Concern about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water is at an all-time high. These man-made substances are notoriously difficult to remove and have been linked to various health concerns. Ensuring your household’s water is free from these contaminants is no longer a luxury but a necessity for long-term well-being.
Fortunately, a new generation of water filters is specifically designed and certified to tackle PFAS effectively. From sophisticated under-sink systems to convenient countertop pitchers, there is a solution for every home and budget. This roundup will guide you through the top-performing filters that can provide you with cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water by significantly reducing these harmful pollutants.
Our Top Picks for PFAS Water Filtration
- Waterdrop TSA 8 Layer Under Sink Water Filter System
- Waterdrop 17UA 3 Years Under Sink Water Filter
- Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher – Lead, Chlorine, PFOA/PFOS
- Culligan with ZeroWater Technology 23-Cup Water Filter Dispenser
- Express Water Reverse Osmosis Alkaline Water Filtration System
- Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis System
- Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Replacement Filter (Single)
- ProOne Big+ Gravity Water Filter System – High Capacity Countertop
- Culligan US 4 EZ-Change Sink Drinking Water Filtration System
- Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow Claryum 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter
Waterdrop TSA 8 Layer Under Sink Water Filter System
This under-sink system from Waterdrop employs an impressive 8-stage filtration process to tackle a wide array of contaminants. It is specifically engineered to reduce PFAS, PFOA/PFOS, fluoride, and chlorine, ensuring your water is not only safer but also tastes and smells better. The system includes KDF materials for heavy metal reduction and a specialized resin to target fluorides.
It’s important to note that this system is designed for cold water from municipal sources and does not reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The included filters are NSF/ANSI 42 certified, providing a verified reduction of chlorine and particulates. With its compact design and easy installation, it’s a robust solution for point-of-use filtration without the need for a reverse osmosis system.
Waterdrop 17UA 3 Years Under Sink Water Filter
For those seeking a long-term, low-maintenance solution, the Waterdrop 17UA is a standout choice. This direct-connect under-sink filter boasts an exceptional service life of up to three years or 24,000 gallons when used with municipal water. This longevity translates to significant cost savings and convenience, as filter changes are infrequent.
The system has been tested by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine, taste, and odor reduction. Furthermore, third-party laboratory testing against NSF/ANSI 53 confirms its ability to reduce lead. It also effectively reduces a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is confirmed to tackle PFAS and PFOA/PFOS, making it a highly efficient and durable filtration unit.
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
The Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher offers a powerful and convenient countertop solution. It is third-party tested to remove a vast array of contaminants that many standard pitcher filters miss, including lead, chlorine, microplastics, PFOA, and PFOS. A key benefit of its advanced filter media is that it selectively targets harmful substances while leaving behind beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
This results in healthier, great-tasting water without the flat taste often associated with fully demineralized water. Each filter provides an impressive 120-gallon capacity, which is three times longer than most standard pitcher filters. This makes it an economical and eco-friendly choice for households looking for a no-fuss filtration method.
Culligan with ZeroWater Technology 23-Cup Water Filter Dispenser
This large-capacity dispenser from Culligan utilizes advanced 5-stage filtration technology to deliver exceptionally pure water. It is certified by IAPMO to reduce Total PFAS (forever chemicals), lead, chlorine, and mercury. The core of its performance is a guarantee to remove 99.9% of all dissolved solids, a claim that sets it apart from many other pitcher-style filters.
With a 23-cup capacity, it is ideal for families or offices with high water consumption. The powerful filter is certified to reduce five times more contaminants than the leading competitor’s filter, providing total confidence in the quality of your drinking water. It’s a simple yet highly effective system for anyone serious about comprehensive contaminant removal.
Express Water Reverse Osmosis Alkaline Water Filtration System
For the highest standard of purification, this 10-stage reverse osmosis system from Express Water is a top contender. The RO membrane is capable of filtering up to 99.99% of contaminants, including Lead, Chlorine, Fluoride, and PFAs/PFOs. What makes this system unique is its added alkaline remineralization stage, which uses Active Mineral Technology to add beneficial minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium back into the water.
This process results in clean, mineral-rich water with a superior taste. The system is designed for easy DIY installation under your sink and includes a dedicated faucet and storage tank. It produces 50 gallons of purified water per day, making it a comprehensive solution for whole-household drinking and cooking needs.
Home Master Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis System
The Home Master Artesian system addresses common shortcomings of traditional RO systems with its innovative design. It features a patented 2-pass remineralization process that adds essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium twice during purification. This ensures the water you drink is not only free from PFAS and other contaminants but is also great-tasting and mineral-rich.
This system boasts a fast fill rate and an efficient 1:1 waste ratio, which conserves water compared to older RO models. All components meet or exceed NSF standards for safety and performance, and the system is proudly made in the USA. It represents a premium, high-performance option for those who want the purity of RO without sacrificing healthy minerals.
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Replacement Filter
This replacement filter is the engine behind the powerful Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. It utilizes proprietary Affinity Filtration Technology to remove up to 99.9% of 365+ contaminants, including fluoride, lead, BPA, PFAS/PFOA, and microplastics. Its intelligent design is engineered to target and capture harmful pollutants without stripping water of its beneficial, naturally occurring minerals.
The filter is constructed from medical-grade, BPA-free recycled plastic that is 100% non-leaching, ensuring no additional chemicals seep into your water. For those who already own the pitcher, this filter is a direct path to maintaining a high level of water purity at home, in the office, or while traveling.
ProOne Big+ Gravity Water Filter System
Ideal for emergencies, RVs, or daily countertop use, the ProOne Big+ is a high-capacity gravity-fed filtration system. Its polished 3-gallon stainless-steel construction is durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. The system requires no electricity or plumbing, making it a versatile and reliable source of clean water in virtually any situation.
