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GuidesWater quality guide

What's in your tap water

PFAS, lead, chlorine byproducts and more. What the research says, and how to filter it out.

The problem

In 2024, the US EPA set the first enforceable PFAS limits in drinking water: 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. The Environmental Working Group has found PFAS in water systems serving over 200 million Americans. At the same time, lead pipes still serve an estimated 9.2 million US homes.

Tap water in the US is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, but the law only covers a limited number of contaminants. Many chemicals are present in water supplies at levels below regulatory limits, yet still above the levels associated with health effects in independent research. Filtration is the most reliable way to reduce exposure regardless of where you live.

Key contaminants

PFAS (forever chemicals)

Cancer, immune disruption, hormonal harm

Pregnant women and children most at risk

Lead

Neurodevelopmental harm

No safe level in children. Old homes most at risk.

Chlorine byproducts (THMs)

Formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Linked to bladder cancer.

Absorbed through skin in the shower as well as via ingestion.

Arsenic

Bladder, lung and skin cancer

Natural geological source. Well water and western US most affected.

Nitrates

Blue baby syndrome in infants

Agricultural runoff. Rural well water most affected.

Microplastics

Unknown long-term effects

Detected in most tap water sources. Shed from plastic pipes and packaging.

Filter types compared

Not all filters remove the same contaminants. Most standard pitcher filters only improve taste. Here is how common options compare on the contaminants that matter most.

FilterPFASLeadNotes
Brita standard pitcherNoNoRemoves chlorine taste only
Brita Longlast+NoYesRemoves some lead. Does NOT remove PFAS.
Clearly Filtered pitcherYesYesRemoves 99.6% PFAS, 99.9% lead. Best pitcher.
BerkeyYesYesRemoves most contaminants including PFAS and heavy metals.
Reverse osmosis under-sinkYesYesRemoves 99%+ of all key contaminants. Best overall.

"There is no safe level of lead exposure in children."

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – cdc.gov/nceh/lead

Do not panic

If you can only do one thing, get a reverse osmosis system or a Clearly Filtered pitcher. It is the single highest-impact purchase for reducing chemical exposure in most homes.

Research and resources

Priority actions

Check your water quality report at the EWG tap water database
If renting or in an old home, test for lead with a home kit
Use a Clearly Filtered or reverse osmosis filter for drinking and cooking water
Run the cold tap for 30 seconds before drinking if pipes are old
Filter shower water if you have high THM levels
200M+

Americans are served by water systems with detectable PFAS levels, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Product recommendations by budget

Water filter$35

Brita Longlast+

Removes chlorine and some lead. Does NOT remove PFAS.

View product
Water filter$90

Clearly Filtered pitcher

Removes 99.6% of PFAS. Best pitcher overall for chemical contaminants.

View product
Water filter$200

APEC ROES-50 reverse osmosis

Removes 99%+ of all key contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, nitrates and microplastics.

View product

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