Which Water Filter Removes the Most Contaminants: Detailed Analysis

Which water filter removes the most contaminants? It's a question that's been bubbling beneath the surface of our modern lives. As we turn on the tap for a drink, we often overlook the array of potential threats lurking in our water – bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, and more. But fear not, because the solution is clear: water filters. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different types of water filtration for contaminant removal and how to choose the water filter for your home.

Common Contaminants Found in Tap Water

Tap water, often taken for granted, can harbor an array of contaminants that impact our health and well-being. Understanding these threats is paramount in safeguarding the purity of what flows from our faucets. Here are some of the most prevalent contaminants lurking within our tap water:

Bacteria and Viruses: Microorganisms such as E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are heavy metals that leach into water sources, posing serious health risks over time, from developmental issues in children to organ damage in adults.

Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts: While chlorine is used to disinfect water, it can react with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes, linked to cancer and reproductive issues.

Pesticides and Herbicides: Agricultural runoff introduces pesticides and herbicides, affecting hormone balance and potentially causing neurological problems.

Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles infiltrate water supplies, with potential impacts on human health and aquatic ecosystems.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Compounds like benzene and trichloroethylene can originate from industrial activities, leading to respiratory and other health problems.

Different Types of Water Filters for Contaminants Removal

With a clear understanding of the risks posed by common tap water contaminants, let's now explore different types of water filters to decide which solutions excel in removing these harmful substances and ensuring the purity of our hydration.

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters

Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters stand as stalwart guardians against waterborne contaminants. This advanced filtration process operates on the principle of selective permeability, allowing only water molecules to pass through a semi-permeable membrane, while impurities are left behind. Its efficacy in eliminating an array of contaminants is commendable.

Through RO filtration, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium find themselves barred from your water, reducing health hazards linked to their consumption. Moreover, mineral content and pathogens like bacteria and viruses are similarly shown the door, ensuring a safer and purer drinking experience. For the specific details of how RO filters remove these bacteria, check this blog: Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Bacteria?

2. Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters employ a porous structure to attract and capture contaminants through adsorption. This filtration method proves highly effective in eliminating chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and objectionable odors, enhancing the taste and overall quality of drinking water. The activated carbon's large surface area and adsorptive capacity make it an ideal candidate for targeting a spectrum of unwanted substances.

However, it's essential to recognize the boundaries of activated carbon filtration. While adept at addressing chlorine and organic compounds, this filter type may fall short in removing minerals and microorganisms. Additionally, the filter's adsorption capacity is finite, requiring periodic replacement to maintain its efficacy.

3. UV (Ultraviolet) Filters

UV filters stand as a powerful disinfection technique. By emitting short-wavelength UV-C light, these filters disrupt the genetic material of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present in water. This inactivates their ability to reproduce and render them harmless, effectively preventing waterborne illnesses.

It's crucial to recognize that UV filters excel in pathogen elimination but do not physically remove particulates or chemicals. This specialization necessitates a supplementary filtration stage to tackle other contaminants. While UV systems are known for their efficacy, they operate optimally when paired with filters that address different impurities. Additionally, these systems rely on a consistent power supply to maintain continuous operation. Therefore, considering backup power solutions is a prudent step to ensure uninterrupted water purification. The judicious integration of UV filtration, alongside complementary methods, enhances the overall effectiveness of water treatment systems.

4. Ion Exchange Filters

Ion exchange filters operate on the principle of replacing unwanted ions with more benign ions in the water. Particularly effective in removing heavy metals like lead and mercury, these filters utilize resin beads that carry positively or negatively charged ions. As water flows through the resin bed, undesirable ions are exchanged for ions of the same charge from the resin, thus reducing the concentration of heavy metals.

However, it's important to note that ion exchange filters might not be universally effective against all types of contaminants. Their efficiency is optimized for specific ions and elements. While they shine in addressing heavy metals, they might not be the go-to solution for removing other types of impurities.

