Reviews and Information for Water Filter Pitchers
Water Filter Pitchers
Which water filter pitcher is best? ConsumerLab's tests show that almost all remove chlorine and lead, but some ADD plastic to water instead of remove it and remove helpful fluoride. See our results and comparisons and learn which water filter pitchers are best depending on your filter needs.
Water Filter Pitchers Review
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CL Answer
How important it is to reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water from my tap?
Removing dissolved solids (TDS) may be desirable if your tap water is known to contain large amounts of dissolved solids that negatively affect taste, but you may also be removing essential minerals. Learn more about our tests of water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
5/05/2023
Do Water Filter Pitchers Really Remove PFAS?
In many parts of the U.S., drinking water exceeds proposed limits for potentially toxic PFAS compounds. How well do water filter pitchers remove PFAS? Find out in the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Also see our Top Picks for water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
1/07/2022
Bacteria Build-up in Water Filters?
Water filter pitchers help remove contaminants and unpleasant taste from water, but can the filters harbor illness-causing bacteria? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
11/01/2024
Arsenic in Water Linked to Heart Disease
Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water was linked to increased risk of ischemic heart disease in women, according to a recent study. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see how popular water filter pitchers compare on their ability to remove arsenic from water -- some remove at least 90%, while other remove less than 15%.
Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
CL Answer
Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water?
Find out if water filter pitchers and faucet mounted filters from Brita, Pur, Lifestraw and other brands remove microplastics from tap water.
CL Answer
Where to Safely Buy Real Water Filters Online, Not Fakes or Counterfeits
ConsumerLab explains how to avoid counterfeit water filters when shopping online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites. Learn to identify authorized sites and sellers and avoid fake filters. Use the brand-by-brand guide to protect yourself from risk.
Clinical Update
4/21/2023
Five More Water Filter Pitchers Tested
We tested five more water filter pitchers (Aquagear, Berkey, Brita, Kirkland, and LifeStraw) and found surprising results.
While all did an excellent job of removing the heavy metals lead, cadmium, and mercury, pitchers varied dramatically in their ability to remove chlorine, (which affects taste), fluoride, arsenic, total dissolved solids (TDS), and microplastic particles. Be aware that some pitchers actually increase the amount of microplastics in water after filtering!
See our Top Picks for:
- Removing Chlorine Taste
- Reducing Fluoride
- Removing Arsenic
- Reducing Earthy Taste (due to high TDS)
See the Water Filter Pitchers Review and our video about it.
News Release
December 28, 2023
10 Most Popular ConsumerLab Product Reviews of 2023
White Plains, New York, December 28, 2023 — In 2023, ConsumerLab tested more than two hundred products, adding to its extensive Product Reviews covering 150 categories of supplements, foods, and other health products. Among these, the following 10 were the most popular in 2023:
CL Answer
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): How can I avoid PFAS in dental floss, food, water, and other products?
Some brands of dental floss, including Oral-B Glide, may contain potentially toxic chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances). Get the details, and learn which floss and pick products are our Top Picks.
Clinical Update
5/02/2023
Clearly Filtered vs. Other Water Filters
After publishing our recent review of water filter pitchers, several readers asked us about the Clearly Filtered pitcher, which was not tested. We’ve added information about this product – including a questionable claim – to the ConsumerTips section of the review. Also see our Top Picks among tested water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
5/09/2023
Filtering Out PFAS
We’ve added information about an add-on to Brita filters that claims to remove potentially dangerous PFAS from drinking water. See the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
7/14/2023
PFAS in Tap Water
A study of tap water in U.S. homes found that, in many cases, both public supply and private well water exceed the EPA’s proposed limits for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Get the details in our article about PFAS.
Find out which water filter pitchers claim to remove PFAS from water in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
7/18/2023
Filtering Out Forever Chemicals
PFAS, or “forever chemicals” are now in many water supplies and can have adverse health effects. Recent tests show how effective water filter pitchers are in filtering them out. See the results and our suggested Top Pick among them in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
10/10/2023
Berkey Filters
Find out why water filters for Berkey filtration devices are not currently available. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
11/14/2023
Berkey Filters & Aluminum
Concerns have been raised that Berkey Fluoride filters may add aluminum to water. Find out if this is true, and if you should be concerned, in our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
5/31/2024
Have Kidney Disease? Watch What’s In Your Water
People with chronic kidney disease are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals. Even low levels of lead in drinking water may be harmful, according to a recent study. See our Water Filter Pitchers Review for details. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
9/06/2023
Brita Responds to Lawsuit
Brita responded to the recent lawsuit alleging that its products do not remove all hazardous contaminants. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, and see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
9/08/2023
Filtering PFAS from Tap Water
Using a water filter pitcher or other home water filter was linked to significantly lower blood levels of PFAS in a recent study. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, and find out how water filter pitchers compare on removing PFAS, our Top Picks for removing PFAS, and our Top Picks for removing other substances in water.
CL Answer
Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water, specialty salts, or other foods and beverages? How concerned should I be?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can end up foods and beverages. Learn about microplastics found in drinking water and specialty salts. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Clinical Update
9/28/2022
Microplastics & Blood Clots
A recent study raised concern about microplastics causing blood clots. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
CL Answer
Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water?
Some people consider bottled water to be a favorable alternative to tap water, but is it really better? Find out how bottled water and tap water compare in terms of taste, mineral content, acidity, and contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS.
Clinical Update
6/28/2024
Has PUR Water Filter Changed?
A ConsumerLab member asked if the current PUR 7-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is different from what we tested 2020, so we put the question to PUR. See their answer in our Water Filter Pitcher Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
6/25/2024
"Double" Filtering Water?
We were asked if it is “overkill” to use a Brita filter on water already filtered by a reverse osmosis system. See our answer in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitcher Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
10/28/2022
Microplastics in Salt
A recent study found high concentrations of microplastics in certain sea salts. Get the details, and learn how levels vary across salts in our article about microplastics in water and salt.
Also see if popular water filter pitchers removed microplastics in our Water Filter Pitcher Review. (We’re currently testing additional pitchers, so stay tuned for more results.)
Clinical Update
4/12/2024
Top Pick Water Filters
We’ve chosen an overall Top Pick among water filter pitchers based on test performance, cost, and certification. We have also changed our Top Picks for certain uses due to changes in products and availability. See our current Top Picks in our Water Filter Pitcher Review.
Clinical Update
3/29/2024
Microplastics Cardiovascular Concern
Microplastic particles were recently found in arterial plaque in many people, and this was associated with much higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and death. Get the details in the Microplastics section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing microplastics.
Clinical Update
6/21/2024
Water Pitcher Filters Compared
Recent tests of Aquagear, Brita, Clearly Filtered, and Zerowater filter pitchers revealed big differences in how well they remove PFAS ("forever chemicals") from tap water. Get the details in the Top Picks section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
9/19/2023
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher & PFAS
Does Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher do a good job removing PFAS ("forever chemicals") from tap water? Find out in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS as well as chlorine, arsenic, microbes, and more.
CL Answer
Can fluoride in toothpaste, mouth rinses or drinking water cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children?
Find out if community water fluoridation increases the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or causes lower IQ in children, and learn what the American Dental Association recommends when using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinses in children.
Clinical Update
10/11/2022
Removing Radium From Water?
A CL Member asked if water pitcher filters can remove radium from drinking water. Find out in the What to Consider When Using section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
12/01/2023
Avoid Fake Water Filters
Counterfeit water filters have been sold in the U.S. Learn how to avoid buying one online. See our list of authorized water filter sellers.
Also see:
- Our review of Water Filter Pitchers
- How to avoid counterfeit supplements online
Clinical Update
8/22/2023
Brita Lawsuit
A recently filed lawsuit alleges that Brita products do not live up to claims of removing hazardous contaminants from drinking water. Learn more and ConsumerLab’s take on the suit in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.
Clinical Update
2/13/2024
Exposure to Forever Chemicals
Learn about a tool to help you estimate your exposure to PFAS ("forever chemicals") and ways to reduce exposure. For details, see the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS.
Clinical Update
3/01/2024
Berkey Filter Replacement?
With Berkey water filters no longer being sold, how do replacement filters compare (such as those from Boroux, Kainasch, and ProPure)? Find out in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
7/21/2023
More "Forever Chemicals" In U.S. Tap Water
Concentrations of "forever chemicals" in tap water samples from 18 states in the U.S. were recently reported. Learn more in our article about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
For removing PFAS, see our Top Pick water filter pitcher and our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter.
Clinical Update
4/16/2024
PFAS Toxins in Drinking Water
Separately, the EPA recently finalized limits on PFAS in drinking water, but this gives water districts until 2029 to take corrective action. Learn more and see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS.
News Release
May 03, 2023
Best Water Filter Pitchers In 2023 According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, May 3, 2023 — ConsumerLab tests of popular counter-top water filter pitchers show there are wide variations in the amounts of fluoride, arsenic, and microplastics these products remove from drinking water – in fact, some filter pitchers were found to increase the amount of ...
CL Answer
What are trace minerals and do I need them?
Trace minerals include boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, and others. Find out what they do, how much of each trace mineral you should be getting, and who's most likely to be deficient in these minerals.
Product Review
Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)
Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.
Product Review
Green Tea Review: Tea Bags, Matcha Powders, and Supplements
Some green teas provide barely any green tea polyphenols, while some others are high strength. See the Test Results and Our Top Picks for Green Tea.
