Getting Forever Chemicals (PFAS) Out Of Drinking Water: Top Filters

PFAS are the latest in a long list of hazardous chemicals to contaminate our water supplies. Cleanup will last decades, so there’s no relief in sight. If you’ve had enough of the fear and frustration, it’s time to take charge of your water quality with a home filtration system. Our research shows — these are the best that money can buy.

Expert Picks

When it comes to removing PFAS from your drinking water, it’s important to choose a filter that specifically targets these chemicals. Look for filters certified by NSF International or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) that are designed to remove PFAS. However, keep in mind that no filter can completely eliminate all traces of these persistent chemicals.

• Whole House Water Filter: SpringWell CF
• Reverse Osmosis System: WaterDrop G3P800
• Filter Pitcher: Clearly Filtered
• Portable Filter: Big Berkey
• Under-sink Filter: Clearly Filtered 3 stage
• Countertop RO: AquaTru
• 3-stage under-sink: Aquasana AQ-5300

#1. SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System – Best Buy

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Ideal for: Value-oriented buyers who crave hassle-free filtration.

Not Ideal for: well owners – we would suggest Springwell’s WS system to handle those issues.

Pros

• Whole-house filtration lets you drink from any tap worry-free.
• Makes city water taste like bottled water — the chemical tastes were gone on day one.
• Minimal maintenance — sediment filters last 6-9 months between changes.
• Superb build quality — US-made valves and fittings don’t leak a drop.
• Our testing showed a negligible 5-lb drop in water pressure — the kids can flush the toilet without turning showers into trickles.
• The system is expandable — we get occasional boil orders, so we added the UV filter to kill microbes.
• The optional Easy Installation Kit shaved hours off our set-up time — it was money well spent.
• Budget-friendly — we spent 30% less for the SpringWell than similar filters we evaluated.
• The customer service was above and beyond — we had a quick question about mounting options and got an instant answer from tech support.

Cons

• Without a pressure gauge or a filter change indicator, knowing when to change the sediment cartridge is tricky — when the water pressure drops, we know it’s time.

My Take

SpringWell built a better filter by investing more in filtration technology than flash. While other manufacturers try to dazzle you with bells and whistles, this filter’s magic is in the tank. You won’t see it, but you’ll taste it in every drop. When performance matters, no one does whole-house water filtration better than SpringWell.

Read full review: SpringWell whole house water filter review

#2. WaterDrop -G3P800 RO System

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Great For: Anyone with questionable city water who needs broad contaminant reduction with limited space.

Not Ideal For: Not recommended for well water.

Pros

• The RO/UV combo eliminates PFAS, chlorine, pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, pharmaceutical residue, bacteria and more — you won’t find a more effective filter – Click for lab test results.
• Saves space with a 70% smaller footprint than conventional RO filters — it fits easily next to our in-sink garbage disposal.
• Perfect for large families, the G3 can produce 10 times more filtered water per day than an average RO system.
• The smart faucet measures and displays TDS level and cartridge life — we never wonder when to change the filters.
• Produces less wastewater than traditional RO filters, a plus for the environment and your utility bills.
• The optional remineralization filter restores beneficial minerals — water tastes like nature intended.
• Clear installation instructions — we were done in 30 minutes from unboxing to clean up.
• Twist on/twist off filters take seconds to change — you won’t even get your hands dirty.

Cons

• The system costs 25% more than similar RO filters with UV protection.
• Requires electricity to operate — the UV light won’t work in a power outage.

My Take

We weren’t impressed with first-generation tankless RO filters — the technology wasn’t perfected yet. But the latest upgrades wowed us. The G3 performs as well as a conventional RO filter without the maintenance hassles of cleaning a storage tank or losing valuable storage space under the sink.

Our testing corroborates contaminant reduction claims, and we found it to be as user-friendly as advertised for a quality water purification system. Buy it with complete confidence.