5. Multi-Layer Filtration Systems

Multi-layer filtration systems epitomize water purification through their integration of diverse filtration technologies. These systems boast a holistic approach to contaminant removal, tackling a spectrum of impurities for superior water quality. Notably, the combination of filtration methods ensures a comprehensive elimination of contaminants, ranging from chlorine and heavy metals to microplastics and organic compounds.

One exemplar of this efficacy is the SimPure Q3-600 under sink RO system, showcasing a 7-stage filtration process. Its CF filter effectively addresses large particles, residual chlorine, color, and odor, setting the foundation for subsequent stages. The RO filter excels in removing chemicals like PFAS and pharmaceutical residues, as well as heavy metals such as lead and arsenic; it adeptly handles a wide array of toxins like ethylene glycol and vinyl chloride. In doing so, it ensures not only water's taste and odor improvement but also its safety from harmful contaminants. Their multifaceted approach ensures thorough elimination of a wide range of contaminants for unparalleled water purity.

General Considerations: How to Choose Right Water Filter?

Selecting the perfect water filter is an essential endeavor. Here's a practical guide to aid your decision-making:

Step 1: Assessing Your Water Quality

Conduct simple at-home tests to gauge factors like clarity, taste, and odor. For a more comprehensive analysis, consider professional water testing services to accurately identify potential contaminants and their levels in your water source.

Step 2: Identifying Priority Contaminants

Navigate through local water quality reports and resources to pinpoint the key contaminants prevalent in your region's water supply. Prioritize addressing these impurities as they pose immediate health risks and provide a foundation for tailored water filtration solutions.

Step 3: Matching Filters to Contaminants

Personalize your filtration approach by meticulously selecting filters that align with identified contaminants. Leverage the insights gained from exploring different types of water filters. Tailoring your choice to the specific impurities in your water source ensures optimal removal, achieving comprehensive protection for your well-being.

Step 4: Considering Lifestyle and Budget

Account for lifestyle and budget as pivotal factors. Evaluating filter costs, maintenance demands, and performance expectations. Choose a filtration solution that aligns with your long-term financial plan and caters to your daily routine.

As we conclude this comprehensive analysis, it's evident that multi-layer filtration system is the most effective solution for removing most of the contaminants. From bacteria to heavy metals, these systems provide an all-encompassing shield for your well-being. Just start to explore optimal purity with SimPure Multi-Layer RO Systems. Enjoy thorough contaminant removal with advanced filtration stages. Benefit from pure, safe, and delicious water directly from your tap!

What’s in your water? The “forever chemicals” known as PFAS contaminate the drinking water and groundwater of more than 3,000 communities, affecting an estimated 200 million Americans. Simply drinking a glass of water from your kitchen tap may expose you to these toxic substances – but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. 

One way to reduce harmful forever chemicals in your home is to use a water filter rather than drink straight from the faucet. But with so many filters on the market, and many marketing claims about eliminating PFAS, it can be hard to know which one is best for your home.

EWG’s guide to PFAS filters is based on our experience with several brands.

EWG staff bought and used 10 different types of water filters, testing them in real homes using their water.

We measured how much each water filter reduced forever chemicals. To bring you our recommendation, we also accounted for several other important qualities in our top selections. including the cost of the filter and its potential useful life, among other considerations.

Best overall

Four water filters reduced the PFAS in the water used in our testing by 100 percent or came close, offering a great boost to your efforts to protect your family’s health. They include:

EWG is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, EWG earns commission from qualifying purchases. The affiliate commission collected is used to support EWG’s nonprofit mission.*

Recommended by EWG

In considering water filters worthy of our recommendation, we selected those products that lowered the PFAS we measured by 100 percent, or close to it. We’re also highlighting filters that fell short of this target but can still reduce PFAS.

Although some of the filters did not achieve 100 percent reduction in PFAS measured in the water samples, they did eliminate 100 percent of PFOA and PFOS, two of the most notorious forever chemicals.

