Water pollution – unfortunately, it’s not just a local issue but has become a global concern with contaminants like PFAS and PFOA posing significant health risks. These nasty substances can easily find their way into our drinking water sources leaving us with major health problems including cancer, hormone disruptions, and developmental issues.
As fellow humans who want to live long and healthy lives, investing in the right tools to keep ourselves safe is crucial! And one of these tools is an effective filtration system that removes harmful substances from our water supply.
In this article, I’ll be sharing some of the best water filters for removing PFAs and many other contaminants. That will give you peace of mind knowing your family is drinking clean and safe water.
Key Takeaways:
Reverse osmosis systems and granular activated carbon (GAC filters are highly effective in removing PFAS and PFOA from water.
Solid block carbon filters and activated alumina filters are also reliable options for removing these contaminants.
Consider additional features like carbon pre-filters or high micron ratings for enhanced filtration efficiency.
Regularly maintain and replace filter cartridges as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
The Importance of Removing PFAs from Drinking Water
Before diving into the top water filters, let’s understand why it’s essential to eliminate PFAS and PFOA from our drinking water. PFAS are man-made chemicals commonly used in industrial processes and consumer products. Due to their persistence in the environment, they can contaminate water sources and accumulate in our bodies over time.
Studies have associatedexposure to PFAS with various health risks, including liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and certain types of cancer. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals’ harmful effects.
Therefore, ensuring that your drinking water is free from PFAS is crucial for maintaining good health.
The 5 Best Water Filters for Removing PFAS & PFOA
Best Overall
iSpring RCS5T Commercial Tankless Reverse Osmosis RO Water Filter System with 1.5:1 Pure to Drain Ratio, Pressure Gauge
Best Under Sink
Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter System - Kitchen Counter Claryum Filtration - Filters 99% Of Chlorine - Brushed Nickel Faucet - AQ-5300.55
Best Countertop
AquaTru Water Purification Unit - Certified NSF/ANSI Standards, Removes 83 Contaminants, No Plumbing Required, Cost-Effective, Environmentally Friendly
Best Gravity-Fed Portable
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System 2.25 Gallon with 2 Authentic Black Berkey Elements BB9-2 Filters
Best Pitcher
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher – Lead, Chlorine, PFOA/PFOS, Microplastics Filter, 10 Cup, 120 Gallon Filter Life - Filter Media Made in USA
5-STAGE FILTERS: 1-3rd stages remove PFAS (includes PFOA and PFOS), rust, sand, chlorine, disinfection byproducts and odor. 4th stage RO Membrane removes heavy metals, pesticide residues, etc. 5th Stage removes chlorine, tastes to improve the quality of drinking water.
GREAT CAPACITY: Advanced 500GPD membrane saves 60% of water, with LOW WASTE 1.5:1 pure to drain water ratio. Great for light commercial in Restaurants, Salons, Labs, and Offices all benefit in their ways from high-quality RO water.
HIGH EFFICIENCY BOOSTER PUMP: No worries for low water pressure. Built in booster pump increases the production of purified water by raising the water pressure and maximizes RO production rate to the optimal level for the reverse osmosis process.
FEATURES: Come with Sliver Chrome drinking water faucet with 360° free swivel and Easy to Read Water Pressure Gauge.
EASY-TO-INSTALL AND REPLACE FILTER: Typically, in a couple of hours with industry-leading help just a phone call away with well-organized instructions and videos. Clear see-through 1st stage housing makes filter inspection a snap.
The iSpring RCS5T RO Water Filter is the perfect choice for homeowners looking to ensure their water supply isn’t carrying residues of potential pollutants. It utilizes a 5-stage filtration system that’s among the best in removing particulate contaminants and byproducts like PFA and PFO from your water.
Its high-capacity 500 GPD membrane saves 60% of water compared to traditional reverse osmosis systems, reducing waste while also improving the environment.
Featuring a built-in booster pump, this product ensures that you can access clean and filtered water at the same pressure as your normal tap water—even with low incoming line water pressure!
This iSpring RCS5T is a great addition to any kitchen, especially with the included 360-degree free swivel faucet for easy access to clean drinking water.
