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Do you know what is in your tap water? You can find contaminants such as a wide variety of toxins from dangerous pesticides and herbicides to heavy metals and VOCs.
❌ PFAS: The most common PFAS found in drinking water are PFOS and PFOA. Called ‘forever chemicals’ because they take so long to biodegrade, PFAS can cause serious health effects including cancer, hormone disruption, & liver and immune system damage. PFAS drinking water standards: state-by-state regulations
❌ FLUORIDE: It causes damage to bones and teeth. Consuming fluoride at unsafe levels can cause skeletal fluorosis, making bones more brittle. It is unsafe also on toothpaste. List of Fluoride-free toothpaste
❌ LEAD: Lead contaminates our drinking water when it leaches from pipes and plumbing. there is no safe amount of lead! Any amount of lead exposure is unsafe for children and may cause permanent development and behavioral issues.
❌ CHLORINE: Potent chemical that alters the smell & taste of our water and is harmful.
Look for chlorine-free bleach alternatives and, chlorine-free toilet paper and kitchen towel
❌ CHLORAMINE: Toxic combination of chlorine and ammonia.
Your greatest exposure to chloramine in tap water is through bathing and showering.
Chloramine can kill fish, amphibians water-based reptiles, and marine invertebrates.
Chloramine. has not been properly tested for human consumption and safety.
❌ ARSENIC: “known human carcinogen” according to the EPA and World Health Organization that increases the risk of bladder, lung, and, skin cancer at unsafe levels. Arsenic is found in drinking water across all 50 states.
❌ NITRATE: Agricultural run-off can cause this fertilizer chemical to end up in our drinking water. Levels of nitrate that exceed federal limits can cause an increased risk of cancer and even oxygen deprivation in babies.
1. Test your tap water: Order a water test kit. In this way, you can spot the contaminants in your water and then determine the very best filter for you! The approved Water test is Tap Score $10 off $100 code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
2. Compare filter types: Most filter products on the market use one or a combination of three primary technologies: carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange.
Carbon and activated carbon: carbon filters come in two forms:
Carbon block: usually more expensive but generally more effective, may need to be replaced more often.
Granulated activated carbon: less effective than carbon block filters, activated carbon does not remove common inorganic pollutants such as arsenic, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, nitrate, and perchlorate.
✅ Reverse Osmosis: is the only type of filtration certified to remove nitrate and perchlorate.
The initial activated carbon treatment captures and removes chlorine, trihalomethanes, and VOCs. Next,
reverse osmosis systems effectively remove many contaminants, such as arsenic, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, nitrates, and perchlorate. These systems typically take in five times more water than they produce for use, and the unused “reject” water is flushed down the drain.
Reverse osmosis treatment removes minerals that improve the taste of water and are essential for health, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. That’s why many manufacturers of reverse osmosis systems may offer mineral drops for remineralization. The only proven water filtration method to effectively remove fluoride. Also reduces nitrates, nitrites, lead, radium, and arsenic.
❌ KDF filter media can reduce or remove lead, mercury, iron, hydrogen sulfide, calcium carbonate, magnesium, chromium, chlorine, bacteria, fungi, algae, heavy metals, iron, hydrogen sulfide, and chlorine. KDF media can function effectively under high water temperatures, which makes them an excellent choice for hot water filtration like shower filters. It won’t remove fluoride.
❌ Ion exchange and water softeners: Ion exchange reduces nitrate, fluoride, sulfate, and arsenic. Water softeners typically use an ion exchange process to soften water by removing calcium and magnesium and replacing them with sodium. They won’t remove the contaminants. If you have a low-sodium diet check with your doctor. Some Softened water is not recommended for watering plants and gardens.
❌ Distillation: This technology heats your water enough to vaporize it and then condenses the steam back into the water. It does not remove chlorine, trihalomethanes, or VOCs from water. Home distillation systems are less common than other types of available water filters available.
✅ Whole house filters: all your taps and appliances receive filtered water. This type of system is expensive compared to point-of-use filtration. Since whole-house systems also remove chlorine, they may introduce the additional risk of harmful bacterial growth in plumbing.
3. Choose a filter: To choose the best filter, check that it has been certified to do so by an independent third-party certification company.
4. Maintain the filter: You will need t to replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Bacteria can grow on carbon filters that are not replaced according to instructions.