Clinical Update
3/01/2024
Loss of Minerals with Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis water filtration depletes water of minerals. Is it necessary to add minerals back? Find out in our article about reducing exposure to PFAS, which includes our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter.
Also see our Water Pitcher Filters Review.
News Release
October 12, 2020
Some Water Filter Pitchers May Worsen Water Quality. CL Tests Reveal Big Differences Among Filters
White Plains, New York, October 12, 2020 — Water filter pitchers claim to remove unwanted substances such as chlorine and toxic heavy metals from tap water.
CL Answer
Which ingredients should toothpastes and other dental products contain, and which should be avoided?
Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.
CL Answer
Which air purifiers are best for reducing microbial and smoke particles from room air?
Find out if portable air cleaners can remove the virus that causes COVID-19 infection from the air and learn which type air cleaners work best.
CL Answer
Is it safe to drink coffee regularly? Does drinking coffee increase or decrease the risk of cancer?
Learn more about coffee, its safety, if it's good for you, and if it impacts your risk of cancer.
CL Answer
Can I use a home test for mercury to check for mercury in fish, like canned tuna, fresh fish, and sushi?
Find out if home mercury test kits can be used to test fish, such as canned tuna, fresh fish or sushi for mercury contamination. Plus, find out how much mercury ConsumerLab found in popular canned tuna and canned salmon. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Apple Cider Vinegar Review — Bottled Liquids and Supplements
Find the Best Apple Cider Vinegar. See Which Apple Cider Vinegar Liquids and Supplements Passed Our Tests of Quality.
Product Review
Coconut Waters Review
Best Coconut Water? See Our Tests and Comparisons of Popular Brands Looking at Sugar, Electrolytes, Taste and Price.
CL Answer
Is drinking coffee good or bad for heart health?
Learn more about coffee and caffeine, its safety, if it's good for you, how much coffee is too much and its impact on your heart.
Recalls & Warnings
May 28, 2024
Fiji Water Recalled
On March 3, 2024, Natural Waters of Viti Limited issued a recall of over 78,000 cases of Fiji Natural Artesian Water 500 mL (24 pack) after firm testing found the presence of manganese, as well as bacteria.
Clinical Update
12/16/2023
Discount Water Filters?
We found that sites that sell water filters at a discount actually charge more for some brands. Get the details in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.
Clinical Update
12/27/2023
Water Filters From AllFilters.com?
Find out which filter brands AllFilters.com is authorized to sell and which it is not. It’s all in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.
Clinical Update
12/08/2023
Lower-Cost Filter Sellers?
Is it smart to use lower-cost sellers of water filters? We checked into two popular sellers. See what we found in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.
Also see a video we added to our article about how to avoid buying counterfeit supplements.
CL Answer
Does drinking coffee deplete vitamins or minerals, such as magnesium, in the body? Can adding magnesium or other minerals reduce the acidity or improve the flavor of coffee?
Coffee can reduce absorption or increase loss of certain vitamins and minerals. Find out which are affected, and what steps can be taken to reduce the effect of coffee on these nutrients.
Clinical Update
7/14/2023
Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filters
Although not tested, we also reviewed countertop reverse osmosis water filters for removing PFAS. See which is our Top Pick.
CL Answer
Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?
Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.
CL Answer
Which is the best mask to prevent COVID-19 and how do cloth, disposable, N95, and KN95 masks compare? How can I stop glasses from fogging?
See our Top Picks for masks. Learn how to make COVID-19 masks from materials at home that can be almost as effective as surgical mask and N-95 masks.
Clinical Update
6/21/2022
Drinking Water & PFAS
The EPA indicated last week that it intends to slash the amount of PFAS that can safely be in drinking water. Get the details in the Drinking Water section of our CL Answer about PFAS. Also see our information about water filters to remove PFAS.
Clinical Update
8/30/2019
Microplastics in Food and Water
How many microplastic particles do we consume each year from our food and water? Find out in the updated answer to the question: Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water?
CL Answer
How significant are the risks to drinking tea from China from heavy metals?
Find out which types of tea from China pose the greatest risk of toxic heavy metal contamination, including green tea.
CL Answer
Are fruit and vegetable “washes” more effective than water for cleaning produce and removing pesticides? Are they safe?
Fruit and veggie washes was such as Fit Organic Spray are often promoted for cleaning, reducing bacteria that can cause food poisoning, and removing pesticides from produce. Vinegar and baking soda are sometimes also recommended. But are they any more effective than rinsing with water, and are they safe? Find out.
CL Answer
Does heat kill coronavirus (COVID-19)? Can it disinfect face masks and packages?
Find out if heat kills the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 infection. Learn what temperature kills the coronavirus and more. ConsumerLab explains.
CL Answer
Does coconut water help re-hydrate as well as sports drinks?
Find out how coconut water compares to sports drinks, including rehydration and possible side effects.
