeroWater Technology 22-Cup Water Filter Dispenser. This large dispenser uses an advanced 5-stage filter to clean your water, making it taste great and safer to drink. It’s designed to remove a lot of yucky stuff like lead, PFAS (those “forever chemicals”), mercury, and chlorine. Plus, it comes with a handy tester to show you how clean your water is.
What We Like:
- Powerful 5-Stage Filtration: It removes 99.9% of dissolved solids, including lead and PFAS, for super clean water.
- Certified Contaminant Reduction: It’s officially proven to get rid of harmful things like lead, mercury, and chlorine.
- Built-in TDS Tester: The included meter tells you exactly how pure your water is and when to change the filter.
- Space-Saving Design: It fits nicely in your fridge or looks good on your counter.
- Easy to Use: The drop-in filter and easy-slide lid make filling and pouring simple.
- Reduces Plastic Waste: You can save a lot of single-use plastic bottles by using this dispenser.
What Could Be Improved:
- Filter Compatibility: It only works with the new Culligan with ZeroWater Technology filters, not older ones.
This dispenser offers a smart way to get clean, great-tasting water while helping the environment. It’s a solid choice for any home.
2. Waterdrop 10UA Under Sink Water Filter System
Rating: 9.1/10
The Waterdrop 10UA Under Sink Water Filter System is a smart choice for cleaner, better-tasting water right from your kitchen faucet. This system tackles tough contaminants like PFAS, PFOA/PFOS, and lead, while also improving the taste and smell of your water by reducing chlorine. It’s designed for easy installation and long-lasting use, making it a convenient upgrade for any home or even an RV.
What We Like:
- Effective Filtration: Reduces harmful substances like PFAS, PFOA/PFOS, and lead, along with chlorine for better taste and odor.
- Cost-Effective: Replacement filters are affordable (under $25.99), saving you money over time.
- Easy Installation: Twist-and-lock design and push-to-connect fittings allow for a quick, 3-minute setup.
- Long Lifespan: Each filter lasts up to 12 months with typical household use.
- Versatile Compatibility: Connects easily to standard US sink water valves and faucets.
- Enhanced Durability: Features an upgraded filtration area that increases dirt adhesion by 20X, reducing clogging.
- Mineral Retention: Keeps beneficial minerals like calcium and potassium in your water while removing harmful elements.
- After-Sales Support: Waterdrop offers a prorated performance service for quality issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cold Water Only: The system can only be powered by a cold-water source.
- Connector Information: While it includes fittings for common sizes, you might need to confirm faucet thread type (female 1/2″ or 3/8″) beforehand.
- Allergy Note: Users with coconut shell allergies should be aware that activated carbon is made from natural coconut shells.
The Waterdrop 10UA offers a simple and effective way to enjoy purified water. Its user-friendly design and strong performance make it a worthwhile addition to your home.
3. Culligan with ZeroWater Technology 12-Cup Water Filter Pitcher – Includes 5-Stage Advanced Water Filter
Rating: 8.7/10
The Culligan with ZeroWater Technology 12-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is designed to give you incredibly clean and pure drinking water. It uses a special 5-stage filter that takes out almost everything bad from your tap water. This means you can drink your water with total confidence, knowing it’s free from many harmful things.
What We Like:
- Its 5-stage advanced filter removes 99.9% of dissolved solids, making water taste great.
- It’s certified by IAPMO to reduce harmful things like lead, Total PFAS (forever chemicals), mercury, and chlorine.
- The powerful filter removes 5 times more contaminants than many other leading filters.
- It comes with a TDS water tester to show you exactly when your filter needs changing, ensuring you always have pure water.
- The pitcher has a smart, space-saving design that looks good on your counter or fits easily in your fridge.
- It’s super easy to use with a simple drop-in filter and a comfortable handle for pouring.
- Using this pitcher helps you reduce plastic waste, saving up to 150 plastic bottles each year.
- It works with the NEW Culligan with ZeroWater Technology filters.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is not compatible with older ZeroWater filters, so make sure you buy the right replacements.
This pitcher offers a fantastic way to get clean, great-tasting water while also helping the environment. It’s a smart choice for a healthier home.
4. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher – Lead
Rating: 8.6/10
The Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher is a game-changer for your home’s drinking water. It’s designed to give you the cleanest, healthiest water possible. This pitcher holds 10 cups of water. It also removes a lot more bad stuff than regular water filters. Plus, it keeps the good stuff in your water.
What We Like:
- Cleans your water much better than other pitchers, removing 20 times more yucky things.
- It filters out tough stuff like lead, chlorine, microplastics, and PFOA/PFOS.
- It leaves healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water.
- Each filter lasts a long time, filtering 120 gallons of water. That’s three times longer than most filters.
- You can recycle the filters for free! They send you a postage-paid label to mail them back.
- The filter parts are made in the USA in a top-notch factory.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pitcher is a bit larger than some, so it might take up more fridge space.
- The initial cost of the pitcher might seem a little higher than basic filters.
The Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher offers superior filtration and a commitment to the environment. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting healthier water and less waste.
5. Waterdrop Water Filter Pitcher with 1 Filter
Rating: 9.5/10
The Waterdrop Water Filter Pitcher is a smart choice for anyone wanting cleaner, better-tasting water right at home. This 10-cup pitcher is designed for convenience and quality, fitting easily into your kitchen or living space. It comes with one filter that lasts a long time, making it a great addition to any apartment or home.
