Lead in drinking water is a serious concern for many households, impacting both health and the taste of your water. Finding a reliable and certified solution is crucial for peace of mind and better-tasting hydration. PUR has established itself as a leader in home water filtration, offering a range of products specifically designed and certified to reduce lead and other contaminants.
This roundup focuses on the best PUR water filters for lead reduction, from convenient pitchers to on-demand faucet mounts and their essential replacement filters. Whether you are setting up a new filtration system or maintaining an existing one, these options provide the certified performance you need to feel confident about the water you drink every day.
Our Top PUR Water Filter Picks for Lead Reduction
- PUR Plus 11-Cup Water Pitcher with Filter Change Light
- PUR Plus Horizontal Faucet Mount Filtration System
- PUR Plus Lead Reducing Water Pitcher Replacement Filter
- PUR Plus Vertical Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
- PUR Plus Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 4-Pack
- PUR PLUS Vertical Faucet Mount System in Chrome
- AQUA CREST 2 Pack Faucet Filter for PUR®Plus
- PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 2-Pack
- PUR Water Pitcher & Dispenser Replacement Filter 4-Pack
- PUR FM-9400B Advanced Faucet Filtration System
PUR Plus 11-Cup Water Pitcher with Filter Change Light
This 11-cup water pitcher from PUR combines effective filtration with a space-saving, refrigerator-friendly design. It features a LockFit cap design and a stay-tight lid, allowing you to pour water while it is still filtering. The entire pitcher is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and a built-in filter change light indicator takes the guesswork out of maintenance.
The included PUR Plus filter utilizes 3-in-1 powerful water filtration that is NSF and WQA certified to reduce lead, microplastics, chlorine, and other substances that cause bad taste and odor. This certification provides assurance that you are getting cleaner, better-tasting water with every glass. It is a straightforward and reliable solution for lead reduction without any complex installation.
PUR Plus Horizontal Faucet Mount Filtration System
For those who prefer filtered water directly from the tap, this horizontal faucet mount system is an excellent choice. It offers on-demand filtered water with a simple on/off lever, making it convenient for cooking and drinking. The tool-free installation is quick and compatible with most faucets that have visible external aerators.
This system uses PUR’s advanced 3-in-1 filtration technology. It is the only faucet-mounted filter brand certified by both WQA and NSF to reduce 70 chemical and physical substances, including lead and microplastics. Each filter lasts for 100 gallons, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy cleaner water while helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
PUR Plus Lead Reducing Water Pitcher Replacement Filter
This is the genuine replacement filter designed for all PUR pitchers and dispensers. It ensures your existing PUR system continues to perform at its best, providing the lead reduction and contaminant removal you expect. Each filter is engineered to last for up to 40 gallons or approximately two months of regular use.
The PUR Plus filter employs 3-in-1 powerful water filtration. It is NSF certified to reduce microplastics, chlorine, and other substances affecting taste and odor, and it is WQA certified specifically for lead reduction. Using official PUR replacements guarantees that your water filtration meets the rigorous standards set by the brand.
PUR Plus Vertical Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
This vertical faucet mount offers an alternative design for your kitchen sink, providing the same great filtration in a different form factor. It features a filter change light that alerts you when it is time for a replacement, ensuring your water quality remains consistently high. The system is also easy to install without tools.
With a genuine PUR Plus Filter, this system is WQA certified to reduce lead and NSF certified to reduce microplastics and chlorine. It targets 70 chemical and physical substances that can be found in tap water, delivering cleaner, better-tasting water for drinking and cooking. The filter lasts for 100 gallons or about three months.
PUR Plus Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 4-Pack
This 4-pack of genuine PUR Plus Faucet Mount Filters provides a full year’s supply of filtration, offering convenience and value. These filters are designed for use in the PUR Plus Home Water Filtration System or the Beautiful by PUR Faucet Mount system. The mineral core technology is engineered to help deliver a crisp, refreshing taste.
As the number one selling brand in faucet filtration, PUR maintains rigorous standards. These replacement filters are certified to provide cleaner, safer water, reducing lead and other contaminants. Stocking up ensures you never have a lapse in your home’s water filtration performance.
PUR PLUS Vertical Faucet Mount System in Chrome
This chrome version of the vertical faucet mount system adds a sleek, metallic finish to your kitchen sink. It provides the same reliable filtration as other PUR faucet mounts, with a design that fits well with many kitchen decors. The built-in filter change light is a key feature for timely maintenance.
The system uses the advanced 3-in-1 PUR Plus Filter, which is WQA-certified for lead reduction and NSF certified to reduce microplastics, chlorine, and 70 other contaminants. This ensures you receive powerful filtration for great-tasting water directly from your tap for up to 100 gallons per filter.
AQUA CREST 2 Pack Faucet Filter for PUR®Plus
This two-pack from AQUA CREST offers a compatible replacement option for PUR Plus faucet filtration systems. A notable feature is its 600-gallon lifespan per filter, which significantly extends the time between changes compared to standard filters. It is important to soak the filter in clean water for three minutes before initial use to flush it properly.
The filter is tested and certified by NSF International against Standard 42 for the reduction of chlorine, taste, and odor. It also meets NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free material. Using premium coconut activated carbon block, it effectively reduces sediments, rust, and large particles to improve your water’s taste and clarity.
PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 2-Pack
This two-pack of genuine PUR filters provides a six-month supply for your faucet mount system. PUR emphasizes that while other brands may claim compatibility, they are not certified to work with your PUR system. Using genuine filters ensures the certified reduction of contaminants.