Read full review: Waterdrop G3P800 Review

#3. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher – Best Overall

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Great Choice if: Superior filtration on a shoestring budget.

Less Ideal if: Large families who need a high-capacity filter.

Cons

• No pitcher removes more contaminants — kiss lead, fluoride, glyphosate, microplastics and PFAS goodbye – click for lab test results.
• Clearly Filtered pitchers have more safety and performance certifications than any other brand.
• Water tastes crisp and clean with no plastic flavor.
• Our filter cartridges lasted as long as advertised, even with hard water.
• The pitcher is aesthetically plain, but it’s easier to clean without the curves, nooks and crannies.
• If you have kids, this pitcher offers a secure grip — the chunky handle is perfect for little hands.
• Clearly Filtered is completely transparent about third-party testing — the results are posted on their website.

Cons

• Large families will have to refill this pitcher several times daily.
• The lid is prone to cracking — handle with care.

My Take

They said it couldn’t be done. But the engineers at ClearlyFiltered wouldn’t take no for an answer. Today, no other filter pitcher reduces as many contaminants. So, why settle for garden-variety filtration when there’s an economical alternative? Everyone deserves clean drinking water for a price they can afford — and you can have it with the Clearly Filtered.

Read full review: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

#4. Big Berkey Water – Best For Emergencies

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Great For: Nomads and preppers who want powerful but portable filtration.

Not Ideal For: Busy folks will find gravity filtration time-consuming.

Pros

• Ideal for emergency filtration, it operates without power.
• Breaks down quickly for travel and stores in less than a square foot of space.
• Removes tough contaminants, including heavy metals, PFAS and disease-causing bacteria
• The 2.25-gallon reservoir holds more than a filter pitcher — we fill it every three days at camp.
• Sleek design looks great on our counter — the mirror finish hasn’t rusted, even in humid conditions.
• The spigot is simple for children to use — at counter height, our kids can help themselves.
• The Big Berkey filters city and well water, so we know we have reliable filtration wherever we go.

Cons

• Third-party tested but not NSF certified — independent test results are posted online.
• Comes with a plastic spigot — you’ll pay extra for the stainless steel upgrade.

My Take

The Big Berkey’s best feature is its versatility. Compact, it travels from home to camp to worksite, purifying the dirtiest water without electricity. Because it’s not NSF certified, we tested it ourselves to verify the advertising claims — it passed with flying colors.

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, you owe it to yourself to have one on the shelf, even if you don’t use it daily.

Read our full review: Big Berkey Review

#5 Clearly Filtered – Best Under Sink Filter

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Good for: If most of your drinking water comes from your fridge dispenser, this is your filter.

Not Ideal for: At 10 times the price of an ordinary carbon filter, it’s overkill for occasional use.

Pros

• Ultra-efficiency carbon media virtually eliminates PFAS, including 99.8% of PFOA and PFOS.
• Produces the freshest-tasting water we’ve ever had from a dispenser — and foul-tasting ice cubes won’t ruin your drinks.
• High-capacity filters last longer, so you’ll move a heavy refrigerator less often for maintenance— a plus for your back.
• The generous flow rate gets us you the door faster in the morning — we can fill four travel bottles in under two minutes.
• Risk-free, ClearlyFiltered backs this product with a lifetime warranty.
• It’s one of only a handful of refrigerator filters that removes more than 90% of fluoride.
• This was the first inline refrigerator filter we ever installed on our own — it was a breeze with the simple-to-follow instructions.

Cons

• NSF 42, 53 and 401 certifications are still pending, but independent test results show performance exceeds these standards.

My Take

The ClearlyFiltered reduces twice as many contaminants as its closest competitors. It’ll set your budget back, but its exceptional performance and high capacity take the sting out of the price — it lasts twice as long as similar filters.

If your water and ice dispensers are more of a necessity than a luxury, a quality refrigerator filter can have a huge health impact. It may not be a bargain, but it’s a great value.

