Best Water Filters For PFAS & PFOA – Which Water Filter Is Best at Removing PFAS?

f you have PFAS and PFOA in your drinking water you’ve come to the right place.

We know how much of a pain in the ass it is dealing with these toxic chemicals in your water supply and we’ve scoured and evaluated water filters on the market which are the best at removing these chemicals.

In this review we will give you detailed information and reviews of the best water filters for PFAS & PFOA helping you to select the perfect filter for your home that will offer you healthy pure water.

Find The Right Section…

• Find our PFAS & PFOA water filter best of list
• Find our best water filter systems to remove PFAS & PFOA individual reviews
• Learn more PFAS & PFOA water filter with our buyers guide
• Find the evaluation criteria we used to select the best water filter systems to remove PFAS & PFOA

Best Filters for PFAS & PFOA Compared

Best Water Filters That Remove PFAS & PFOA Reviewed

Review Order

1. SpringWell Whole House Water Filter
2. SoftPro Catalytic Carbon Filter
3. AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier
4. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
5. Berkey Countertop Filter
6. Waterdrop G3 Reverse Osmosis Filter
7. Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter

1. SpringWell Whole House Water Filter

If you’re looking for a great whole-house filtration system to remove PFAS and PFOA from your tap water, our top pick is the SpringWell Whole House Water Filter. It has a carbon filter to remove the chlorine and other common drinking water contaminants in city water supplies, but it also does a good job of removing PFOA and PFAS. 

The SpringWell system is a combination filter and water softener. It has multiple stages of filtration, not just the active carbon. It uses KDF media, active carbon, and a 5 micron sediment filter. This makes it very effective at removing PFOA and PFAS.

This filter has a very long life, handling up to 1,000,000 gallons. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so SpringWell backs up that claim. Despite that, this filter is not NSF certified.

This SpringWell filter is easy to maintain, only requiring you to change a pre-filter every six months or so. That makes it cheap to own, which makes its cost to purchase more palatable.

If you have a little basic knowledge of plumbing and you’re able to use some tools, you can probably install this filter yourself. 

Main Features

Flow rate- Depending on the size of the filtration system you choose, the flow rate of the system ranges from 9-17 gpm.

Filtering technology- The SpringWell Whole House Water Filter uses a multi-stage filter system with active carbon to remove PFOA and PFAS.

Ability to remove PFOA & PFAS- Because it is an active carbon filter, you can expect PFOA and PFAS removal of about 75%, on average. Removal varies, and can be anywhere from almost none to all of these chemicals. 

Certifications and Warranty- While this SpringWell filter is not NSF certified, it uses filtering media that is certified. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Price- The price for the SpringWell Whole House Water Filter ranges from 981.79 to 1677.99, so it can have vastly different price tags, depending on the size you opt for.

Pros

• 9-17 gpm flow rate
• Low maintenance
• Easy installation
• Long lasting pre-filter
• Whole-house coverage
• Very long lasting
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Costly
• Active carbon is not as effect at removing PFAS and PFOA as some other methods

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2. SoftPro Catalytic Carbon Filter

The SoftPro Catalytic Carbon Filter is another great option to remove PFOA and PFAS from your water supply. It also removes up to 99% of other drinking water contaminants found in either a city or well water system. 

As the name suggests, this is an activated carbon filter. That means you can expect a wide range in its ability to remove PFAS and PFOA. The average removal rate is around 75%. 

This filter’s ability to remove chlorine and other contaminants is part of its allure, though. You won’t find many whole-house systems that do a better job in that regard.

And it’s another long lasting filter system, treating 600,000 gallons. That goes well with its lifetime warranty, and suggests that you probably won’t run into any troubles with this unit for a very long time. This system is not NSF certified, however.

Installation of this filter is simple, and it comes with detailed instructions to make the process easier. Most DIYers can handle it with no trouble.

Main Features

Flow rate- Expect a flow rate from 6-11 gpm, depending on the size you purchase.

Filtering technology- This filter uses active carbon filtration to remove the PFOA and PFAS from your water. 

Ability to remove PFOA & PFAS- The SoftPro, being an active carbon filter, should remove about 75% of PFOA and PFAS, on average. 

Certifications and Warranty- This filter has a lifetime warranty, but it is not certified by NSF or other independent organizations.

Price- You can expect to pay about $1010-1370 for this filter, depending on the size you choose.