These filters feature PUR’s 3-in-1 powerful water filtration. The brand is the only one certified by both WQA and NSF to reduce 70 chemical and physical substances, including lead and microplastics. This certification is your guarantee of performance and water quality.
PUR Water Pitcher & Dispenser Replacement Filter 4-Pack
This 4-pack of standard PUR replacement filters offers an 8-month value for your pitcher or dispenser. PUR notes that these filters reduce twice as many chemical and physical substances as Brita’s leading pitcher filter. They are engineered to last for up to 40 gallons or two months of use each.
The filters are NSF certified to reduce chlorine, mercury, copper, and zinc that cause bad taste and odor in drinking water. Only genuine PUR replacement cartridges are certified to reduce over 20 chemical and physical substances when used with your PUR pitcher or dispenser, ensuring continued effectiveness.
PUR FM-9400B Advanced Faucet Filtration System
This advanced faucet filtration system from PUR is designed for those seeking a more integrated look for their sink filtration. While specific details and certifications for this model should be confirmed on the product page, it represents another option in PUR’s lineup for on-tap water filtration.
Typically, such systems from PUR offer convenient features like a switch to toggle between filtered and unfiltered water and are designed for easy installation. They aim to provide the certified reduction of contaminants like lead, directly from your kitchen faucet, combining convenience with performance.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right PUR Water Filter for Lead Reduction
When I started looking for a water filter to tackle lead, I quickly realized that not all filters are created equal, even within a trusted brand like PUR. Choosing the right one comes down to understanding your home’s specific needs and how these filters actually work. The goal is to find a system that effectively reduces lead and fits seamlessly into your life.
First, consider the certification. This is my number one tip. I always look for filters that are independently certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. This isn’t just marketing fluff; it means the product has been rigorously tested by a third party to prove it can remove lead to safe levels. You can usually find this certification right on the product packaging or in the online description. Don’t settle for anything less when lead is your primary concern.
Next, think about the filter format. PUR offers several types, and each has its pros and cons. Pitcher filters, like the classic PUR Plus, are affordable and require no installation. They’re great for renters or for filtering drinking and cooking water. Faucet-mounted filters, such as the PUR Advanced Faucet Filter, attach directly to your tap and give you filtered water on demand. They’re super convenient but can be a bit bulky. For the most comprehensive solution, a under-sink system, like the PUR 3-Stage Advanced Under Sink Filter, is installed out of sight and typically has a higher capacity and longer filter life.
Capacity and filter life are also huge factors in my decision. A pitcher might hold 7-11 cups of water, which is fine for a single person or a couple, but a family will be constantly refilling it. Faucet and under-sink systems don’t have this storage limitation. Filter lifespan is usually measured in gallons or months. A 100-gallon filter will last a typical family of four about two months. I find it helpful to calculate the cost per gallon to understand the long-term expense.
Finally, don’t forget about maintenance and installation. Pitchers are the easiest—you just swap the cartridge. Faucet filters require a simple screw-on installation. Under-sink systems need a more involved setup, which might require a handy friend or a plumber, but then they’re out of sight and mind. Whichever you choose, setting a reminder to change the filter on time is crucial for consistent performance and lead reduction. By weighing these factors—certification, format, capacity, and maintenance—you can confidently select one of the best PUR water filters for lead reduction that’s perfect for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do PUR filters actually reduce lead from my water?
PUR filters use a combination of technologies, but the key player for lead is their proprietary ion-exchange media and activated carbon. Think of the filter media as a magnet for contaminants. As water passes through, the lead ions are attracted to and trapped within the filter material, swapping places with less harmful ions like potassium. This process, certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53, effectively pulls the lead out of your water before it reaches your glass.
Are PUR water filters certified to remove lead?
Yes, but you need to check for the specific certification. Not all PUR filters are designed for lead reduction. You must look for models that are explicitly certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead. This information is always listed on the product box and in the detailed specifications online. I always double-check this before buying to ensure I’m getting the protection I need.
How often should I replace my PUR filter to ensure it’s still reducing lead?
You should replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, which is typically every two to three months or after filtering 100 gallons of water, whichever comes first. The filter’s ability to capture contaminants, including lead, diminishes over time as it becomes saturated. Using an old filter can mean lead and other impurities are no longer being effectively removed. Many PUR faucet systems have an electronic indicator that lights up to tell you when it’s time for a change, which I find incredibly helpful.
Can a PUR pitcher filter handle all the lead in my home’s water?
A PUR pitcher filter is excellent for the water you drink and use for cooking, but it’s a point-of-use solution. It won’t filter the water coming to your shower or other faucets. If you are concerned about lead exposure from all the water in your home, a point-of-use filter is a great start for your most consumed water, but you might want to investigate a whole-house filtration system for complete coverage. For targeted protection where it matters most—your drinking water—a PUR pitcher is a solid choice.
What’s the difference between a PUR faucet filter and an under-sink model for lead reduction?
The main difference is convenience versus capacity and aesthetics. A faucet filter is easy to install yourself and provides filtered water on demand, but it sits on your countertop and can look a bit clunky. An under-sink model is installed permanently under your counter, freeing up space and looking cleaner. It also usually has a longer filter life and a dedicated faucet, so you don’t have to switch between filtered and unfiltered water. Both are certified for lead reduction, so it comes down to your preference for installation and kitchen layout.
Do PUR filters remove other contaminants besides lead?
Absolutely. While we’re focusing on lead reduction here, most PUR filters certified for lead are also certified to reduce a wide range of other contaminants. This can include industrial pollutants like pesticides and herbicides, chemical byproducts like chlorine, and metals like mercury. Always check the specific filter’s certification sheet to see the full list of contaminants it reduces, as it can vary by model.