#6. AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filtration System

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Great for: No-installation RO filtration.

Not Ideal for: Not recommended for water with more than 10 grains per gallon of hardness.

Pros

• NSF certified to remove 99.9% of forever chemicals.
• Kid-friendly push-button dispenser never makes a mess.
• Descaling system helps keep the filters clean, preserving cartridge life if you have moderately hard water.
• 10-minutes set up with no alterations to your plumbing system — anyone can do it.
• Processes a full carafe of water in about 7 minutes thanks to its booster pump — faster than any RO system we’ve ever used.
• It’s whisper-quiet until you add water, so there’s no unwanted noise when you least expect it.
• Affordable replacement filters lower the long-term cost of ownership — enjoy bottled water taste for just pennies per day.

Cons

• The carafe leaks if it’s not perfectly aligned in the base.
• 10 gpg hardness limit is a deal-breaker for buyers in 40% of the country with very hard or extremely hard water.

My Take

If installation and maintenance hassles are all that stand between you and clean water, look no further than the Aquatru. You get the benefits of an under-sink filter without lifting a wrench.

It looks less like a filter than a high-end water dispenser with no hoses or outward attachments to ruin your kitchen aesthetics. Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for renters.

Read our full review: AquaTru countertop RO system

#7. Aquasana AQ-5300 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter

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Best For: Premium non-RO filtration with more capacity than a filter pitcher.

Not best for: Buyers who want a filter that fits a standard faucet.

Pros

• Claryum filters are NSF 42, 53 and 401 certified for proven protection — you don’t have to take their word for it.
• Unlike RO systems and filter pitchers, Claryum filters produce filtered water on demand — you’ll never run out no matter how many people you’re cooking for.
• This filter is ecologically friendly, producing no briny wastewater discharge to damage the environment.
• At half the price of low-end RO filters, the Max Flow is a budget-friendly option.
• Unlike RO filters, Claryum technology removes contaminants while retaining healthy minerals — if you don’t like the flat taste of RO water, it’s the next-best solution for serious contamination.
• The dispensing faucet is the most attractive we’ve seen in this price range — it looks and feels like a luxury fixture.
• It comes in a Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze — we appreciate having choices.

Cons

• The filters are inexpensive, but they didn’t last as long as advertised for us, meaning more maintenance and expenses for you.
• If your sink or countertop doesn’t have a pre-drilled hole for the dispensing faucet, you may need a pro to add one at a significant expense.

My Take

Claryum filters are a good alternative to whole-house filtration systems when money is tight. The water is delicious, and our tests confirm it’s clean. But we ran the numbers, and the cost of frequent filter changes makes SpringWell’s whole-home filter a better long-term investment. The Claryum is our top pick for budget shoppers but opt for the SpringWell if you own your home and can spare the cash.

Buyer’s Guide

The government’s latest report on contamination is an eye-opener. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it could be decades before your drinking water is safe.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with “forever chemicals” in your water supply, the only real solution is a water filter. In this guide, you’ll find the expert guidance and product reviews you need to make a sound purchasing decision. We’re in your corner.

For definitive insights on persistent pollutants and other water contaminants, rely on EWG’s Tap Water Database. Simply input your zipcode for tailored, expert data.

How We Chose

It takes more than an ordinary activated carbon filter to tackle persistent chemicals. So, we did extensive research to identify leading filtration systems for removing these contaminants based on their quality, features, certifications and value.

We poured over reviews, analyzed customer feedback and scrutinized independent test results to find filters that excel in removing these persistent chemicals while offering user-friendly features. After using them personally, we’re confident that these are the best options for eliminating harmful substances from your tap water. If we wouldn’t use them in our homes, they wouldn’t be on this list.

Who Needs This Guide?

This guide is for anyone looking to understand more about the contamination of water supplies by persistent chemicals.

