The Best Water Filter For Home Use (Pitcher, Charcoal, Under-Counter)

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » The Best Water Filter For Home Use (Pitcher, Charcoal, Under-Counter)

Humans can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. To say fresh water is important would be an understatement! But as important as it is to drink enough, it’s equally important to drink clean water! Here are the best water filter options for your home.

A high-quality water filtration system is an important part of a healthy home. Plus it’s one of the easiest switches to make for a healthier life. You can easily find great water filters for any home, from countertop units to whole-house water purifiers.

While our family prioritizes nutrient dense food, healthy water is just as important. Some water sources have hundreds of chemicals, many of which are more easily absorbed from water than food.

The Best Water Filter

Already know you want to get a water filter for your home and want to jump ahead? Spoiler alert: here are my favorite options:

If you’re going backpacking or traveling the Lifestraw is a good portable option.

What’s In Your Water?

If you’re drinking tap water, the answer to that question is 300+ chemicals and pollutants, according to the Environmental Working Group. Test results reveal we have a big problem with our water supply. Among these contaminants are:

Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)

VOCs, like pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals are found in most municipal water sources, well water, and other sources due to agricultural contamination. Research links certain VOCs to damage in the reproductive system, liver, kidneys, and more.

Heavy Metals

You’ll also find metals like lead and mercury in some water sources. Areas that still use lead pipes are a big contamination source. These heavy metals can lead to a host of health problems, especially in young children.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

These chemicals may mimic or interfere with the normal hormones in the body. And they’re being found in increasing amounts in the water supply. These chemicals are known to affect animals when they enter the water supply as well.

Increasing evidence shows these chemicals can cause issues ranging from diabetes to PCOS, to cancer. One of the biggest ways these chemicals get into the water supply? Hormonal birth control pills.

Fluoride

This may be the most controversial of the contaminants in water (if something like water contaminants can be controversial!). It’s purposefully added to the water and there’s much heated debate about the benefits/harm. More and more scientists and doctors are speaking out about fluoride.

And even if fluoride has any benefit, it would be directly to the teeth. Drinking fluoride hasn’t been shown to increase oral health. Plus, fluoride is linked to thyroid problems and other disorders when swallowed.

If that weren’t enough, here are a few more common drinking water pollutants and impurities.

  • Chlorine bleach (added during city water treatment)
  • Corrosion from lead and copper pipes
  • Bacteria, viruses, and harmful microbes
  • Radioactive pollution
  • Iron oxides and sediment (hard water)
  • Arsenic
  • Nitrogen and phosphorous runoff (from farm fertilizers)

Check Your Water

You can check your local water quality report to see what contaminants are in your water supply. This helps determine what you need to filter out when choosing a filter.

The easiest way to find your local water report is to check your local water company’s website. The report should be publicly available. You can also view detailed water reports for most cities at EWG here.

If you have a well you can have your water tested. If you want to skip testing water, simply opt for a filter that removes all the everyday contaminants.

Choosing The Best Water Filter

So what are the options for those of us not interested in drinking a chemical cocktail every time we pour a glass of cold water? There are options for every home and budget. From filters that just take out the basics like chlorine to ones that remove all contaminants and remineralize the water!

Some filters are ANSI/NSF standard approved. This means they meet certain guidelines to remove specific known contaminants. Looking for these certifications is a good place to start. Some popular options include Aquasana, Brita, and AquaTru.

I’ve tried several dozen of the thousands of options available. Keep in mind this is my own experience and I haven’t tried every option. Here are my top picks and what I’ve tried in order of my least favorite to the filters we use now…

Bottled Water

Bottled water has started falling out of favor lately and with good reason. Mark’s Daily Apple did an in-depth analysis of why, but bottled water isn’t a good option for several reasons:

  • Chemicals from the plastic bottle itself can leech into the water. Even BPA-free bottles.
  • In most cases, the water isn’t any different than tap water
  • Bottled water costs more in many cases that drinking tap water
  • Water bottles and other plastic waste are a major source of pollution

Verdict: Not the best option on price, taste, or health so I skip it. Some bottled water companies are now starting with healthier water, but once it’s bottled in plastic you have many of the same problems.

That said, bottled water is convenient, and there are some great sustainable options. Instead of plastic bottles, choose a high-quality reusable one. Here are my favorite plastic-free, sustainable, and reusable water bottles!

