8 Best PFAS Water Filter Brands For Healthy Drinking Water

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Looking for the best PFAS water filters of 2024? When it comes to water, quality should never be compromised. You start questioning the trustworthiness of your city water, and suddenly water filters that reduce PFAS sound like a worthy splurge, am I right?

We made a list of top-rated PFAS water filter systems and some great PFAS water filter pitcher picks for you, below. Cheers to clean sipping!

Best Water Filters for PFAS in 2024.

While we can talk all day about our water quality concerns, in 2024, perhaps the single, most serious issue demanding our attention is the contamination caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.

These synthetic chemicals, widely used in various industrial and consumer products for their water- and grease-resistant properties, have found an unwelcome home in our water supplies.

And the worst part? Some of us may have absolutely no idea!

A few years back, researchers at Duke University and NC State University formed a team to study PFAS and published evidence of high rates of PFAS. Unfortunately, however, not many things have changed since then.

A recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that toxic “forever chemicals” have been found in more than one in four public drinking water systems in 2023. Senior scientists point out that these systems provide drinking water to about 46 million people.

In case you want to know if you’re one of those people, check out the map contamination of the Environmental Working Group.

The map shows 3,186 locations in 50 states, that are known to be contaminated and have detectable levels of PFAS. For example, PFAS have been found in the groundwater and surface water in Minnesota which also became known through the Minnesota Department Of Health.

Enter: Water filters that reduce PFAS (as well as many other scary toxins like lead, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, nitrates & more!).

The primary function of PFAS water filters is to target and remove perfluoroalkyl substances, including notorious variants like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

These filters act as guardians against these harmful chemicals, preventing their entry into your drinking water. They can effectively capture a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and other impurities, ensuring your water is thoroughly purified.

Plus, beyond contaminant removal, home PFAS water filters contribute to an enhanced taste and odor profile of your water. These PFAS water filter systems eliminate unpleasant flavors or smells!

If you too want to ensure that the water you consume is not only clean and clear but also free from the lurking threats of PFAS contamination, browse the list below to find the best water filter for PFAS.

What is a PFAS Water Filter?

A PFAS water filter is specifically designed to target and remove polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water sources, safeguarding clean water for human health. PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals, includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), known for their presence in various consumer products, firefighting foams, and even food packaging.

PFAS contamination poses significant risks to the environment and human health, as these toxic substances persist in the human body and can lead to various health effects, including thyroid disease, immune system disruptions, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of types of cancer.

Unfortunately, the presence of PFAS in public water systems, private wells, and even bottled water makes it extremely important to implement the best water filtration systems that adhere to strict standards set by organizations like the NSF.

To ensure clean water, a water filter that removes PFAS can be incorporated into various filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis systems, whole-house systems, and point-of-use filters like pitcher filters.

Why is PFAS in my drinking water?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can enter drinking water through various sources, primarily due to their widespread use in everyday products and industrial processes. The environmental engineering community, including experts from the U.S. Geological Survey, has consistently identified PFAS contamination in water sources, with water samples revealing detectable levels of PFAS in local water supplies, particularly near military bases and areas using firefighting foams.

Discharges from industrial sites, especially those that use or produce PFAS-containing materials, can contaminate nearby water sources. Firefighting foams contain these substances, especially at military bases, airports, and firefighting training sites. Landfills that accept products containing PFAS, such as food packaging or consumer products, can lead to the leaching of these substances into the surrounding soil and water.

Heck, even everyday items like nonstick cookware, air fryers, food packaging, and waterproof textiles may contain PFAS. As these products degrade or are disposed of, PFAS can enter the environment, eventually reaching water sources.

The best way to address PFAS in drinking water is through the use of advanced PFAS water filter system options, such as reverse osmosis systems, whole-house filtration systems, and point-of-use filters equipped with PFAS filters.

This post is all about the best PFAS water filters.

The 8 Best PFAS Water Filter Systems and Pitchers

1. AquaTru Under Sink Water Purifier

The AquaTrue reverse osmosis PFAS water filter is a top choice for homeowners and larger families who crave a consistent flow of fresh and pure.

This purifier is designed for easy installation and dispenses water through a dedicated faucet at your sink, making it a breeze to fill up pots, pans, water bottles, and sippy cups with ease.

The PFAS water filter system employs a reliable 4-stage reverse osmosis technology, ensuring a higher capacity of purified water on demand.

Plus, it’s certified to NSF standards for the removal of a spectrum of contaminants– from lead and arsenic to PFAs, fluoride, chlorine, and nitrates.

The filters boast a commendable lifespan, lasting anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, and have also been proven to remove 5x more contaminants than other RO systems!

Best PFAS Water Filters from Aqua Tru:

Price: $349 – $369

Removes: Lead, arsenic, PFAs, fluoride, chlorine, nitrates & more!

Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Shop AquaTru

2. Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Filter System

Clearly Filtered’s under-sink PFAS water filter is a space-saving solution that discreetly resides beneath your sink, offering proven protection against a host of contaminants, including chlorine, fluoride, lead, and PFAS.

In fact, this PFAS water filter system removes an impressive 99.9% of over 232 contaminants.

Additionally, the system is created in the USA with BPS/BPA-free medical-grade materials.

Proven to perform better for an extended 2000-gallon filter life, the brand’s best water filter for PFAS offers consistent and enduring filtration, with the average household changing filters just once per year.

Best PFAS Water Filters from Clearly Filtered:

Price: $550

Removes: Chlorine, fluoride, lead, PFAS & more!

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide

Shop Clearly Filtered

3. ZeroWater Pitcher

Next up is a fantastic, affordable PFAS water filter pitcher with Ready-Pour™ technology – a compact solution tailored for small refrigerators.

This ZeroWater pitcher is designed for those on the move, allowing you to dispense refreshing water even during the active filtration process.

In fact, it can help save up to 110 single-use plastic bottles per filter or up to 660 bottles annually.

Plus, the 5-stage water filtration system removes an impressive 99.6% of dissolved solids from your tap water to deliver the purest tasting water by eliminating both organic and inorganic materials, including metals, minerals, salts, and ions.

Certified by NSF to reduce lead, chromium, and different types of PFAS/PFOS, this pour-through filter is also BPA-free.

The package includes the 7-cup water pitcher, 1 zerowater 5-stage filter with ion exchange technology, and a free TDS meter for monitoring dissolved solids levels before and after filtering.

Best PFAS Water Filters from Clearly Filtered:

Price: From $24.99+

Removes: Reduces lead, PFOA/PFOS, pesticides, mercury, minerals, salts, ions

Location/Shipping: Canada, ships to the United States

Shop ZeroWater

4. Epic Water Pure Pitcher

If you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-use water filter that removes PFAS, have a look at the epic pure pitcher.

Bid farewell to unwanted heavy metals, trace pharmaceuticals, and PFAS—the “forever chemicals.”

Each premium gravity water filter produces 150 gallons of fresh, contaminant-free drinking water.

Plus, an LED timer integrated into the lid counts down from 90 days, ensuring a prompt reminder to replace the filter—eliminating guesswork forever.

What’s more, the flip-top lid allows effortless one-handed refilling, while an integrated pouring barrier prevents unfiltered water spills.

As for the filters, they are 100% replaceable, 100% recyclable, 100% BPA-free, and can save 1000+ plastic bottles going into landfills & oceans.

Price: $70

Removes: Atrazine, chlorine, chromium, forever chemicals, glyphosate, lead, microplastics, PFAS, Trihalomethanes

Notable Features: Lifetime warranty | Tested against NSF/ANSI standards | Sub-micron filtration | 3-4 per year recommended filter replacement | BPA/BPS free

Location/Shipping: United States

Shop Epic Water Pure Pitcher

5. Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station

Kinetico’s best water filter for PFAS not only addresses the toughest water quality issues but also ensures convenience, economy, and an abundant supply of high-quality water.

It’s a fantastic customizable, multi-stage filtration system with various filter cartridge options to suit your specific needs.

Thanks to the QuickFlo® technology, you’ll get a robust and steady stream of high-quality water on demand – no need for rationing or waiting.

Also, the EverClean® Rinse is here to help the PFAS water filter for the whole house remain in optimal working condition while extending the membrane’s lifespan.

Last, but not least, you’ll also get to benefit from additional features like MACguard® Filter and PureMometer® Filter Life Indicator, which provide timely alerts for filter changes and prevent you from exceeding filter capacities.

Price: Fill in a form to get a quick quote!

Removes: PFOS/PFOA

Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide

Shop Kinetico

6. Culligan Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water

For a smart reverse osmosis PFAS water filter, look no further than Aquasential.

This intelligent RO system is not only highly efficient but also equipped with smart features, allowing you to monitor your water consumption and system status anytime, anywhere.