In it, you’ll learn:

• What “forever chemicals” are
• How they infiltrate water supplies
• Their potential impact on your health
• And what steps you can take to protect yourself

We’ll help you cut through the technical jargon and clarify any misleading advertising claims.

We also discuss:

• Different types of water filters for removing contaminants
• Key features to look for
• Price considerations, and more

If you have questions, we’ve got the answers.

What Are PFAS Chemicals?

“PFAS” is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A revolutionary group of over 5000 man-made chemicals, they’re ubiquitous in a wide range of industrial, consumer and public safety products.

Developed in the 1930s, the strong carbon-fluorine bond in these chemicals makes them extremely durable, endowing products with water-, oil-, and stain-resistant properties.

These substances are found in:

• Fast food packaging
• Non-stick cookware
• Plastic bottles
• Carpets
• Upholstery
• Paint
• Ski wax
• Nail polish
• Deodorant
• Building materials
• Electrical wiring
• Batteries
• Fire-fighting foams
• Solar panels and more

How Does it Get into the Water Supply?

These chemicals are incredibly stable, resisting degradation for millennia. Unlike volatile organic compounds, they don’t easily evaporate. Instead, they travel through rainwater, seeping into soil, private wells, and public drinking water supplies.

Major sources of contamination include factories, landfills, and wastewater treatment facilities. Wastewater is especially problematic — most treatment plants don’t filter out these chemicals, allowing them to reenter water supplies used for irrigation. They contaminate biosolids, human waste used as fertilizer spreading pollutants to agricultural fields.

In a 2017 study, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that elevated levels of of these substances in fish, meats and even chocolate cake purchased at supermarkets on the Eastern seaboard. This is a global issue, making these chemicals nearly impossible to avoid.

Why Are These Chemicals Dangerous?

There are thousands of these chemicals, but to date, only a handful have been adequately studied. Initially, these substances were not expected to contribute to water pollution, catching researchers off guard.

Environmental science has advanced significantly since the risks of these contaminants were first identified in the late 1990s, but quality research takes time. Many questions still remain about the health effects and toxicity levels of specific chemicals across different age groups.

Those we’re aware of, however, are linked to a broad range of serious human health concerns. The worst offenders, PFOA and PFOS (perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate) have largely been removed from the market but will continue to persist in soil and water for decades.

Supported by peer-reviewed studies, their effects may include:

• Low fertility
• Preeclampsia — pregnancy-related hypertension
• Stomach ulcers
• Developmental delays in children
• Low birth weight
• Accelerated puberty
• Behavioral disorders
• An increased risk of kidney, prostate and testicular cancers
• Hormone-related disorders
• Liver disease
• Impaired immune function
• High cholesterol and more

Do I Need a Water Filter That Removes These Chemicals?

The Environmental Protection Agency is taking strong action against contamination from these persistent chemicals. But according to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit watchdog organization, the damage is already done. Testing shows that as many as a third of Americans drink tap water containing at least one of these substances.

The EPA recently issued a health advisory for PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS. But health advisories are not regulations. For now, the goal is simply to raise awareness about emerging contaminants while collecting data on the occurrence, testing, treatment and health effects of these contaminants. But until authorities develop a legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), municipal water suppliers aren’t required to test for or remove these substances..

And while soil cleanup is underway in several states where contamination levels are high, it has yet to begin in most areas. Meanwhile, these dangerous chemicals that we know little about continue a slow creep into our water supplies.

As a consumer, it’s difficult to avoid exposure to these chemicals in soil, air, and food. However, you can significantly reduce your intake by ensuring your drinking water is clean. Even at very low concentrations, these substances can be toxic due to their cumulative health effects. Every step you take to minimize exposure counts — especially if you have kids.

The bottom line is that we have an unpredictable environmental crisis on our hands with no clear solution in sight, making a home filtration system the best protection for you and your family against toxic chemicals.

How to Test for PFAS in Water

Testing for these chemicals requires precision, as they are measured in parts per trillion. For accurate results, we recommend sending a water sample to a certified drinking water laboratory for analysis.