Best Water Filter Pitcher

Water filter pitchers usually use granulated activated charcoal to remove some contaminants. They are cheaper than other filter options upfront. The downsides are the frequent filling and cartridge replacement (which makes them more expensive in the long run). The filter lifespan isn’t as good compared to some other options. And with 6 kids I need something with a good filter life as replacement filters can get expensive

They may improve the taste but they won’t remove all the toxins. Pitcher filters will reduce chlorine but don’t effectively remove VOCs, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, or fluoride.

This category also includes faucet mount external filters, which use the same technology. Some other popular options include the Brita pitcher and PUR Plus.

Verdict: Better than nothing, but doesn’t remove the worst offenders and is somewhat costly to use compared to other options. If this is the only option that will work in your home, choose a high-quality pitcher. I like this Soma Filter system or Clearly Filtered. If you have the space and the budget though, there are better options.

Charcoal Stick Water Filters

For those tight on space, charcoal sticks are a great alternative too. Charcoal sticks can be used in any pitcher or water bottle and remove contaminants in the same way many pitcher water filters do.

They’re reusable and last for months. You can even use them as a refrigerator deodorizer or in the garden when you’re done with them!

Verdict: These charcoal water filter sticks are a great eco-friendly, zero-waste option for those tight on space. Ideal for couples and those just filtering water for 1-2 people.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse Osmosis filtration uses a membrane that removes many water contaminants. You’ll often see it as an under the sink water filter with a holding tank. While it filters larger particle contaminants, it rejects a lot of water in the process.

It results in several gallons of water wasted for every gallon filtered. RO also removes naturally occurring minerals we need (including calcium and magnesium). When we cook with this demineralized water it leaches essential nutrients from the food by up to 60-86% or more.

Not only does RO water not have beneficial minerals in it, but there’s some concern drinking it pulls these minerals from our bodies.

We used this type of filter for a long time but added trace minerals back into the water to replace the ones that were filtered out. It does remove a large amount of contaminants but it’s not the best option.

Pros:

Removes a large amount of contaminants. Many units are stored under the sink and have a simple spigot over the counter for getting water. It reduces arsenic, asbestos, heavy metals, and fluoride.

Cons:

Wastes more water than it produces. Doesn’t reduce VOCs or endocrine disruptors. Requires adequate water pressure to work so it’s not usable if the home water supply is cut off. Takes up to an hour to filter one gallon of water and filters need to be replaced regularly. Removes necessary minerals from the water.

Verdict:

Certainly better than a lot of options out there and it does remove fluoride. But not the best due to water waste and costly filters. My parents have the AquaTru countertop RO system which wastes less water and can be a good option.

Distilled Water

The distillation process uses heat to turn water into steam. The steam then rises and moves to a cooling chamber where it turns back into liquid, leaving behind many contaminants. This type of filtration reduces large particles like minerals and heavy metals. However, it doesn’t remove endocrine disruptors or VOCs since they vaporize at equal or lower temps than water and rise with the steam. It does effectively kill bacteria.

Pros:

Removes a large amount of contaminants. Does reduce arsenic, asbestos, and heavy metals. Does remove fluoride.

Cons:

Doesn’t reduce VOCs or endocrine disruptors. Home distillation systems are often large and expensive. Uses a large amount of electricity and won’t work in power outages. Removes necessary minerals from the water. Long-term use can cause mineral deficiencies.

Verdict:

Better than bottled water, but definitely not the best option out there, especially for home situations.

Solid Block Carbon Filters

Recognized by the EPA as the best option for removing chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and VOCs. Activated carbon block filters remove chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, fluoride (with filter attachment), heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, and parasites. Most are gravity based and can safely transform any type of water into safe drinking water including rainwater, pond water, and even sea water. Though these types of water will clog the filters much more quickly and aren’t ideal.

While these can be more pricey than pitcher filters or other filters up front, they seem to be the least expensive in the long run. Plus they require the fewest filter replacements (a big plus for me!). These types of filters also don’t remove naturally occurring minerals from the water so the water tastes better.

A popular option is the stainless steel Berkey filter and it’s what we used for many years. We now have a whole house and under the counter filter system and I like them better than the Berkey. While I think it’s still helpful, there are better options out there.

Pros:

Filters heavy metals, VOCs, microbes, and particles, depending on the micron size of the pores in the filter. Can be inexpensive per gallon and makes for great-tasting water. Doesn’t require electricity or water pressure to work. Portable options can even be used while traveling.

Cons:

Does require counter space and has to be manually filled. More expensive up front. Doesn’t remove endocrine disruptors and there are some concerns with third-party testing with some brands. There are also some recent reports that indicate these filters may not remove fluoride as well as claimed.