CL Answer
What is hydrogen water? Is it beneficial for alertness, athletic performance, arthritis or other conditions, and is it safe?
Find out if hydrogen water has benefits with regard to alertness, side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients, metabolic syndrome, athletic performance, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, and other conditions, and learn if it is safe to use.
CL Answer
Can coconut water prevent or dissolve kidney stones?
Find out if coconut water can help prevent kidney stones, or dissolve them, by increasing urinary citrate, or if there are better ways. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Can coconut water help with muscle cramps or restless legs syndrome?
Can coconut water help muscle cramps or restless legs syndrome (RLS) as a rich source of potassium? ConsumerLab.com's answer explains and shows tests of popular coconut waters.
CL Answer
Does Rooibos Tea Have Health Benefits and Is It Safe?
Learn about the health benefits of rooibos tea, including red and green, unfermented rooibos tea, how is differs from black and green tea, safety, and potential drug interactions with rooibos tea.
Clinical Update
4/28/2023
Rinsing Coffee Filters?
Bleached coffee filters can contain a small amount of dioxin (a harmful chemical), but there’s a way to reduce the amount. Find out in the Dioxins in coffee filters section of our article about coffee and heart health.
CL Answer
When taking a water-soluble version of CoQ10, do I still need to take it with food?
Find out how best to take CoQ10 supplements, with water or food.
CL Answer
Is it safe to fly and how can I avoid getting COVID when flying?
How to fly safely and avoid COVID-19. Tips to help you stay safe and protect others while flying during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CL Answer
Is it true that low-carb or Mediterranean diets help for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Find out if a low-carb diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, or lifestyle changes help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Clinical Update
11/26/2021
Fiberglass HEPA Filters
Are HEPA filters made out of fiberglass safe to use inside a home? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Which air purifiers are best for reducing the spread of COVID-19?
Clinical Update
4/14/2023
Dioxins from Coffee Filters?
Some paper coffee filters contain toxic chemicals that can leach into coffee. Learn more and how to reduce exposure in CL Answer about coffee.
Clinical Update
5/09/2023
Coffee Filters Without Dioxins?
Find out which brands of white (i.e., “bleached”) coffee filters are least likely to expose users to dioxins in our article about coffee.
Clinical Update
11/04/2024
Reusing N95 Masks?
How many times can an N95 respirator be reused before it no longer properly filters out particles? Learn what a recent study showed in our updated article about Choosing the Best Mask, which includes our Top Picks among N95 and KN95 masks.
Clinical Update
11/18/2024
Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
Is bottled water or tap water better for you? Find out in our new article: Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water?
Clinical Update
7/17/2018
Too Much Coconut Water?
Drinking too much coconut water can be dangerous, particularly for certain people. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Coconut Waters Review. (Also see our tests and comparisons of popular coconut waters.)
Clinical Update
6/08/2019
Avoiding Microplastics in Bottled Water
There is increasing evidence of microplastics appearing in water -- including a study of popular bottled water brands. See the results in our answer to the question: Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water and specialty salts? How concerned should I be?
Recalls & Warnings
May 09, 2020
FTC Warns 45 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims
On May 7, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 45 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).
News Release
April 25, 2019
Best Coconut Water? ConsumerLab Tests Popular Products, Reveals Top Pick
White Plains, New York, April 25, 2019 — Coconut water is often promoted as a healthy way to stay hydrated and a natural alternative to sports drinks.
News Release
August 04, 2011
Some coconut waters don't deliver on promises according to ConsumerLab.com
White Plains, New York — August 4, 2011 — Coconut water—the natural juice from green coconuts— is often touted as a natural alternative to sports drinks. But does it really deliver? "It depends on the brand," says ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D. ConsumerLab.
Recalls & Warnings
February 06, 2023
FDA Warns Companies Promoting Products to Treat Monkeypox, COVID-19, & Other Viruses
On January 30, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to four companies following review of the company websites, which found statements about company products to be drug claims because they were promoted to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure viruses such as monkeypox.
Recalls & Warnings
March 18, 2021
Don't Drink Real Water Alkaline Water, FDA Warns After Reports of Liver Illness
On March 16, 2021, the FDA warned consumers not to drink or use Real Water bottled alkaline water while it investigates reports of hepatitis associated with the product.
Recalls & Warnings
March 30, 2021
Real Water Alkaline Water Recalled for Possible Link to Liver Illness
On March 24, 2021, Real Water, Inc. recalled all sizes of Real Water bottled alkaline water because it may be linked to multiple cases of non-viral hepatitis that occurred in Las Vegas, NV in November of 2020.
Recalls & Warnings
August 09, 2012
Makers of Mineral Water Containing Lithium Warned
On July 20, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Lithia Mineral Water, Inc. declaring Lithia mineral water product to be an approved drug following a 2011 facility inspection.