Pros

• 6-11 gpm flow rate
• Simple to install
• Long lasting
• Whole-house coverage
• Good choice for well water
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Pricey
• Only a filter, doesn’t soften the water
• Not certified by an independ authority

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3. AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier

The AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier is not just any regular water purifier.

With AquaTru’s patented 4-stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis technology, it ensures the delivery of purified water. As per AquaTru, their purification process removes more contaminants than many other systems.

This purifier requires minimal maintenance. Unlike many other water purifiers that need regular filter replacements, AquaTru’s filters are designed to last for 600-1200 gallons, reducing the frequency of replacements.

In terms of lifespan, AquaTru’s filters can purify up to 1200 gallons of water. We find this stat to be quite impressive, considering the compact size of the purifier.

It comes with a one-year limited warranty. Additionally, there might be a return policy available, which you can check with the manufacturer. This makes the investment in this water purifier more justified.

Main Features

Flow rate- The AquaTru purifier doesn’t provide a specific flow rate, but its filters can last for 600-1200 gallons.

Filtering technology- It uses a patented 4-stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis technology to purify the water.

Ability to remove PFOA & PFAS- The purifier is certified to remove contaminants like lead, chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates.

Certifications and Warranty- AquaTru provides a one-year limited warranty on this purifier.

Price- Expect to pay about $449 for this filter.

Pros

• Long lasting
• Low maintenance
• 4-stage filtration 
• Compact and countertop design
• Removes a wide range of contaminants
• Easy to install
• One-year warranty

Cons

• The price might be high for some
• Does not specify flow rate online

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4. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

For those of you looking to filter the toxic PFAS and PFOA from your drinking water using pitcher style filters, the Clearly Filtered water pitcher is a perfect pick. It removes up to 95% of these chemicals from your water.

This is not a whole-house solution. However, it makes it very handy to just keep one of these in the refrigerator. That way you’ll have cold, fresh drinking water whenever you need it.

By being a small water filter, it keeps the price down, and you’ll only pay about $90 for this. That’s compared to the hundreds or thousands you’ll spend on the larger systems and still reduces PFOA and PFAS levels.. 

Expect this pitcher to take about 45 minutes to filter through its 80 ounce capacity. While that sounds like a long time, remember that you’re only filtering what you are drinking. 

It’s diminutive nature doesn’t mean this isn’t a quality unity. In fact, the Clearly Filtered pitcher comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s also NSF certified. If that’s not enough, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Main Features

Flow rate- This filters up to 80 ounces per 45 minutes, or about 105 ounces per hour. 

Filtering technology- This pitcher uses a granular activated carbon filter to remove contaminants. 

Ability to remove PFOA & PFAS- While a typical carbon filter removes about 75% of the PFOA and PFAS contaminants, this one has been tested to remove 95%.

Certifications and Warranty- This pitcher comes with a lifetime warranty and NSF certification.

Price- You’ll only pay about $90 for the pitcher. Additional filters will cost you about $40 each, and should last you around four months.

Pros

• Low price
• Lifetime warranty
• NSF certified
• No installation required
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not a whole-house solution
• Filters last only a few months
• Small size requires frequent refills

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5. Berkey Countertop Filter

The Berkey Countertop Filter is another great option if all you want is pure drinking water. It holds up to 2.25 gallons of water, and the stainless steel design makes a nice additional to your kitchen counter. 

Berkey uses an activated carbon filter, which they claim will remove up to 99.9% of the PFOA and PFAS contaminants from your drinking water. That’s a greater reduction than usually seen in a carbon filter system.

This is a gravity-fed system, and that makes it a little slow. It takes around two hours to pass the 2.25 gallon capacity through its filters. 

The filters included with this system clean 6,000 gallons of water. That’s a good amount, and this should work well for about four people. Expect those filters to last a long time. 

That’s a good thing, because a new pair of filters– and it requires a pair– cost about $160. You have the option to add a second pair to the system to increase its flow rate and lifespan, which is an interesting ability that many similar water filters don’t offer. 

The Berkey is NSF certified and comes with a lifetime warranty. You also get a month to try it out, since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Main Features

Flow rate- The flow rate on this system is just over a gallon per hour. 

Filtering technology- This filter uses granulated carbon. 

Ability to remove PFOA & PFAS- Berkey says this filter removes 99.9% of toxic PFAS and PFOA from your drinking water. 

Certifications and Warranty- Berkey offers a lifetime warranty, and this unit is NSF certified.

Price- The price on this countertop filter is $387, and you’ll pay about $160 for additional filters.