Verdict:

Better than some, especially in places where under-counter or permanent systems aren’t an option. I’d opt for under the counter filters instead or a Clearly Filtered pitcher if you need something on the counter.

Under Counter Multi-Stage Filters:

After years of research and trying all of the options above at some point, we finally found an under-counter multi-stage water filter system. It meets all of my criteria and exceeds them. I review the one we personally use in depth in this post. But in short, it filters water through a 14-stage process that utilizes most of the methods listed above. Plus it uses UV and adds minerals back in.

It removes fluoride, lead, chlorine, MTBE, chromium-6, nitrates, pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, water-borne illnesses, and more. This filter has worked well for us for years and I’ve recommended it to my own family members.

Pros:

Removes the widest range of contaminants. Very easy to use with no manual filling required. Spigot attaches near the sink for easy use. And the water tastes great.

Cons:

Must be installed under the sink. We had to hire a plumber for this, though we probably could have figured it out ourselves, but I was reluctant to try. More expensive than other options.

Verdict:

It’s definitely the best option I’ve found and the one we currently use.

A Step Above Filtration

Interested in going above and beyond filtration? There are options that also enhance the water as well as clean it. I’ve spent the last few years researching options like water alkalizer, hydrogen water, and all of the other methods that claim to optimize water in some way.

Here are the ones I’ve personally tried:

Alkaline and Ionizer Water Filter Combinations

These filters are increasingly popular in recent years. Manufacturers claim alkaline drinking water has various health and longevity benefits.

Here’s how it works:

Positively charged calcium and magnesium ions to pass through the membrane and become concentrated at the negatively charged plates. Calcium and magnesium are alkaline earth metals, they are responsible for giving the alkaline water, made by a water ionizer, its alkaline pH.

I have a Life Ionizer system currently installed under my kitchen sink. I like that it has options for regular purified water or alkaline water with easy to control levels of each. This page explains more about how the technology works and all of the options.

Pros:

These systems come with a reverse osmosis system so they filter water. They may also have some added health benefits from the alkalizing process. There are both countertop and under counter options to fit in most kitchens and can be less expensive depending on the model you choose. This process also generates hydrogen in the water, which may have some additional benefits.

Cons:

They do require some space and aren’t the cheapest option. They also must be installed under the sink and require a plumber if you can’t do this yourself.

Verdict:

We’re currently using this alkalizer/ionizer and like the water taste and quality.

Final Thoughts on the Best Water Filters

There are so many water filter options available ( I think we’ve tried most of them over the years!) and the quality can vary greatly. Since drinking clean water is one the most important things we can do for health using the best water filter is at the top of my list! If you’re lucky, you may also be able to find fresh spring water in your area.

What type of water system do you use? Do you drink tap water? Is water filtration a priority for you? Share below!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

692 responses to “The Best Water Filter For Home Use (Pitcher, Charcoal, Under-Counter)”

  1. Kathryn K C Covier Avatar
    Kathryn K C Covier

    So I’m concerned about water, especially VOCs and nitrates/nitrites. But I just bought a new fridge especially for the in-door water and ice! Now I see that the filter just isn’t adequate enough. And the Berkey means I’m back to making my own ice cubes and keeping water in a pitcher.

    Or have you figured out a better way?

  2. Tate Avatar

    Katie,

    I feel you may have been misguided in your research. You have done a great job of researching the different options, but many contain errors. I just thought you would like to know.

    1. Gabe Avatar

      What errors? You make a general statement like this and then don’t explain what you mean… Completely un-helpful and unproductive comment.

      1. Annabelle Avatar
        Annabelle

        Totally agree, I tend to completely ignore comments like this as having no grounds for commenting.

  3. Osmio Avatar

    Great article. The only thing I wanted to add is that the testing and certification that goes into water filter systems is vitally important. Many systems leach and migrate harmful chemicals into the water. Look for the Water Quality Association Gold Seal to ensure you buy a system which you can be sure does not put chemicals into the water which are known to cause cancer, birth defects and infertility. Also ensure that your tap is lead free. Ensuring you have a system which is tested and certified to the right standard is very important. For example, many filter systems contain carbon. When this is mined it usually contains arsenic. If the manufacturers have done proper due diligence, the carbon is appropriately treated using acid or steam washing and other processes to ensure the arsenic and any other dangerous chemical is removed. There are thousands of products on the market with absolutely no testing or certification at all, which is allowed by law and this really concerns me. Look for the WQA Gold Seal to ensure you get a safe system.