If you don’t have one nearby, try Simple Lab’s Tap Score Water Test. It covers 14 of the most common forever chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS.

The testing process is simple and affordable. Kits include everything you need. Just collect a sample of your well or city water and mail it to their laboratory in the postage-paid box provided. You’ll get results in about a week, including a list of steps to take next. It’s actionable information.

How To Choose

A drinking water filter should fit your needs, budget and lifestyle. We used these criteria to choose the top performing filtration options.

PFOA and PFOS Removal Capability

PFOA and PFOS are the two most common PFAS contaminants in water, so filters with the highest reduction ratings will naturally be more impactful — don’t settle for less than 90%. The filters on our list eliminate 99% or more.

Filtration Method	PFAS Removal	Benefits	Drawbacks
Activated Carbon	Moderate	Affordable, improves taste and odor, easy to install	May not catch all PFAS compounds, filters need replacement
Reverse Osmosis	High	Removes most PFAS and other contaminants, reliable performance	Higher upfront cost, produces wastewater, installation needed
Ion Exchange	High (for some PFAS)	Good for certain PFAS types, pairs well with other filters	Resin needs replacing regularly, system maintenance required

Filtration Method

There are two general types of water filters — point-of-entry (POE) filters, whole-house systems that purify water throughout your home — and point-of-use (POU) filters, such as under-sink filters and water filter pitchers, that treat small volumes of water for drinking and cooking.

Whole-house filters are plumbed into your incoming water line, so every drop from every tap is clean. It’s a comprehensive solution if you own your own home.

But POU water filters can be equally effective without breaking the bank. Petite and portable, they’re a great option for nomads and renters. If you’re on a budget, six of our seven top filters for removing harmful chemicals are point-of-use systems, starting as low as $90.

Build Quality

Price and build quality aren’t always synonymous. But, in general, you get what you pay for. The last thing you want is a water filter that leaks or cracks under pressure.

We look for quality plastics, thick gaskets and waterproof design elements that prevent leaks. A good warranty is a bonus. Flimsy filters made of inferior materials didn’t make the cut.

Flow Rate

A water filter’s flow rate is the maximum number of gallons it can process per minute. Rates vary based on the type of filter and the size of the fittings.

Flow rate is critical among whole-house filtration systems. If it’s too low, you’ll notice a significant drop in water pressure when more than one tap is in use. The industry average of 6-7 gpm is suitable for average-sized homes. But for large houses with four or more bathrooms, the higher the flow rate the better. For this list, we insisted on 9 gpm or more.

Flow rate also affects the performance of water filter pitchers and under-sink filters, like reverse osmosis systems. But the differences between models are negligible. Among POU filters, performance and quality matter more.

Filter Capacity

Filter capacity is how many gallons systems treat before filters need to be changed. A top-shelf whole-house filter can handle a million gallons or more between maintenance intervals, while a water filter pitcher treats just 50-100 gallons over one to three months between filter replacements.

When it comes to removing contaminants, capability is more important than capacity. However, high-capacity filters are generally more convenient. A whole-house water filter produces gallons of clean water with the twist of a handle. You might refill a water filter pitcher two, three, or even four times daily to meet your drinking water needs.

The price of replacement filters also affects your long-term cost of ownership. Maintenance intervals for whole-house filters vary from 3-12 months or more — 1-3 months for POU filters. Frequent cartridge changes add up over time, so always do the math before buying a water filter.

Installation & Maintenance

Whole-house water filters are straightforward to install, but they require permanent changes to your plumbing system. We recommend hiring a professional if you’re not comfortable cutting pipes. It’ll cost you, but you’re better safe than sorry.

Any homeowner can assemble a water filter pitcher or countertop filter. Reverse osmosis systems are slightly more challenging. But they take more time than skill to install, and you’ll save hundreds in plumber’s fees.