Pros

• NSF certified
• Money-back guarantee
• Lifetime warranty
• Great PFOA and PFAS removal rate
• Easy to use

Cons

• Not a whole-house system
• Pricey

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6. Waterdrop G3 Reverse Osmosis Filter

The Waterdrop G3 is a compact, under-sink reverse osmosis unit. Its tankless design takes up very little space under your sink. 

Waterdrop uses a reverse osmosis filtering system, as the name implies, but it also has activated carbon filters to remove even more contaminants. Expect it to remove around 90% of PFOA and PFAS. It also does a great job of filtering out chlorine and other chemicals from your water.

Something you don’t find in many water filters is a smart faucet like the one that the G3 reverse osmosis filter comes with. It has a light around the base to warn you when to replace the filters. 

The filters in this water filtration system last a long time. Even though it’s compact, there are three filters in this under-sink reverse osmosis system. The lifespan ranges from 6-24 months each, and range from about $30 to $100 each to replace.

The G3 under-sink reverse osmosis system is NSF certified, and it comes with a one-year warranty. You also have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Main Features

Flow rate- This system has a flow rate of .28 gpm. 

Filtering technology- This filter uses both a reverse osmosis membrane and granulated carbon filters. 

Ability to remove PFOA & PFAS- You can expect PFOA and PFAS removal of about 90%. 

Certifications and Warranty- One-year warranty. NSF certified.

Price- You’ll pay about $499 for this filter.

Pros

• Compact, tankless under-sink design
• Easy to install
• .28 gpm flow rate
• Smart faucet reminds you to replace filters
• NSF certified
• Low maintenance

Cons

• High price
• Short warranty
• Not a whole-house solution

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7. Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter

The Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter is more than just a basic water filter. With its Claryum® Technology, it utilizes four different methods of advanced filtration, offering highly purified water.

According to Aquasana, their filtration process removes 15 times more contaminants than leading pitcher filters.

One of the stand-out features of this filtration system that we appreciate is that this is a low-maintenance water filter. While some filters require consistent upkeep, Aquasana designs its filters to ensure minimal maintenance.

As for durability, the specifics may vary based on usage, but the filter effectively delivers a healthy water flow of 0.5 gallons per minute.

It’s NSF certified and comes with a one-year limited warranty. Additionally, there’s a 90-day satisfaction guarantee that allows you to test the product and determine if it meets your needs. This makes the investment a bit more worthwhile.

Main Features

Flow rate- The Aquasana 3-Stage filter delivers a healthy water flow of 0.5 gallons per minute, providing sufficient water for kitchen use.

Filtering technology- It uses the proprietary Claryum® Technology, which combines four different methods of advanced filtration.

Ability to remove PFOA & PFAS- The advanced filtration method removes 15 times more contaminants than leading pitcher filters.

Certifications and Warranty- Aquasana provides a one-year limited warranty on this filter. It’s also NSF certified, giving you confidence in your purchase.

Price- You’ll pay about $349.99 for this filter. But it is currently on sale for 174.99

Pros

• Advanced filtration technology
• 0.5 GPM flow rate
• Minimal maintenance
• NSF certified
• One-year warranty and 90-day satisfaction guarantee

Cons

• Price might be high for some
• Flow rate is lower than typical kitchen faucets

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PFAS & PFOA Water Filters: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

The quality of the water you drink can have a significant impact on your health. With increasing industrialization and environmental degradation, the prevalence of harmful substances such as PFAS and PFOA in our water sources has become a growing concern.

This guide is designed to help you understand these toxic compounds and the best ways to filter them out of your water.

Armed with this knowledge, we’re here to help you make an informed decision and choose a water filter that effectively eliminates these contaminants, ensuring safe and clean water for you and your family.

What Are PFAS and PFOA?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and perfluoroocanic acid (PFOA) are a group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. Due to their persistence, they’re often referred to as “forever chemicals.” They take an extremely long time to break down, not just in the environment but also in the human body. This leads to bioaccumulation, a process where the concentration of these chemicals in our bodies increases over time.

Due to their resistant properties, PFAS and PFOA are used in a wide range of consumer products, including:

• Non-stick cookware
• Fire-fighting foams
• Water-resistant carpets
• Food packaging

However, the potential health risks associated with these chemicals are alarming. They are suspected carcinogens and are linked to a variety of health problems, such as kidney disease, low birth weight in babies, and impaired immune function. Hence, it’s crucial to limit exposure to these chemicals as much as possible, and water filtration plays a significant role in this.

