There’s no denying that the pervasive issue of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water systems is a cause for alarm. According to Axios.com a new U.S. Geological Survey research, “At least 45% of U.S. tap water is estimated to be contaminated with “forever chemicals”. Water filters have emerged as our best defense against these contaminants. Today, we are going to examine and compare some of the top water filters from leading manufacturers like Hydroviv, Brita, Zero, Aquasana, Pentair, and iSpring. We will analyze their efficacy in removing PFAS and help you determine which one is the most suitable for your home.
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Whole-House Filters
Whole-house filters treat all the water entering your home, providing a comprehensive solution. Let’s look at a couple of prominent options.
Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter
Aquasana is a renowned name in water filtration systems, and their Rhino series offers robust whole-house filtration. However, it’s important to note that while Aquasana’s Rhino can effectively reduce other contaminants like chlorine and sediments, it may not be the best choice for PFAS removal. For optimal PFAS filtration, a more specialized filter system may be required.
Pentair Pelican Whole House Water Filter
Pentair’s Pelican series also provides comprehensive whole-house water treatment. However, similar to Aquasana’s Rhino, while the Pelican excels in reducing many contaminants, it might not provide the best protection against PFAS.
Under-Sink Filters
Under-sink filters are designed to purify the water at one faucet, typically in your kitchen. They offer more thorough filtration compared to whole-house systems.
Hydroviv Under-Sink Filter
Hydroviv filters are custom-built for your water’s specific characteristics, offering advanced filtration performance. Notably, their under-sink models have been independently tested and shown to significantly reduce PFAS levels, making them an excellent choice for PFAS removal.
iSpring Under-Sink Filter
iSpring’s under-sink systems are recognized for their effectiveness and affordability. While they perform admirably in reducing a wide range of pollutants, including lead, chlorine, and arsenic, they do not explicitly state their PFAS reduction capabilities. It is advisable to seek additional confirmation from the manufacturer if PFAS removal is a priority.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems provide some of the most comprehensive filtration available, removing up to 99% of contaminants.
Zero Water 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
Zero Water’s 5-stage reverse osmosis system offers thorough filtration, reducing a wide array of pollutants. It features an advanced filtration process that effectively lowers PFAS levels, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comprehensive PFAS reduction.
iSpring Reverse Osmosis System
iSpring’s reverse osmosis systems offer 5-7 stage filtration, promising a reduction of up to 99% of over 1,000 contaminants. However, they do not explicitly mention their effectiveness against PFAS. While they provide comprehensive filtration, it would be advisable to consult the manufacturer regarding their PFAS reduction capabilities.
Pitcher Filters
Pitcher filters are portable and affordable options for water filtration, making them ideal for those with less serious contamination concerns.
Brita Everyday Pitcher with Longlast Filter
While Brita’s Everyday Pitcher with the Longlast Filter excels at reducing common contaminants like mercury, chlorine, and cadmium, it does not specifically claim to reduce PFAS. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for those primarily concerned with PFAS.
Zero Water 10 Cup Pitcher
Zero Water’s pitchers stand out in the category, as they utilize a 5-stage filtration process compared to the 2-stage process found in many other brands. Their pitchers are NSF certified for the reduction of PFOA and PFOS, two of the most common types of PFAS, making them an excellent choice for a portable PFAS reduction solution.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the right water filter to combat PFAS largely depends on your specific needs. If you seek to remove PFAS from all the water in your home, an under-sink filter like Hydroviv’s or a reverse osmosis system like Zero Water’s could be the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking for a portable option, Zero Water’s pitcher filter would serve you best. Whole-house filters like Aquasana’s Rhino and Pentair’s Pelican provide broad-spectrum filtration but may not be the best options for PFAS reduction.
Remember, always verify the specific filtration capabilities of a system with the manufacturer, especially when it comes to contaminants as concerning as PFAS. Your health and peace of mind are worth the extra effort.
