The Best Water Filters for PFAS, Lead and Heavy Metals (2025)
A direct comparison of filter types and specific products, rated on PFAS removal, lead removal and value for money.
Why filtering tap water matters
In April 2024, the EPA finalised the first-ever national drinking water standard for six PFAS compounds, setting maximum contaminant levels at 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. The rule was a response to decades of evidence linking PFAS exposure to cancer, thyroid disruption, immune suppression and reproductive harm. The problem is that PFAS are already in the water supply of a substantial proportion of US households, and water utilities have years to comply with the new limits.
Lead is a separate concern. An estimated 9.2 million lead service lines still connect homes to the water supply in the United States. Lead has no safe level of exposure, particularly for children. The CDC attributes 800,000 cases of childhood developmental delay annually to lead exposure, with drinking water as a significant source. Filtering your water is not overcaution. It is a straightforward, measurable risk reduction.
The key question: what does it actually remove?
NSF International certifies water filters to specific standards. Understanding these standards is the only way to evaluate a filter's claims. The key certifications are:
Covers chlorine, chloramine, taste and odour only. This is the minimum standard. A filter certified only to Standard 42 does not remove PFAS or lead.
Covers heavy metals (including lead), volatile organic compounds and cysts. Does not cover PFAS.
Applies to reverse osmosis systems. Covers removal of most dissolved contaminants including PFAS, arsenic, nitrates and heavy metals.
Specific to PFAS (PFOA and PFOS). A filter certified to this standard has been independently tested for PFAS removal.
You can verify any filter's certification at the NSF product database at nsf.org/certified-products. If a manufacturer claims PFAS removal without NSF/ANSI 473 or 58 certification, the claim is unverified.
Filter comparison
Brita Longlast+ Pitcher
$35Removes
- ✓Chlorine (taste and odour)
- ✓Some lead (NSF 42 and 53 certified)
Does not remove
- ✗PFAS
- ✗Arsenic
- ✗Nitrates
- ✗Most heavy metals
Verdict: Good for chlorine taste and basic lead reduction. Not suitable for PFAS or significant heavy metal contamination. Most households need more than this.
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
$90Removes
- ✓99.6% PFAS
- ✓99.9% lead
- ✓Arsenic
- ✓Chromium-6
- ✓Most heavy metals
Does not remove
- ✗100% of every possible contaminant (no filter does)
Verdict: The best pitcher on the market for comprehensive contamination removal. The only pitcher we recommend for PFAS. If you want pitcher convenience without compromising on PFAS, this is the one.
Berkey Big Berkey
$350Removes
- ✓PFAS
- ✓Bacteria and viruses
- ✓Heavy metals
- ✓Most organic compounds
Does not remove
- ✗Fluoride (requires optional add-on filters purchased separately)
Verdict: Comprehensive gravity filtration with no electricity required. Well-suited for well water or households that want off-grid capability. Slow flow rate is the main practical limitation.
APEC ROES-50 Under-Sink RO
$200Removes
- ✓99%+ PFAS
- ✓Lead
- ✓Arsenic
- ✓Nitrates
- ✓Chromium-6
- ✓Most dissolved contaminants
Does not remove
- ✗Fluoride without an add-on remineralisation stage
- ✗Beneficial minerals (removed along with contaminants)
Verdict: Best overall value for comprehensive contamination removal. Our top recommendation for most households. Reverse osmosis is the gold standard technology. Installation requires basic plumbing.
Pelican Premium Whole-House System
$800+Removes
- ✓PFAS
- ✓Chlorine
- ✓Heavy metals throughout the entire home
Does not remove
- ✗Biological contaminants (UV system needed for well water)
- ✗Every dissolved compound
Verdict: Best for households with significant contamination concerns or private wells. Covers bathing and cooking, not just drinking water. Dermal exposure to PFAS in shower water is a real but lower-magnitude route.
Our recommendation
For most households, the APEC ROES-50 under-sink reverse osmosis system is the strongest overall recommendation: comprehensive contaminant removal, low cost per litre, and independently certified. Installation takes a few hours with basic plumbing ability.
If you rent or cannot modify your kitchen plumbing, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is the minimum bar for PFAS removal. Standard Brita is not adequate for PFAS. Do not rely on a standard Brita pitcher if PFAS is your primary concern.
For households on private wells, or those with confirmed high contamination, the Berkey or a whole-house system offers broader protection including biological contaminants that point-of-use systems do not address.
How to find out what is in your water
The Environmental Working Group's tap water database at ewg.org/tapwater allows you to search by zip code and see what contaminants have been detected in your local utility's water supply, alongside the legal limits and the EWG health-based limits. Many utilities operate within legal limits but above the more protective health-based standards.
For private wells, you cannot rely on utility testing. Commission a certified laboratory test directly. Search for state-certified labs through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline or your state environmental agency. A comprehensive panel testing for PFAS, heavy metals, nitrates and coliform bacteria typically costs $150 to $400 and should be done annually if you rely on a private well.
Quick verdict
Estimated number of lead service lines still connecting US homes to the water supply. Lead has no safe level of exposure.