How to Test for PFAS and PFOA in Your Water

Testing your water for PFAS and PFOA can be a critical first step toward ensuring the safety of your water supply. Understanding the levels of these contaminants in your water can help you choose the most effective water filtration system for your needs.

Understanding the Need for Testing

PFAS and PFOA are not always detectable by smell, taste, or sight. As a result, you may not be aware of their presence in your water supply. Testing is the only surefire way to determine whether these harmful chemicals are present in your water and, if so, in what concentrations.

Choosing a Testing Method

There are several ways to test for the presence of PFAS and PFOA in water. The most common method is to use a water testing kit, which can be purchased online or at a local home improvement store. These kits typically include all the necessary materials and instructions for collecting a water sample, which is then sent to a lab for analysis.

Home Water Testing Kits

Home water testing kits are convenient and easy to use. They usually come with detailed instructions, collection containers, and pre-paid postage for sending your sample to a lab. However, it’s crucial to choose a kit specifically designed to test for PFAS and PFOA, as not all kits can detect these contaminants.

Check Out Tap Score Testing’s PFOA Test Kit

Professional Water Testing Services

Another option is to hire a professional water testing service like US Water Systems Testing Kit. These services will send a technician to your home to collect a water sample, which is then analyzed in a lab. While this option can be more expensive than a home testing kit, it can provide more comprehensive results and is often more accurate.

Interpreting Test Results

Once your water has been tested, you’ll receive a report detailing the levels of various contaminants found in your sample. Understanding these results can be challenging, as they typically involve scientific terms and measurements. However, any presence of PFAS and PFOA should be taken seriously, as even low levels can be harmful over time.

Comparing Results to Regulatory Standards

You can compare your test results to the guidelines set by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. or the World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations have established advisory levels for PFAS and PFOA in drinking water.

Taking Action Based on Results

If your water test shows the presence of PFAS and PFOA above the recommended levels, it’s crucial to take immediate action. This may involve investing in a water filtration system capable of removing these contaminants or contacting your local water authority for advice.

Testing your water for PFAS and PFOA is an essential step in ensuring the safety of your drinking water. By understanding the testing process and how to interpret the results, you can take effective action to protect yourself and your family from these harmful chemicals.

How Do You Filter PFAS And PFOA From Water?

Removing PFAS and PFOA from water is a challenging task, even for city water treatment systems. These chemicals are stubborn and don’t easily break down, making them difficult to filter out. However, certain home filtration systems have shown promise in effectively reducing these harmful substances.

Some of the best methods for removing PFAS and PFOA include:

• Activated carbon filters
• Ion-exchange filters
• Reverse osmosis filters

Activated carbon filters work by trapping these contaminants in the carbon granules as the water passes through. Ion-exchange filters work by swapping harmful ions with harmless ones, while reverse osmosis filters use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, thereby removing contaminants.

Often, the best overall results come from using a combination of these three technologies. For instance, PFOA is typically best removed with reverse osmosis, while activated carbon filters are good at removing PFAS. Ion-exchange also works well with both PFAS and PFOA and is a fantastic option when combined with the other two methods.

What Water Filter Will Remove PFAS?

Water treatment units equipped with activated carbon filters or those utilizing reverse osmosis membranes are effective in eliminating PFAS from water sources. These filtration methods have demonstrated their efficiency in reducing PFAS levels, providing safer, cleaner water.

However, to maintain optimal performance and ensure the highest level of PFAS removal, it’s vital to perform consistent maintenance on these units. This may include regular filter replacements and system checks to ensure the unit is functioning properly.

Neglecting to maintain your water filtration system can lead to reduced performance over time, and may allow PFAS to seep back into your water supply.

Which Type Of Filter Is Best For Removing Both PFAS and PFOA From Your Water?

When it comes to removing both PFAS and PFOA from your water, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The effectiveness of a filter can depend on the specific types of PFAS present, as well as other factors such as:

• Water hardness
• pH
• Temperature

However, activated carbon filters, ion-exchange filters, and reverse osmosis systems have all been shown to be highly effective in this regard.

Ion-exchange filters, for instance, are efficient in trapping both PFAS and PFOA, making them a great standalone option. Activated carbon filters, while somewhat less effective at PFOA removal, are excellent at reducing PFAS levels. Reverse osmosis filters are particularly effective at removing PFOA and also perform well against PFAS.