Image

LONGEST FILTER LIFE

Travel Berkey Water Filter

KEY STATS: PFAS REDUCTION: 100%  |  INITIAL COST: $344.00
OVERALL VALUE: FILTER LIFE: 8+ YEARS (6,000 GALLONS)  |  ONE-YEAR COST: $344.00

This is an expensive filter. But it does offer a few perks for that large upfront cost, including 100 percent elimination of forever chemicals measured in these tests and a useful life of many years. 

Pros: Non-plastic design; large water capacity; 100 percent PFAS reduction and exceptionally long filter life, at more than 8 years, if using 2 gallons per day.

Cons: Very high initial cost.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

Image

HONORABLE MENTION

Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher with Affinity Filtration Technology

KEY STATS: PFAS REDUCTION: 100%  |  INITIAL COST: $90.00
OVERALL VALUE: FILTER LIFE: ~50 DAYS (100 GALLONS)  |  ONE-YEAR COST: $436.50 (INITIAL COST + 7 FILTERS PER YEAR)

One of three filters tested that achieved a 100 percent reduction in PFAS from drinking water, it nevertheless takes a fair amount of time to use – it took twice as long as some other brands for the water to pass through the filter into the pitcher.

Pros: Total PFAS elimination; clear design makes it easy to track how much water remains; the large pitcher size means refilling is less frequent.

Cons: EWG user experience suggests it can be tricky to install the filter correctly and make sure it is tightened to the reservoir; the water passes slowly through the filter; filters need to be pressure-primed at the faucet, which is difficult and can be annoying – and not accessible for those with upper body or hand strength limitations.

PURCHASE HERE

Image

LOWEST INITIAL COST

Zero Water 7 Cup 5-Stage Ready-Pour Water Filter Pitcher

KEY STATS: PFAS REDUCTION: 100%. |  INITIAL COST: $24.99
OVERALL VALUE: FILTER LIFE: ~10 DAYS (20 GALLONS). |  ONE-YEAR COST: $646.06 (INITIAL COST + 37 FILTERS/YEAR)

The third filter tested eliminated 100 percent of the forever chemicals. The sale price makes it one of the filters with the lowest initial cost for an average family of four consuming 2 gallons per day – it cost our tester less than $25 to buy the filter and pitcher.

Pros: 100 percent reduction of PFAS and low initial cost; replacing filters is simple and quick.

Cons: The tradeoff for the low upfront cost is that the filters have a short life and must be replaced often, which means costs soon add up; the water reservoir is small and you'll need to frequently refill the pitcher.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

Image

EWG TESTER FAVORITE

Epic Pure Pitcher

KEY STATS: PFAS REDUCTION: 98%  |  INITIAL COST: $70.00
OVERALL VALUE: FILTER LIFE: ~75 DAYS (150 GALLONS)  |  ONE-YEAR COST: $247.87 (INITIAL COST + 5 FILTERS

Our tester’s overall favorite to use, this filter’s design is simple – it has a large reservoir that is easy to access and refill. Replacing filters is also straightforward. The filter removed about 98 percent of forever chemicals in the drinking water tested.

Pros: The longer filter life of 150 gallons means paying for fewer replacement filters, and it’s less expensive in the first year than the three filters that reduce 100 percent of the PFAS.

Cons: This filter has a higher initial cost than some other varieties, though cost of the replacement filters is mid-range.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

Other PFAS water filters we tested

The other products we tested, below, didn’t achieve our standard of 100 percent reduction in PFAS, or close to it. But they have their own benefits, such as lower cost.

This filter achieves a relatively strong PFAS reduction of 79 percent. But the filtering time was among the slowest. It also has a tiny reservoir, so you’ll need to refill it frequently.

Pros: Removes most PFAS from drinking water; intuitive design makes it easy to use and refill even with one hand; replacing filters is not complicated; and it’s low cost.

Cons: Based on EWG user experience, the PUR Plus has extremely slow filtration times, compared to pitchers of a similar size, and the dark color of the pitcher makes it hard to track the water level.