The filters are IAPMO certified to reduce lead, Total PFAS, microplastics, and chlorine taste and odor. Like other premium filters, it is designed to remove contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals for better-tasting water. This system offers a powerful, portable filtration solution for anyone who values preparedness and convenience.
Culligan US 4 EZ-Change Sink Drinking Water Filtration System
This classic under-sink system from Culligan provides a straightforward and effective way to improve your water quality. It comes with a dedicated faucet, so you always have filtered water on tap for drinking and cooking. The system is capable of reducing a wide spectrum of contaminants, including particulates, lead, mercury, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which include PFAS.
The “EZ-Change” name refers to the simple twist-on, twist-off mechanism for replacing the filter cartridge, which makes maintenance quick and hassle-free. With a proven track record, this system is a reliable and trusted choice for basic to moderate filtration needs directly at your kitchen sink.
Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow Claryum 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter
The Aquasana AQ-5300+ system uses a high-performance 3-stage Claryum filtration process to reduce over 70 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, PFOA/PFOS, and pharmaceuticals. A key feature of this system is its “Max Flow” design, which delivers water at a faster rate than many standard under-sink filters, minimizing wait time.
This system is optimized to remove harmful substances while selectively retaining natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium for healthier, better-tasting water. Each filter has a long lifespan, and the system is designed for easy installation without the need for special tools. It’s an excellent balance of performance, convenience, and water quality.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Water Filter for PFAS Removal
When I started looking for a solution to PFAS in my water, I quickly realized not all filters are created equal. It’s a specific type of contamination that requires a specific approach. If you’re searching for the best water filters for PFAS removal, your main focus should be on the filtration technology and third-party certifications. These two factors are the most critical in making sure you’re actually getting the protection you’re paying for.
First, let’s talk technology. The two methods proven to effectively reduce PFAS are activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis (RO). Activated carbon, especially in the form of granular activated carbon (GAC) or carbon block filters, works by adsorption. The PFAS molecules stick to the surface of the carbon pores. This method is very effective, especially for point-of-entry systems that treat all the water entering your home. Reverse osmosis systems use a multi-stage process that includes a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane is so fine it can filter out dissolved contaminants like PFAS, along with a host of other impurities. RO systems are typically installed at a single tap, like your kitchen sink, and are considered the gold standard for point-of-use filtration. Many of the top-performing systems actually combine both technologies for an extra layer of security.
The single most important thing to check for is independent, third-party certification. Don’t just take the manufacturer’s word for it. Look for certifications from organizations like NSF International or the Water Quality Association. Specifically, you want a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or Standard 58 for the reduction of PFOA and PFOS, which are the two most common PFAS compounds. A certification means the product has been rigorously tested in a lab to prove it does what it claims. I always check the official certification listings on the NSF website to confirm the model number of the filter I’m considering is listed.
You also need to decide on a system type. A point-of-use system, like an under-sink or countertop filter, treats water where you drink and cook. This is a cost-effective and efficient choice. A point-of-entry system, or whole-house filter, treats all the water coming into your home, which protects you from skin exposure during showers. However, whole-house systems certified for PFAS removal are typically more expensive and use a lot of GAC. Finally, consider maintenance. All filters have a lifespan. Carbon filters need cartridge replacements, and RO systems have multiple stages to maintain. Ignoring this will render your investment useless, so factor in the long-term cost and availability of replacement filters.
FAQ
How do I know if I have PFAS in my water?
The only way to know for sure is to test your water. You can’t see, smell, or taste PFAS. You have a few options here. You can contact your local water utility and ask if they test for PFAS and can share the results. If you have a private well, you are responsible for testing it yourself. I recommend using a state-certified laboratory to perform the test. They will provide you with a sampling kit and detailed instructions. This information is crucial for deciding if you need one of the best water filters for PFAS removal and what capacity might be right for your situation.
Are pitcher filters good enough to remove PFAS?
Some are, but you have to be very selective. Most standard pitcher filters are not designed to handle PFAS. However, a few brands have developed specific filters that have been independently certified to reduce PFOA and PFOS. If you go this route, it is absolutely essential that you check for an NSF/ANSI 53 certification for PFAS reduction specifically. Even then, remember that pitchers have a smaller carbon volume and will require more frequent filter changes than a larger under-sink system to remain effective.
What is the difference between a whole-house filter and an under-sink filter for PFAS?
This comes down to the scope of protection. An under-sink filter is a point-of-use system. It’s installed on a single water line, typically feeding your kitchen faucet. It protects you from ingesting PFAS through drinking water and cooking. A whole-house filter is a point-of-entry system. It’s installed where the main water line enters your home, so it treats every drop of water—for drinking, showering, laundry, and toilets. This protects you from both ingestion and skin exposure. Whole-house systems certified for PFAS are generally larger and more expensive, but they offer comprehensive coverage.
How often do I need to change the filters?
This depends entirely on the filter model, your water usage, and the level of contamination in your water. Manufacturers provide a recommended change schedule, usually based on time (e.g., every 6 months) or gallons filtered. This is a good starting point, but it’s a guideline. If your water has high levels of sediment or other contaminants, the filter may clog or become exhausted faster. For a carbon filter reducing PFAS, sticking to the manufacturer’s schedule is critical because once the carbon is “full,” it can no longer adsorb contaminants effectively.
Is a reverse osmosis system wasteful with water?
Traditional reverse osmosis systems do send some water to the drain as part of their flushing process. This is often referred to as a 4:1 ratio, meaning four gallons of feed water produce one gallon of purified water. However, technology has improved. Many modern RO systems are much more efficient, with some achieving a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio. If water waste is a concern for you, look for an RO system specifically advertised as high-efficiency. The trade-off is that you get exceptionally pure water, free from PFAS and many other contaminants.