Water pitcher filters: what each actually removes
4 of the 8 pitcher filters we track carry an independent NSF certification for a specific contaminant. Here's exactly what each one is proven to reduce - and where we honestly don't have that data.
Brita Bottle
Bottle FilterNot currently NSF-listed - we don't have an independently verified contaminant-reduction certification for this filter.
Brita Elite (Longlast)
OB06Lead
Brita Original (Standard)
OB03Not currently NSF-listed - we don't have an independently verified contaminant-reduction certification for this filter.
Clearly Filtered
P-RFChlorine, Taste and Odor
Epic Pure XP
Pure XP Replacement FilterNot currently NSF-listed - we don't have an independently verified contaminant-reduction certification for this filter.
PUR PUR
PPF900ZChlorine, Nominal Particulate, Taste and Odor, Zinc
Benzene, Cadmium, Copper, Ethylbenzene, Mercury, Methoxychlor, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, Xylenes
Linuron, Trimethoprim
PUR PUR PLUS
PPF951KChlorine, Nominal Particulate, Taste and Odor, Zinc
Atrazine, Benzene, Cadmium, Carbon Tetrachloride, Copper, Ethylbenzene, Mercury, Methoxychlor, Simazine, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, Xylenes
Bisphenol A, Estrone, Ibuprofen, Linuron, Microplastics, Naproxen, Nonylphenol, Phenytoin, Trimethoprim
ZeroWater 5-Stage
5-Stage Replacement FilterNot currently NSF-listed - we don't have an independently verified contaminant-reduction certification for this filter.
Which pitcher filter should you buy?
If lead reduction is your priority, the Brita Elite (Longlast) (OB06) is the only one in our data with an NSF/ANSI 53 lead certification. If you want the broadest certified contaminant list, the PUR PUR PLUS is NSF-certified against the most contaminants of any filter here. A pitcher not appearing under a contaminant isn't proof it fails to reduce it - only that we couldn't find an independent NSF listing backing that specific claim.
Filters for the rest of your home
FiltersDex covers the exact replacement filter - and what it removes - across every appliance:
Frequently asked
Which water pitcher filter removes lead?
In our data, the Brita Elite (Longlast) (OB06) is NSF/ANSI 53 certified to reduce lead. Other pitcher filters may reduce lead too, but we only list a certification when it's independently NSF-listed for the OEM filter.
Which pitcher filter removes the most contaminants?
The PUR PUR PLUS (PPF951K) is NSF-certified to reduce the most contaminants in our data - 25 listed under NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401.
Do all water pitcher filters remove PFAS?
No pitcher filter in our data currently carries an NSF-listed PFAS (PFOA/PFOS) reduction certification. Some brands may test for this independently - check the manufacturer's own certification documents if PFAS is your priority.
Why do some filters here show no NSF certification?
Some popular pitcher filters (like ZeroWater and Epic) aren't in the NSF Drinking Water Treatment Units (DWTU) database as of our last check - that doesn't necessarily mean they don't filter well, only that we can't independently verify a specific reduction claim for them. We only show a contaminant as 'removed' when it's backed by an NSF listing.