Water Filters
The best water filter for your home depends on what is in your water, so start with a test or your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report. Then choose a system certified to reduce those specific contaminants: NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine taste, 53 for health contaminants such as lead and PFOA/PFOS, and 58 for reverse osmosis.
Pick the right stage
- Whole house (point of entry): treats every tap. Best for sediment, chlorine and chloramine, and well water problems. Size by flow rate (often 10 to 15 GPM) and pipe size.
- Reverse osmosis (under sink): the broadest reduction for drinking water, including many dissolved contaminants.
- Under sink carbon, pitchers and faucet mounts: lower cost options for drinking water.
- Shower filters: mainly reduce chlorine. They do not soften water.
- Check the performance data sheet, not just the box, for each contaminant claim.
Shop Whole House Water Filters, Reverse Osmosis Systems, Under Sink Water Filters, Water Filters for PFAS, Water Filter Pitchers, Countertop Water Filters, Shower Filters and Water Test Kits.
FAQs
What type of water filter is best?
It depends on your water and goal. For broad reduction of dissolved contaminants in drinking water, an NSF/ANSI 58 certified reverse osmosis system is the most thorough. For chlorine and sediment at every tap, use a whole house filter. For budget drinking water, an NSF/ANSI 53 certified pitcher or faucet filter works.
How do I know what is in my tap water?
If you are on city water, read your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report, which most US utilities publish online by July 1. For private wells or specific concerns such as lead from old pipes, use a certified laboratory test. Home test strips help screen but are less precise.
What do NSF/ANSI certifications mean for water filters?
They are independent standards: NSF/ANSI 42 covers aesthetic effects such as chlorine taste and odor, 53 covers health-related contaminants such as lead and PFOA/PFOS, 58 covers reverse osmosis systems, 401 covers emerging contaminants, and 372 covers lead-free materials. Check which contaminants each product is certified for.
Do water filters remove fluoride?
Most carbon filters, including typical pitchers and refrigerator filters, do not reduce fluoride significantly. Reverse osmosis systems and activated alumina filters do. If fluoride reduction matters to you, look for a system whose performance data sheet lists fluoride reduction, such as many NSF/ANSI 58 certified RO units.