  4. Amy Rogers Avatar
    Amy Rogers

    Actually you are incorrect. ZeroWater Pitchers are different because of their 5 stage process. They remove many heavy metals.

  5. Nancy Avatar

    Great article! I also like the Berkey filters but there are several other options for both countertop and undersink that are reasonably priced. The key is to get a water filter that has multiple stages of filtration but does not remove the minerals in the water.

    Just signed up for your newsletter. Look forward to following your news.

    1. Annabelle Avatar
      Annabelle

      Can you please tell us what the several other countertop and undersink filtration systems are.

  6. Cori Oliver Crews Avatar
    Cori Oliver Crews

    Why the lines through the links? I am very interested in this topic. My 1 year old son has white spots on his teeth which our pediatrician says is due to fluoride. However, we are on city water and can’t figure out why this is happening. Perhaps it is just God’s way of getting us all off of the chemicals in our water! I just want to know where I can purchase this system online so we can try to solve this problem asap. Thanks for all you do!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      Not sure about the lines, checking on that, but the links should still work…

  7. Caitlin Avatar
    Caitlin

    Ive seen some bad reviews for berkey, how did you feel confident about purchasing it?

  8. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    Do you have any recommendations on whole house filtration systems with a non-salt softener built in? Thanks!

  9. Alice Avatar

    Can this unit stand on the floor? does it have to be on the counter? Does it hook up to the water system, or is it filled manually? Sorry for so many questions, but I cannot find this information anywhere. I am interested in this but totally need to make sure I can find a place for it.

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      It could sit on the floor, though I’d sit it on an upside down clay pot or something to have room to use the spigot. It does have to be filled manually…

      1. Alice Avatar

        Thank you! I did buy it. I got the larger size up, since we use water for family and pets. I also will use for ice – I am super excited! Thanks for all your research for us!

      2. Alice Avatar

        Thank you! I did buy it. I got the larger size up, since we use water for family and pets. I also will use for ice – I am super excited! Thanks for all your research for us!

  10. Shelly Thie Avatar
    Shelly Thie

    I boil my water, then let it sit out for 24 hours, then I put it through a Britta filter, then into a glass milk jar with H2O2. I think yours sounds easier.

  11. Tibor Kollár Avatar
    Tibor Kollár

    UV filter isn’t feasible at home? This is not true, my filter combines solid carbon filter and UV filter, it is economic, it can filter 5000 liters before filter change, I’d recommend is to everyone who is looking for clear water to drink. Please ask if you want to know more details

  12. melissa rogers Avatar
    melissa rogers

    thank you so much for all you do – I LOVE reading your blog and all the information. I just ordered a big berkey and am spending some time this afternoon making new batches of your lotion, deodorant and toothpaste. I love all your “recipes” and I cannot thank you enough for your help! I don’t even purchase “normal” items any more because I can make them thanks to you (and I feel that they are MUCH healthier for our family). So thank you. I want to give you a big hug, Katie! xoxoxo

  13. iris bowman Avatar
    iris bowman

    Hello Katie
    Can you use the berkey with a water softener? I have well water with a softener attached due to hardness in the water.
    IB

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      You can… the filters may wear out slightly more quickly, but it will work..

    2. Matt Avatar

      I have well water being treated by a water softener, when I need to fill my berkey I simply slide the bypass valve to circumvent my water softener temporarily.

  14. Travis Avatar

    Oh, great post! I’ve used the Berkey system for a year and I love it so much. Personally, I never had any issue with mine.

    1. Annabelle Avatar
      Annabelle

      Can you give us any cons to your Berkey after using it for a year? How often do you have to pour water into it and where do you have yours placed.

  15. Chuck Koehler Avatar
    Chuck Koehler

    In the past, I’ve used PUR filters added onto the faucet, but now attempting to figure a better, healthier within-budget solution. thanks for reminding me about the showerhead also. There is so much conflicting info and choices about water filters and alkalizing water. Supposedly, Edgar Cayce recommended alkaline water and diet to cure colds and flus. He recommended using glyco-thymoline to add to water to make it more alkaline. what is the verdict about using mineral stones? I read the articles about not needing to alkalize water also. What is the truth, or closest to the truth? Are there any scientific studies (no agenda) on water filters and alkalizing effects? same with alkaline food?
    Namaste,
    Chuck

    1. Hana Dolgin Avatar
      Hana Dolgin

      There are plenty of studies on the benefits of electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) which is made through electrolysis in a water ionizer, such as Kangen water. The studies show that this water, which is alkaline, is protective of the brain, liver, prevents oxidative damage to the cells and more. This is not plain alkaline water, but rather electrolyzed reduced water, meaning water that runs through an ionizer and becomes alkaline through the splitting of the molecules, not through addition of minerals. I would be happy to email you the studies. Kangen water is made by a water ionizer that is certified for medical use in Japan and is used in hospitals there for over 35 years!
      See a clip from Japanese TV about this “miracle water”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxPcQMmy5Mo

  16. Meghan Bohrer Avatar
    Meghan Bohrer

    I have been going crazy the past year trying to find an acceptable filter for my home and am very happy to find this post, so first off thank you!