What We Like:
- It offers a truly efficient filtration system, making your drinking water pure and safe.
- The pitcher has a clever hands-free lid that opens automatically, keeping dust out and your water clean.
- It’s NSF certified, meaning it’s tested and proven to reduce harmful things like PFOA/PFOS, chlorine, and certain metals.
- One filter lasts an impressive 200 gallons or about 3 months, which is much longer than many other filters.
- The built-in LED indicator lets you know when it’s time to change the filter, so you always have fresh water.
- Its compact design fits well in most refrigerator doors.
What Could Be Improved:
- This filter system does not lower the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) value in your water.
- You need to check your refrigerator’s dimensions to make sure it fits perfectly.
This Waterdrop pitcher offers a long-lasting, high-quality solution for better drinking water. It’s a smart investment for a healthier lifestyle.
Finding the Best Water Filter to Remove PFAS
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals found in many products. They can get into our drinking water. Some studies link PFAS to health problems. That’s why many people want to remove them from their tap water. A good water filter can help. This guide will help you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a PFAS filter, keep these important features in mind.
- NSF Certification: Look for filters certified by NSF International. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 is specifically for health effects like lead and PFAS removal. A certification means a third party tested the filter.
- Filter Type: Different filter types work best for PFAS. Activated carbon filters are common. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are also very effective.
- Flow Rate: How fast does the water come out? A higher flow rate means you get clean water quicker. This is important if you use a lot of water.
- Filter Lifespan: How long does the filter last? Some filters need changing more often than others. Check the filter’s capacity (how many gallons it can filter) and recommended replacement time.
- Ease of Installation and Maintenance: Can you set it up yourself? Is it easy to change the filter cartridges?
Important Materials
The materials inside the filter are what actually remove the PFAS.
- Activated Carbon: This is a very common material. It has tiny pores that trap contaminants like PFAS. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and carbon block filters are types you’ll see. Carbon block filters are often better at removing smaller particles.
- Ion Exchange Resin: Some filters use this special material. It exchanges PFAS ions for other ions, taking them out of the water.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: RO systems use a special membrane. This membrane has very small holes. It pushes water through it, leaving most contaminants, including PFAS, behind. RO systems often have multiple stages, including carbon filters.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all filters are created equal. Here’s what makes a filter better or worse.
- Filter Density: A denser filter material can trap smaller particles more effectively.
- Contact Time: How long the water stays in contact with the filtering material matters. Filters designed for longer contact time can remove more PFAS.
- Filter Capacity: A larger filter capacity means it can remove more PFAS before needing replacement. This can be more cost-effective over time.
- Water Pressure: For some filter types, like RO, good water pressure is needed to work efficiently.
- Maintenance: If you don’t change filters on time, their effectiveness drops. This reduces the quality of the filtered water.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the filter. This will help you pick the right type.
Common Use Cases:
- Pitcher Filters: These are simple to use. You fill the pitcher with tap water, and it filters as it drips into the bottom. They are good for small households and for drinking water.
- Faucet Filters: These attach directly to your faucet. You can switch between filtered and unfiltered water. They are convenient for drinking and cooking.
- Under-Sink Filters: These systems are installed under your kitchen sink. They provide filtered water through a separate faucet. They offer higher capacity and better filtration.
- Whole-House Filters: These filters treat all the water coming into your home. They are the most comprehensive solution but also the most expensive.
For users who want the highest level of PFAS removal, reverse osmosis systems are often recommended. If you’re looking for a simpler, more affordable option, a high-quality activated carbon filter with NSF certification for PFAS reduction is a good choice. Always check the product’s specifications to confirm its effectiveness against PFAS.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS Water Filters
Q: What are PFAS and why should I worry about them?
A: PFAS are man-made chemicals found in many everyday items. They can get into our drinking water. Some research suggests they might cause health problems. Filters help remove them.
Q: Which type of filter is best for removing PFAS?
A: Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are very effective. Activated carbon filters can also work well, especially if they are certified for PFAS removal.
Q: What does NSF certification mean for a PFAS filter?
A: NSF certification means an independent group tested the filter. It confirms the filter can reduce specific contaminants, like PFAS, to safe levels. Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53.
Q: How often do I need to change a PFAS filter?
A: This depends on the filter type and how much water you use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some filters last for a few months, others for a year or more.
Q: Can any activated carbon filter remove PFAS?
A: Not all activated carbon filters are equally effective against PFAS. Look for filters specifically tested and certified for PFAS reduction.
Q: Are whole-house PFAS filters necessary?
A: Whole-house filters remove PFAS from all water in your home. They are a good option if you are concerned about PFAS in showering or bathing water, not just drinking water.
Q: How do I know if my tap water has PFAS?
A: You can get your water tested by a certified laboratory. Some local water utilities also provide reports on contaminants in their water supply.
Q: Are PFAS filters expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. Pitcher filters are usually the cheapest. Under-sink and whole-house systems cost more upfront but can be more cost-effective over time.
Q: Will a PFAS filter also remove other contaminants?
A: Many PFAS filters also remove other common contaminants like chlorine, lead, and sediment. Check the filter’s specifications to see what else it removes.
Q: What happens if I don’t replace the filter on time?
A: If you don’t replace the filter, it will stop working effectively. It might even release trapped contaminants back into your water, making it unsafe.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.