Pros
5-stage premium filtration
Comes with a swivel faucet
Booster pump for low water pressure
Cons
RO filters also remove essential minerals from water
#2. Best Under-Sink Option: Aquasana 3-Stage Water Filter System
Instantly Transform Ordinary Tap Water Into Clean Extraordinary Water - Reduces up to 99% of 78 contaminants including chlorine, lead, pesticides, PFOA/PFOS, microplastics, and more while leaving healthy minerals so you can drink with confidence. This filter will NOT reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
High Flow Rate - This system powers through a half-gallon of water every minute No need to wait for clean water compared to traditional drip filters
Cost Efficient & Long Lasting - The most economical filter on the market at less than 10 cents per gallon filtered Lasts for 6 months or 600 gallons before a replacement filter is needed
Easiest Filter Replacement - Replacements are engineered for ease No need to disconnect hoses or water lines housing easily twists off for snappy replacement.
Top-Grade Components - Includes first set of filter and all parts required for DIY Installation on standard 3/8 inch supply - No plumber required. Please review owner's manual before setting up.
Filtration Method: Sedimentation
PFAs Removal: 96%
Contaminants Removed: up to 99% of 77 contaminants
Certifications: NSF 42, 53 & 401
Filter Life: 600 gallons
Dimensions: 12″L x 4.25″W x 9″H
The Aquasana 3-Stage Water Filter is the best under-sink system on the market for removing PFAS, PFOA, and 99% of chlorine. The System is NSF Protocol P473 certified for removing PFAS and PFOA contaminants from drinking water. Not only does it preserve taste and odor by filtering out these compounds, but it also goes beyond what many standard filters are capable of doing.
The system preserves the crucial minerals found in drinking water, like calcium and potassium. This ensures that you can still benefit from their quality nourishment even after filtering out contaminants, pollutants, and other impurities.
The included stylish metal faucet is 100% lead-free and provides a safe drinking experience in style.
It can filter up to 600 gallons of water before needing a replacement filter. Installation is also easy and achievable with the included DIY tools.
Pros
NSF-certified & claryum technology
Retain healthy minerals in drinking water
Fast flow rate
Easy to install and filter replacement
Cons
Filter life falls short in comparison to competitors
#3. Best Countertop Filter: AquaTru 4-Stage Water Purification System
Is your water safe to drink? Studies continue to pour in regarding Toxins, Hormones, Microplastics, Cancer-linked contaminants, known Carcinogens and other toxins discovered in our Tap Water, Filtered Water…and yes, even Bottled Water. AQUATRU's patented Ultra Reverse Osmosis water filtration system is CERTIFIED to remove harmful contaminants.
Certified NSF/ANSI Standards - Tested & certified by IAPMO to meet NSF/ANSI standards 41, 53, 58, 401, and P473 for water filters, which include 83 contaminants and PFAS “forever chemicals.”
No plumbing or installation required - takes just minutes to set up. AquaTru’s Trusted & warrantied RO countertop system costs considerably less than fully installed under-the-counter RO systems, while at the same time, delivering often Cleaner, Purer, and Better Tasting Water. Why waste money & add to landfills with bottled water (93% recently found to contain microplastics)?
Cost-effective and environmentally friendly: AquaTru has affordable filters that are made to last for 600-1200 gallons – that’s only a filter change every 6 mos. to 2 yrs.
Quick change and twist filters come included with your first AquaTru water purifier and last from 6 months to 2 years. 1 set of filters replaces 4,500 plastic water bottles, so you can forget about the hassle & cost of buying bottled water.
Filtration Method: Sedimentation
PFAs Removal: 99.99%
Contaminants Removed: up to 99% of 83+ contaminants
Certifications: NSF 42, 53, 58, 401 & P473
Filter Life: 600 – 1200 gallons
Dimensions: 14″L x 14″W x 12″H
AquaTru’s advanced ultra reverse osmosis technology is certified by NSF ANSI P473 for PFAS and PFOA to remove toxins from tap water. It is trusted to remove 99.1% of lead, 96.6% of chlorine, 97.2% of chromium, and 93.5% of fluoride – all while keeping essential minerals unchanged in your water supply with its convenient countertop installation.
It’s ready to use right out of the box! no plumbing or installation is required. You can access purified drinking water in minutes with no hassle. It has a digital display with an easy-to-read filter change indicator so you know when it’s time to swap out your filters.
With the removable dispensing tank and easily replaceable filters, it takes minutes to optimize your filtering setup without any headaches.
Pros
Fast-filtering system
Portable countertop design
Less water waste as compared to reverse osmosis systems
Cons
Some users reported leakage over time
#4. Best Gravity-Fed Portable: Big Berkey Countertop Water Filter
ENJOY GREAT-TASTING TAP WATER EVERY DAY AT HOME- The 2.25-gallon Big Berkey System can be used on a countertop in your kitchen or office to transform tap water into delicious drinking water that's also ideal for making your favorite beverages or cooking.
INDEPENDENT TESTING- Black Berkey Elements (the original BB9-2) are composed of a unique, proprietary blend of multiple media types backed by testing from accredited, third-party labs. Black Berkey Elements remove or dramatically reduce over 250+ typical contaminants that could be present in freshwater sources—no electricity, tools, or plumbing are required.
INCLUDES AUTHENTIC BLACK BERKEY ELEMENTS (THE ORIGINAL BB9-2)- Don't fall for lookalike filters that use our Berkey BB9-2 model number or trademarks in their titles or product descriptions to legitimize their brand as replacements or "compatible", when they are not. Black Berkey Elements are designed to work synergistically and target specific contaminants that far exceed the reduction capabilities of black filters solely composed of activated carbon.
ECONOMICAL, LONG-LASTING- Black Berkey Elements provide filtered water for just pennies per gallon. Each pair of Black Berkey Elements lasts for up to 6,000 gallons before replacement is recommended. Elements may require replacement sooner based upon the quality of influent water. Each additional pair of Black Berkey Elements (sold separately) adds an additional 6,000 gallons of contaminant reduction.
THE GOLD STANDARD IN GRAVITY-FED WATER FILTRATION- Authentic Black Berkey Elements are capable of greater contaminant reduction and a longer lifespan than virtually any of the other filter elements on the market. Berkey systems are simple and easy to use and require no electricity, costly installation, or tools, providing economical, long-lasting water filtration for just pennies a gallon.
PFAs Removal: 99.99%
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Filter Life: 6,000 gallons
Tank Capacity: 8.5 Liters
Dimensions: 8.5″L x 8.5″W x 19.25″H
This remarkable water filter can instantly provide high-quality, fresh drinking water in any location. With its advanced gravity-fed filtration system, the Big Berkey Water Filter is rated to remove up to 200 contaminants including PFAS and PFOA – two increasingly concerning chemicals often found in tap water.
The tank has a 2.25-gallon capacity, allowing up to 4 people a day to enjoy perfectly filtered, natural-tasting water. It provides lasting freedom from electricity, plumbing, and tools. The filter lasts up to 6,000 gallons for maximum assurance of an uninterrupted water supply.
With its easy setup and transportability, it’s the perfect way to have peace of mind that your water is safe while on hikes, road trips, or without a dependable power source.
Pros
Durable design
Economical
Easy to use and maintain
No electricity or plumbing required
Cons
To ensure effective fluoride removal, you’ll need to purchase an additional filter
#5. Best Pitcher Filter: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
Removes 20X more contaminants than a traditional pitcher. Third-party tested to filter lead, chlorine, microplastics, PFOA, PFOS, and more contaminants other filters miss.
Keeps good minerals in. Other filters strip out minerals. Aquagear targets nasty contaminants without removing healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Last 3X longer. Each Aquagear filter lasts 120 gallons—three times longer than most standard filters.
Filter recycling included. Never throw another water filter in the trash again. We send you a postage-paid label so you can return your filter for recycling and keep it out of the landfill.
Filter Media Made in USA. The Aquagear filter media is made in an ISO 9000 facility.
Purification Method: Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange
PFAs Removal: 99.8%
Contaminants Removed: Removes 2000% more contaminants than a standard water pitcher, including PFOA, PFOS, heavy metals, chlorine, microplastics, and toxins.
Filter Life: 120 gallons
Pitcher Capacity: 80 Fluid Ounces (10 cups)
Dimensions: 11″L x 6″W x 11″H
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher removes all traces of lead, chlorine, PFOA PFOS, and more from your tap water so that every glass is safe for consumption. It’s also incredibly easy-to-use and can fit up to 10 cups with a single fill!