However, for the best overall results, a combination of at least two of these methods is recommended. A popular option is a combination of activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems. This duo works synergistically, with the activated carbon filter capturing a large portion of the PFAS and PFOA, and the reverse osmosis system further refining the water by removing any remaining contaminants. This approach ensures comprehensive filtration and provides the highest level of protection against these harmful substances.

Ultimately, the choice of the right filter to remove PFAS and PFOA from your water depends on several factors, including the specific contaminants present in your water supply, your budget, and your maintenance capabilities. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of each filter type, you can make an informed choice and ensure you and your family have access to clean, safe drinking water

Water Filters with PFAS/PFOA Removal Evaluation Criteria

Choosing the right water filter to remove toxic Per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) and perfluoroocanoic acid (PFOA) from your tap water is of paramount importance.

This comprehensive guide lays out key evaluation criteria to aid your decision-making process. Understanding these parameters can help you select a water filter that not only provides clean, safe water but also offers good value for money.

Filtration System Technology

The technology a water filter employs is a crucial factor in determining its effectiveness at removing PFAS and PFOA.

Different filters utilize various techniques to purge these hazardous chemicals from your tap water, and understanding these methods can help you make a more informed decision. 

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are a popular choice when it comes to removing PFAS and PFOA. They are known for their ability to eliminate up to 90% of these harmful substances. RO filters operate by pressurizing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which acts as a barrier against contaminants.

Many RO systems come equipped with multiple stages of filtration, including several RO membranes and filters, providing a comprehensive solution for purifying your water.

Activated Carbon Filters

Another common type of filter is the activated carbon filter. Although less effective at removing PFAS and PFOA than RO filters, they still play a significant role in reducing the presence of these chemicals in your tap water.

The filtration process involves water flowing over granular activated carbon, which traps and absorbs a considerable portion of the PFAS and PFOA.

Some filtration systems incorporate activated carbon filters with other types of filters to improve overall performance.

Ion Exchange Filters

Ion exchange filters offer another viable solution for PFAS and PFOA removal. These filters work by swapping out the ions of the contaminants with harmless ions, typically sodium. As the water comes into contact with the ion exchange resins, the harmful substances are neutralized and removed.

These filters are often employed in water softeners, making them a familiar and effective water treatment solution.

Certifications and Warranty

The presence of certifications and a reasonable warranty period can provide additional assurance when purchasing a water filter.

Certifications

An external certification, such as one from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), is a strong indicator of a filter’s quality.

NSF-certified filters have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by an independent party, providing a level of trust in the product’s performance and the manufacturer’s claims.

When a filter carries such a certification, it instills confidence in consumers that the system will work as promised.

Warranty

The warranty that accompanies a water filter provides a safety net for consumers. A generous warranty period signifies the manufacturer’s belief in their product’s durability and quality.

While a shorter warranty doesn’t necessarily denote a lesser quality product, it suggests the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s longevity is limited.

We always recommend considering the warranty period as part of your purchasing decision. A warranty can be especially beneficial if any issues arise after the initial purchase period.

Flow Rate

A filter’s flow rate is crucial to its performance and user satisfaction.

A sufficient flow rate is necessary to ensure that the filter can provide enough water for your household needs.

If a filter doesn’t allow enough water through, it may not be able to meet the demands of your household, rendering other features and benefits irrelevant.

Therefore, when choosing a filter, it’s important to consider your water usage and ensure the filter can accommodate it.

Price

The price of a filter is an important consideration and can often be a deciding factor.

While the price tag doesn’t directly impact the efficacy of the filtration system, it becomesa crucial factor when two water filters share similar specifications. Additionally, the financial aspect is not to be overlooked, no matter how proficient the system may be at removing PFOA and PFAS pollutants.

After all, the best water filtration system is the one you can afford. A high-performance filter is of no use if it’s out of your budget range. Therefore, finding a balance between performance and price is essential in choosing the right water filter.

Selecting a water filter for PFAS/PFOA removal involves considering various factors. These include the filtration technology, certifications and warranty, flow rate, and price.

By understanding these criteria, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs and budget. Remember, the goal is to choose a filter that effectively removes harmful contaminants while providing good value for money.

In Conclusion

If you’re worried about PFAS and PFOA in your tap water, and you want to get rid of these forever chemicals, any of the filters mentioned above are great options. We’ve discussed our top picks, and we explained the criteria we used to select the SpringWell system as our top pick. There are details about each of the others, showing why they also make great options.

You can’t go wrong with any of the water filters we’ve mentioned. Compare the features and consider which matters most to you. By choosing one of these systems, you’ll get purer drinking water and protect your health and the health of your family.