One of the most affordable filters on the market – you won’t have to spend much upfront to get this filter running, and replacing the filters is cheap. And though our tests showed it reduced just 66 percent of PFAS in water, that’s better than nothing.

Pros: Low cost at start and over the lifetime of a filter, and easy to use.

Cons: Smaller pitcher means plenty of refilling, and solid color hides the water level.

This water filter achieved about 65 percent elimination of forever chemicals, but it can be much harder to use than other brands.

Pros: Comes with a bag and free shipping labels to return used filters to a free recycling program; larger pitcher and reservoir means not refilling as often.

Cons: Based on EWG user experience, this filter might be too difficult for some people to operate, as it requires being pressure-primed at the faucet, which can be a complicated and messy process; the lid makes it hard to know when it’s getting full.

Based on the costs in the first year, this is the cheapest filter of those we tested. But though the 54 percent PFAS reduction it achieves is adequate, the Brita filter does a better job at a similar cost.

Pros: Large reservoir and pitcher means refilling less often; the filter is clear, so it’s easy to check the current water level; preparing the filter for its first use is simple.

Cons: When it’s time to refill the pitcher, you must remove the entire lid, which is a time-consuming process, then replace it once the pitcher is full.

If you install this brand’s Elite filter, overall PFAS reduction drops to just 22 percent.

Our tester also found the Elite filter didn't seal well, so leaks could be one reason this water filter had the lowest overall reduction of all the filters tested.

Pros: Minimal effort required to prepare the filter for use and replace it.

Cons: As with the regular Brita filter, the pitcher is small, so you’ll have to refill often; the design isn’t clear, so it’s harder to check how much water is left; it achieves low PFAS reduction.

This is one of the most expensive filters of those tested by EWG staff. But the very average PFAS reduction of about 48 percent doesn’t justify the higher cost. 

Pros: Its large size means you won’t have to refill this pitcher too often.

Cons: Hard to use with a filter that needs to be pressure-primed at the faucet, which our tester found messy and difficult. The reservoir design reminded the tester of an airplane toilet – it’s impossible to see when it’s getting full, which can lead to overfilling and spillage.

How EWG conducted its PFAS water filter tests

For this guide, EWG bought 10 different types of filters, including some that claimed to reduce PFAS in drinking water. We tested for 25 individual PFAS using SimpleLab’s GenX and PFAS Water Test.

Our testers prepared each water filter according to instructions. Taps were flushed completely before 10 gallons of unfiltered tap water were passed through each filter. The reservoir in the pitcher was filled and drained completely. We took samples of water from the pitcher after the filtration was complete and took a sample of water directly from the faucet on the same day to compare detections of PFAS.

To calculate the percentage PFAS reduction achieved by each filter, we contrasted the sum of the total PFAS found in the tap water sample with the PFAS detected in the filtered water.

This guide notes that some filters are more affordable or more expensive than others, using suggested retail prices, where available, from manufacturers’ websites, and otherwise on Amazon.

Replacement filters were priced as single replacements, where available, or as the price per filter for those whose replacements are sold in packs of three.

Startup cost is the cost of buying the pitcher, which typically includes a single filter. In the case of Brita Elite, the cost of the Elite filter was added to the cost of the Brita pitcher.

To calculate the number of replacement filters – and thus the cost of the first year of using each filter – we assumed a household of four people filtering 2 gallons of water per day for drinking or cooking.

EWG's guide has limitations. Our test results provide only a snapshot of how these filters work, since we only tested one of each filter and one water sample from each filter.

We also tested only for the list of PFAS the lab can detect and quantify. The filter’s capacity to remove other contaminants may vary. EWG did not test filter performance over the life of the filter.

* In furtherance of its mission, EWG tests products on the market to understand and expose chemicals in food, water, toys and cosmetics. Companies do not pay EWG to test their products. To help consumers in accessing healthier and safer products, EWG may provide a link to purchase a tested product on Amazon. EWG is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, EWG earns commission from qualifying purchases. The affiliate commission collected is used to support EWG’s nonprofit mission.