It can retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are often lost in other filtration methods, but with this pitcher, they’re retained so you can get the maximum nutritional value from your water.
The pitcher comes with a 120-gallon filter life and a guaranteed lifetime warranty; meaning that no matter how long you use it, Aquagear has got you covered. Plus, replacements are easy to come by for when your replaceable filters run out.
Pros
Very easy-to-use
Portable and efficient design
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Slow filtration process
How I Selected The Best Water Filters for PFAs & PFOA
When I delved into the research and testing of products for this guide, my focus was purely on water treatment systems that prioritize reducing PFAs contamination. As a health-conscious individual myself, it was important for me to find only the best of the best.
After careful consideration and evaluation, I selected filters based on their proven ability to effectively remove PFAs & PFOs, valuable input from customers who have already tried them out firsthand, practicality and affordability — all while upholding impeccable quality standards.
I wouldn’t endorse anything less than what I would personally trust in my own home. So you can always count on me to provide unbiased recommendations that are tailored just for you!
Top Water Filtration Processes for Removing PFAs & PFOA
Here are some of the best water filtration technologies available on the market that remove PFAs:
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems:
Reverse osmosis systems are considered highly effective in removing PFAS and PFOA from water.
They use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including these harmful chemicals.
Look for RO systems with additional carbon filters for enhanced removal capabilities.
2. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters:
GAC filters are widely used for removing organic contaminants, including PFAS and PFOA.
These filters contain activated carbon that adsorbs the chemicals, trapping them and preventing them from passing through.
Ensure that the GAC filter you choose is specifically designed to remove PFAS and PFOA.
3. Solid Block Carbon Filters:
Solid block carbon filters are another effective option for removing PFAs.
They contain a dense block of activated carbon that captures and absorbs contaminants as water passes through.
Look for solid block carbon filters with a high micron rating to ensure optimal filtration efficiency.
4. Activated Alumina Filters:
Activated alumina filters are specifically designed to target fluoride, arsenic, and other contaminants, including PFAs.
These filters use adsorption to trap and remove harmful chemicals from the water.
5. Ion Exchange Filters:
Ion exchange filters work by replacing harmful ions with harmless ions.
These filters can effectively remove PFAS and PFOA from water through the exchange process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PFAS and PFOA?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) are synthetic chemicals widely used in various consumer products. They are harmful and persistent pollutants that can contaminate water sources and pose health risks when ingested.
How can I determine if my water contains PFAS and PFOA?
Testing your water is the most reliable method to determine the presence of PFAS and PFOA. Contact your local water utility or consider using home water testing kits. You can also send samples to certified laboratories for comprehensive analysis.
Do all water filters remove PFAS and PFOA?
No, not all water filters are capable of removing PFAS and PFOA. Standard pitcher filters, faucet-mounted filters, and basic carbon filters may not be sufficient. It’s important to choose filters explicitly designed and tested for PFAS/PFOA removal.
Can boiling water remove PFAS and PFOA?
Boiling water does not effectively remove PFAS and PFOA. These contaminants are resistant to high temperatures and require specialized filtration methods, such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis, for effective removal.
Is it necessary to filter all the water in my house to remove PFAS and PFOA?
Filtering all the water in your house is not always necessary. Targeting the removal of PFAS and PFOA from your drinking water is usually the primary concern. However, if your water source is heavily contaminated or you want to ensure all water uses are covered, you may consider whole-house water filtration systems that specifically target PFAS and PFOA removal.
Are there any certifications I should look for when choosing a water filter for PFAS removal?
Yes, it’s important to look for water filters that have been tested and certified by independent third-party organizations, such as NSF International or Underwriters Laboratories (UL), for their effectiveness in removing PFAS and PFOA. The certifications to look for include NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI P473, specifically for PFAS removal.
Can I use a water softener to remove PFAS and PFOA from water?
Water softeners primarily target mineral hardness in water, such as calcium and magnesium, and are not designed to remove PFAS and PFOA. These contaminants require specific filtration methods like activated carbon or reverse osmosis for effective removal.