    I was looking at the Berkey site and noticed that the water gets stored in stainless steel. While this is certainly better than plastic, I often find the taste of water stored in steel to have an unpleasant and bothersome taste. Do you find this at all with the Berkey? I suppose I could store the water in some mason jars after it’s filtered… but that seems like a lot of work. Does anyone have any thoughts on this or ways around it?

    Second question — I’ve read the comments about the “bad filters”… how would we know if the filter was bad?

    1. Sandy Avatar

      We love the taste of the water from our Berkey filter. The taste compares to the water we collect at an artesian spring near Sedona, Ariz. The Sedona water has a certain “something” which lifts one’s mood and puts a smile on one’s face, so we still make the trip regularly to stock up on the Sedona water. Still, we use the Berkey filtered water for cooking, cleaning and watering our plants. Others in this page have already commented on the taste – it’s great!

      regarding “bad” filters, I’ve not had one yet (only bought a few so far), but from what I’ve read, the faulty filters were physically broken, cracked or separating from their mounts. Also, I do know from the instructions that the fluoride filters aren’t supposed to be threaded all the way onto the mount, but only a prescribed number of turns. If one threads the filter all the way on, it may compromise the functioning of the fluoride filter.

        1. Lindsey Creath Avatar
          Lindsey Creath

          I realize this is an older post, but wondering if you have any recommendations for an under sink water system? I was looking at the Aquaversa or the Waterchef. Wondering what the disadvantages to these systems vs a counter system like Berkey.

          1. Andi Avatar

            I’d like to know the answer to this, also!
            AquaSana or WaterChef?

        2. Cindy Avatar

          Another con about the Berkey is that it does not removed nitrates, only nitrites. My water has nitrates in it and when I contacted Berkey this morning I learned that it wouldn’t help me with that issue. 🙁

  17. Alannah Blanchard Avatar
    Alannah Blanchard

    Berkey filters DO filter out trihalomethanes. They are byproducts of chlorination. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trihalomethane Here is the fairly recent lab test results from the City of Los Angeles showing that they do in fact filter out all those nasty things. https://www.berkeywaterfilterseurope.com/help/lab-tests

    Berkey is most likely not on EWG’s guide because the filtration systems are NOT sold in CA due to the expensive lead certification red-tape. It makes cost prohibitive for a smaller company like Berkey. You can read more about that here. https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/berkey/berkey-water-filters-cannot-be-shipped-to-california However, due to the wording, the “outdoor” units CAN be sold to CA now, including the replacement black filters. It’s all so silly. https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/blog/california/outdoor-berkey-water-filter-systems-can-now-be-shipped-to-ca

  18. Gina Avatar

    We were set to buy a Berkey until the Environmental Working Group put out their filter guide. I emailed them asking why the Berkey was not in their evaluation and they responded:

    Thanks for your interest in EWG’s Water Filter Buying Guide. Water filters vary widely in quality and in what contaminants they will reduce. Consumers need to do their research to make sure they are getting what they are paying for. There are many, many different kinds of water filters with many pros and cons. There is no single best water filter. EWG’s guide is designed to help guide people through the complicated process of choosing the best water filter for them.

    EWG compiled this list based on water filters that are certified by the state of California and/or NSF to reduce at least one kind of contaminant. We also chose water filters that are readily available for purchase on Amazon.com. If you know of a water filter brand that you do not see in the database, it is because it is not certified by both the NSP and the State of California to filter out Trihalomethanes. I hope this clears up your confusion.

    – So what are trihalomethanes and does Berkey filter those or not?? I am confused.

    1. Hana Dolgin Avatar
      Hana Dolgin

      Trihalomethanes are carcinogens that are produced from the interaction of chlorine and organic matter, so they are produced in tap water and also when you wash your vegetables with chlorinated water, take a shower with chlorinated water, etc. so that’s why it is so important to filter your water with a carbon filter that will remove them.

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