With a robust design encompassing up to seven stages of filtration and a selection of 12 filter options, this advanced PFAS water filter system is certified to reduce an impressive 58 contaminants.

From viruses and bacteria to nitrates, mercury, arsenic V, lead, and emerging contaminants like PFOA/PFOS, the Aquasential® Smart RO reverse osmosis system ensures cleaner, safer hydration for you and your family.

Price: Contact the dealer for current or rental pricing

Removes: PFOA/PFOS, viruses, bacteria, nitrates, mercury, arsenic V, lead

Notable Features: Warranty included | 3rd party testing to NSF/ANSI standards | Sediment & carbon filtration | Carbon combination prefilter | Filter cartridge change 1–2 years (depends on stage)

Location/Shipping: United States (Find the nearest store via your zip code!)

Shop Culligan Reverse Osmosis

7. Hydroviv Under Sink Water Filter

Unlike most water filters that reduce PFAS, Hydroviv knows that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to tap water.

That’s why the under-sink PFAS water filter is a custom-built solution designed to remove contaminants unique to your locality.

This approach is crucial as tens of millions of U.S. households have water contaminants exceeding public health goals, and the types of contaminants vary significantly from state to state and even zip code to zip code.

That’s right! Full customization based on your city’s water quality data! How cool is that?

Price: $399.99

Removes: PFAS, lead, arsenic, chromium 6, chloramine

Notable Features: NSF Certified | 15 min DIY installation | Filter connects to your faucet’s standard 3/8″ connections

Location/Shipping: United States

Shop Hydroviv

8. APEC Water 3-Stage Filtration System

The NSF-certified WFS-1000 is a premium PFAS water filter, designed to remove chemicals, tastes, and odors, making it a versatile solution for treating tap water and well water.

Equipped with a 100% lead-free faucet and NSF/FDA-certified JG food-grade tubing, this fantastic water filter that removes PFAS works in 3 stages.

In the first stage, a high-grade 10″ polypropylene sediment filter removes dust, particles, and rust, boasting longer life and fewer change-outs compared to traditional filters.

The second stage features a premium extruded carbon block, efficiently eliminating unpleasant elements like chlorine, tastes, odors, and common chemicals, enhancing water clarity.

The third stage, another premium extruded carbon block, takes filtration to the next level, ensuring the removal of additional contaminants for great-tasting, filtered water.

Price: $144.95

Removes: Dust, particles, chlorine, tastes, odors, cloudiness & colors, VOCs

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide

Shop APEC

PFAS Water Filter FAQs

What are the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure?

Many studies suggest a correlation between PFAS exposure and adverse effects on the liver. Long-term exposure may lead to liver damage and alter liver function, impacting the body’s ability to detoxify.

PFAS exposure has also been linked to immunotoxicity, affecting the immune system’s ability to defend against diseases and infections. This can result in increased susceptibility to illnesses and reduced immune response.

What’s more, certain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), may interfere with thyroid function. This can contribute to thyroid disorders, including changes in hormone levels and potential impacts on metabolism.

On top of that, prolonged exposure may contribute to higher cholesterol levels, potentially leading to cardiovascular issues. PFAS exposure during pregnancy may pose risks to fetal development.

Additionally, PFAS exposure may impact reproductive health, with potential links to reduced fertility and altered hormonal balance.

Last, but not least, while research is ongoing, there are indications that PFAS exposure may have neurological effects, potentially impacting cognitive function and behavior.

What are the best PFAS water filtration systems?

Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis membranes are highly effective in removing PFAS contaminants from water. Look for systems with proven PFAS removal capabilities and certifications from reputable organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

Whole-House PFAS Water Filter Systems

Whole-house PFAS water filter systems provide comprehensive protection by treating water at various points of entry. These systems, when equipped with PFAS filters, can ensure that water used for various purposes, including bathing and washing, is free from harmful contaminants.

PFAS Water Filter Pitchers

Pitcher-style filters are convenient for point-of-use filtration. Water filter pitchers use replaceable filter cartridges that typically contain activated carbon or other filtration media. Activated carbon is effective in trapping impurities and contaminants present in tap water.

What should I look for in PFAS-free water filters?

Certifications

Ensure that the PFAS water filter system is certified by reputable organizations like NSF, indicating its efficacy in PFAS removal.

Testing and Results

Look for products with documented test results, preferably conducted by independent institutions. These results should demonstrate the reduction of PFAS levels to non-detectable levels.

Advanced Technologies

Seek some of the best water filters for PFAS that incorporate advanced technologies, such as reverse osmosis membranes and PureFast cartridges, to effectively target PFAS chemicals.

Comprehensive Filtration

Opt for systems designed for comprehensive filtration, addressing various harmful contaminants beyond PFAS to ensure a holistic approach to water quality.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that the water filter complies with guidelines and regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant authorities for the reduction of PFAS.

PFAS water filter certifications explained:

When selecting a PFAS water filter, consumers should look for products with one or more of these certifications to ensure their efficacy in reducing perfluoroalkyl substances.

NSF/ANSI Standard 53

This certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) sets the standard for evaluating the performance of water treatment systems, including those designed for PFAS reduction.

Filters certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 have demonstrated their ability to reduce specific contaminants, providing a reliable benchmark for consumers.

NSF/ANSI Standard 401

Another NSF certification, Standard 401 focuses on emerging contaminants in drinking water, including certain PFAS. A PFAS filter certified under this standard is effective in reducing a broader range of contaminants beyond what traditional certifications cover.

WQA Gold Seal

The Water Quality Association (WQA) provides the Gold Seal certification to water treatment systems that meet industry standards for performance and safety. This certification assures consumers that the product has been rigorously tested and proven effective.

California Department of Public Health Certification

For residents in California, this certification ensures that the water filter complies with the state’s regulations for the reduction of specific contaminants, including PFAS. This is particularly relevant given the stringent water quality standards in the state.

EPA Safer Choice

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice program identifies products with safer chemical ingredients. While not specific to PFAS, it indicates a commitment to environmental responsibility and may be considered in conjunction with other certifications.

IAPMO R&T Certification

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) offers certification to products that meet established standards. A water filter with IAPMO R&T certification has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its efficacy.

Water Quality Mark (WQM)

Provided by the WQA, the Water Quality Mark signifies that a water filter that removes PFAS has passed industry standards for quality and performance. It is a comprehensive certification covering various contaminants, including PFAS.

Can activated carbon filters effectively remove PFAS from water?

Activated carbon filters are very effective in removing PFAS from water. The porous structure of activated carbon enables it to adsorb PFAS contaminants, reducing their concentration in the filtered water.

Whether integrated into individual home water filters or whole house filtration system options, activated carbon filters contribute to providing a reliable and efficient solution to minimize the amount of PFAS in the water supply, aligning with regulatory standards and ensuring a safer water source for households.

What are the different types of water filtration systems?

Activated Carbon Filters

These filters use activated carbon to adsorb impurities and contaminants, improving taste and odor. They are effective against chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some heavy metals.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

RO systems employ a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, dissolved salts, and minerals. They are commonly used for purifying drinking water.

Sediment Filters

Sediment filters capture and remove larger particles such as sand, silt, and rust. They help protect downstream filtration components and improve the clarity of the water.

UV Water Purifiers

Ultraviolet (UV) purifiers use UV light to disinfect water by inactivating bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. While they don’t remove particulate matter, they are effective against biological contaminants.

Ion Exchange Systems

Ion exchange systems use resin beads to replace undesirable ions (such as calcium and magnesium) with more desirable ions (usually sodium or potassium). This is effective for addressing hard water issues.

Ozone Water Treatment

Ozone generators produce ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent, to disinfect water and remove contaminants. It is effective against bacteria, viruses, and some organic pollutants.

Whole-House Water Filtration Systems

These comprehensive systems treat water at the point of entry into a house, addressing contaminants for all water uses, including bathing and washing.

How often should PFAS-free water filters be replaced?

Activated carbon filters usually need replacement every 3 to 6 months, but this can vary.

Reverse osmosis PFAS water filters with pre-filters may need replacement every 6 to 12 months, while the RO membrane may last 2 to 3 years.

Whole-house systems, which treat water at the point of entry, may have filters that last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Filters used in water filter pitchers are usually designed for replacement every 1 to 2 months, depending on the brand and model.

Lastly, under-sink PFAS water filters have a replacement interval of 6 months to 1 year.

This post was all about the best PFAS water filters.

There you have it – a list of the 8 best PFAS water filters, including PFAS water filter pitchers and under-sink PFAS water filters.

The options are packed with advanced technologies that comprehensively capture a range of contaminants, including bacteria and viruses, ensuring a thorough purification process. Plus, there’s something for every budget and home size!

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