Maintenance chores are relatively simple for both POE and POU water filter systems. Manufacturers go out of their way to make them foolproof.

No matter which type of filter you choose, timely maintenance is essential. A clogged filter loses its effectiveness in removing contaminants. In fact, studies show that a poorly maintained activated carbon filter can actually increase the concentration of harmful substances in tap water. Therefore, it’s crucial to select a model that you can afford to maintain both in terms of time and money.

Certifications

The EPA regulates water safety under the US Safe Drinking Water Act. And some states, like California, set even stricter standards. But neither tests nor certifies water treatment systems. For that, we rely on the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

NSF-certified products are independently tested and guaranteed to:

• Be structurally sound
• Contain no hazardous materials
• Meet performance claims

It’s the best protection consumers have against manufacturers that overpromise and underdeliver.

Several NSF standards apply to drinking water treatment systems, including:

NSF 42

Standard 42 applies to filters that remove taste and odor impurities. Most activated carbon filters fall into this category.

NSF 53

Standard 53 addresses contaminant reduction claims for substances with known health effects, like lead.

NSF 58

Standard 58 applies only to reverse osmosis filters and evaluates contaminant reduction claims for EPA-regulated substances.

PFAS, however, are not yet regulated, so how do these standards apply?

From 2016 to mid-2021, filters designed to remove these chemicals were evaluated under a temporary standard, P473. Since then, new test methods have been approved and incorporated into the NSF 53 and 58 testing criteria. Some promotional materials may still reference P473 certification, which is fine. However, NSF 53 and 58 standards are now equally effective for assessing the removal of these contaminants.

Other Contaminants Present

Most filters designed to remove persistent chemicals also tackle other common drinking water contaminants, such as VOCs and heavy metals. However, some filters are more effective than others. If your water test results revealed multiple issues, it’s important to choose your filter carefully.

Among whole-house filters, those with regular activated carbon media remove 70%-90% of contaminants. Models equipped with catalytic carbon and KDF eliminate 99% or more of forever chemicals plus other contaminants, including heavy metals like lead. Neither, however, removes fluoride or total dissolved solids. There’s always give and take.

Among point-of-use filters, granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems both remove “forever chemicals.” But reverse osmosis filters are far more efficient. And while they also remove fluoride and other heavy metals, they virtually eliminate total dissolved solids — the natural minerals that give drinking water a refreshing quality.

Removing forever chemicals is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of taming more dangerous contaminants. The health risks increase with time, but they’re limited in the short term. Lead, however, can cause irreversible damage to the human body within months. Choosing a water filter is a balancing act.

Manufacturer Hype & User Experience

Manufacturers aren’t shy about hyping their filters. But there’s no substitute for the user experience, so we’ve examined customer feedback across dozens of websites to understand what’s most important to buyers.

We look for honest appraisals of quality and function from people who’ve owned a filter for at least six months. Most are remarkably fair. In general, positive reviews reflect satisfaction with a product’s performance as advertised. Nothing turns buyers off more than false or misleading claims.

We urge you to be cautious, however, when considering negative comments. Some folks are quick to leave dismal reviews because of issues that don’t reflect the quality of the product or the manufacturer, such as one-of snafus with the shipping company.

Others don’t do their due diligence when it comes to research. We weed out bad reviews from people who chose the wrong product in haste unless it was misrepresented by the company. Similarly, we look over owner manuals and installation instructions to see if “hard to install” criticisms are fair.

We set the bar high, however, for quality and customer service — so should you. Problems aren’t always the manufacturer’s fault, but how they deal with them reflects the service you can expect after the sale.

Best Value for The Money

Water filters with similar abilities may have vastly different price tags. It’s hard to know if you’re paying for valuable features or unnecessary bells and whistles.

Our selection process assigns more weight to performance, ease of installation and maintenance costs than convenience features. But no one filter is right for everyone. Lifestyles differ, so you need to consider what matters the most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions