The presence of PFAS and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water has become a growing concern. PFAS has been found in tap water throughout the US in both rural and urban areas, but luckily some water filter pitchers can effectively remove it.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of water filters, exploring how they work to remove PFAS and which water filter pitchers are the best brands for tackling PFAS contamination. Let’s get started!
Understanding PFAS
Before we delve into water filters, let’s familiarize ourselves with PFAS substances.
PFAS
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s. There are over 9,000 different types of PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals, many of which cannot be detected with currently available tests. PFAS can be found in many household products, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and even food packaging. The concern arises when these chemicals find their way into our water sources through industrial discharge or improper disposal.
A recent study by the US Geological Survey (USGS) found that nearly half of America’s tap water is contaminated with PFAS! Read about the key takeaways from this study here.
PFOS and PFOA
PFOS and PFOA are types of PFAS that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products. They are persistent in the environment and have been linked to various health concerns. If a water filter pitcher (or dispenser) mentions it removes PFAS, typically they have only been tested for the removal (or reduction) of PFOS and PFOA.
GenX
GenX is also a type of PFAS chemical used in the production of various consumer goods and industrial applications. These chemicals have become an issue due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. We found one pitcher that can remove GenX along with other types of PFAS.
The Role of Water Filters
Water filters act as a barrier between us and potentially harmful contaminants like PFAS. They are designed to remove impurities and enhance the quality of our drinking water. Different types of water filters use various filtration methods to achieve this goal.
Activated Carbon Filters
One of the most common types of filters used in water filtration systems is activated carbon filters. These filters consist of tiny granules of carbon, typically derived from coconut shells. They work by adsorbing contaminants onto their surface, effectively removing them from the water.
Activated carbon filters are highly effective at removing organic compounds, chlorine, and some heavy metals. However, when it comes to removing PFAS and GenX, they might not be as efficient. These chemicals are smaller and require specialized filtration techniques.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are widely considered the gold standard for removing PFAS and GenX from drinking water. RO systems use a multi-step process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing even the tiniest contaminants.
The reverse osmosis process eliminates a wide range of impurities, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and dissolved solids.
Best Brands of Water Filter Pitchers for PFAS Removal
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and affordable option, certain water filter pitcher brands stand out for their ability to remove PFAS substances from tap water. Here are 5 of the best brands that are tested to remove PFAS:
1. Clearly Filtered
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitchers are an excellent choice as they remove 9 different PFAS contaminants including GenX, which is notoriously difficult to remove from water.
Clearly Filtered are renowned for their commitment to eliminating PFAS from drinking water. Using advanced filtration technology, Clearly Filtered effectively removes >95.0% of PFAS contaminants. With their reliable and efficient filtration system, you can enjoy refreshing water that’s free from harmful substances.
2. Epic Water
Epic Water Filter Pitchers are designed to provide PFAS-free hydration. With a multi-stage filtration process, including activated carbon and proprietary blend filtration media, the Epic Pure and Epic Nano remove over 99.6% of PFAS from your drinking water, including PFOA (99.6%) and PFOS (99.8%). Sip with confidence, knowing that you’re enjoying pure and clean drinking water.
3. ZeroWater
ZeroWater Water Filter Pitchers have received NSF certification, ensuring their effectiveness in removing 94.9% of PFAS (including PFOA and PFOS) from water. Additionally, these pitchers excel in removing 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS), resulting in water that boasts an exceptional taste.
The inclusion of an ion exchange filter further enhances their filtration capabilities. As an added bonus, ZeroWater filter pitchers come equipped with a free TDS meter, allowing you to monitor the quality of your water with ease.
4. LifeStraw
LifeStraw Home water filter pitchers are designed to remove over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury, chlorine, and an impressive 99.33% of PFAS chemicals. LifeStraw pitchers are certified to meet NSF 473 standards.
The microfilter lasts a year and filters 264 gallons of water, while the activated carbon and ion exchange filters last around two months (or 40 gallons). All LifeStraw Home water filter pitchers are compatible with these filters, offering you flexibility and peace of mind in ensuring the quality of your drinking water.
5. Aquagear
Aquagear Water Filter Pitchers effectively eliminate contaminants such as lead, chlorine, PFAS (PFOA/PFOS), microplastics, VOCs, trace medicines, and new herbicides and pesticides. Aquagear pitchers filter out more than 99.95% of harmful PFAS substances, including PFOA and PFOS, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water.
One notable feature of this model is its thoroughly tested filter, which retains essential trace minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water, unlike other filters that may strip them away. Aquagear filter creates an impressive 120 gallons of purified water, lasting three times longer than conventional filters. This durability allows for extended use and cost savings.
PFAS in Tap Water
In the recent study conducted by the US Geological Survey (USGS) on kitchen tap water in the United States, water samples were collected from 716 different locations across the country between 2016 and 2021.
These samples represented a wide range of water sources, including public and private wells, groundwater, and surface water.
The USGS tested for 32 different types of PFAS, which is a small fraction of the 9,000+ PFAS chemicals.
The key takeaways of the study revealed:
Urban Vs Rural
PFAS chemicals were present in both urban and rural areas.
PFOS & PFOA
PFOS and PFOA levels were above levels proposed by the EPA in 2023 in every sample tested. This means they were above the levels considered potentially harmful to humans.
Tap Water
PFAS contamination has entered the water supply and is reaching people’s homes.
Frequently Found
PFBS, PFHxS and PFOA were the most frequently detected PFAS chemicals.
PFAS everywhere
Modelling of the results showed that at least one PFAS chemical is detected in 45% of US drinking water samples.
Worst Areas
PFAS exposure was found to be more likely in areas including the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California. However, it’s important to emphasize that PFAS exposure extends beyond these areas.
Final Thoughts
As we become more aware of the potential risks associated with PFAS chemicals in our water supply, investing in a reliable water filter becomes crucial. Water filters, such as the high-quality filter pitchers listed above, can provide an added layer of protection by effectively removing these contaminants.
When choosing a water filter, consider factors such as certification, filtration capacity, and filter replacement frequency.
By making an informed decision and incorporating a quality water filter into your daily routine, you can enjoy peace of mind and ensure that the water you drink is safe and free from harmful substances.
Our Top Pitcher Pick!
Overall, we highly recommend the Clearly Filtered pitcher as it removes >95% of 9 different PFAS contaminants, including PFOS, PFOA, GenX, EPFB, NFBS, PFBS, PFBA, PFNA and PFHA.
The Best Water Filter Bottle We’ve Ever Used
Clearly Filtered | Stainless Steel Filter Bottles
We really love these filter bottles for keeping your drinks cool and contaminant free! They remove 99.9% of over 220 contaminants and use BPA-free plastics and double-walled stainless steel to produce some awesome looking designs with numerous bottle sizes for every situation. You can find them at Clearlyfiltered.com