5. Certifications: NFS National Sanitation Foundation Certifications and check minimum detectable levels.
❌ NSF 42, 53, 401, or p473 filters won’t remove fluoride.
✅ The best is NSF 58
✅ WQA Water Quality Associations
The key difference is that NSF/ANSI 401 deals with emerging contaminants, NSF/ANSI 42 focuses on aesthetic issues, and NSF/ANSI 53 addresses known health-related contaminants. Products can be certified to multiple standards, providing comprehensive water treatment capabilities.
NSF/ANSI 401: This standard addresses emerging contaminants and incidental compounds in drinking water. It certifies water treatment products for removing or reducing up to 15 contaminants of emerging concern, including:
NSF/ANSI 42: This standard focuses on aesthetic improvements to drinking water, certifying products that reduce:
NSF/ANSI 53: This standard addresses health-related contaminants in drinking water. It certifies products that reduce:
NSF/ANSI 58: allows for optional claims on reducing specific contaminants, including:
❌ Berkey: There are studies that show Berkey actually added GenX and PFBA. It uses Activated Alumina pH-dependent filters. Can reduce fluoride but it is not NFS certified, it is not approved in California and it has California Proposition 65 warning.
❌ Propur filter: uses silver-infused white ceramic and granular activated carbon. Can reduce fluoride but it is not NFS-certified.
❌ Culligan: Only reduces 5 contaminants. Very short filter life only lasts 50 gallons.
❌ Brita: Brita filters use carbon filters. Brita filters can remove certain pharmaceutical contaminants such as Acetaminophen, Naproxen, and Progesterone. They can reduce heavy metals like copper, and mercury from your drinking water, but they cannot remove totally lead, herbicides and pesticides, chlorine, and sediment. NSF Certified to Standards 42 53 & 401.
❌ PUR: PUR water filter systems are able to reduce 61 other contaminants, including chlorine, and sediment but not fully eliminate them. NSF Certified to Standards 42, 53, and 401.
❌ Nikken: ANSI/NSF Standard 42, Standard 53
Test your tap water: The approved Water test is Tap Score $10 off $100 code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL. Order a water test kit. In this way, you can spot the contaminants in your water and then determine the very best filter for you! Tap Score is powered by SimpleLab’s network of 200+ certified laboratories. This ensures unbiased data without any conflicts of interest.
✅ Aquasana: Aquasana Filters are NSF Certified to reduce 77 contaminants including over >97% of chlorine and chloramines. Carbon water filter system (3-Stage Claryum Under-Counter Max Flow or 3-Stage Claryum Under Counter) and a reverse osmosis system (Optim H2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum).
✅ AquaTru: this is my number one recommendation. Considered the best countertop reverse osmosis system for removing man-made chemicals such as PFAs. It is NSF-certified to remove up to 99.99% of contaminants, including PFAs.
AquaTru RO system is the only countertop RO system officially certified to NSF Standards 53 and 58 to remove PFAs contaminants.
AquaTru is also certified to remove chlorine, cysts, fluoride, lead, and other heavy metals, as well as overall total dissolved solids. It reduces 82 contaminants.
Fast-filtering system: it produces up to 1 gallon of water in as little as 10 minutes.
Shop with my links to support my research!💖
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Best discount link
AquaTru Water Purifier is my first recommendation since it is tested to NSF standards by IAPMO.
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is an independent testing laboratory that protects the public by improving the safety, performance, and reliability of plumbing and mechanical systems.
IAPMO, along with NSF, WQA, and UL, are the only laboratories accepted by the California EPA to qualify for NSF certification. You can find AquaTru on the IAPMO website by typing AquaTru LLC on “listee name”.
AquaTru removes 82 contaminants with the recommended filter life to the NSF Standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 for the reduction of the substances listed in the performance data sheet. P473 standard tests how well a filter works for PFAS chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS.
SYSTEM: Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter. AquaTru's 4-stage Reverse Osmosis technology is certified by IAPMO to NSF standards to remove 83 contaminants, including Lead, Chlorine, Fluoride, Nitrates, PFOS, PFOA, and many more.
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First, you would need to test your water, then you will know exactly which kind of water filter you need. This water testing company will help you with that; after testing your water, they will recommend water filters that will solve anything currently in your water, specifically studied for your tap water.
Tap Score is the only home water testing service with unbiased treatment matching and health risk analysis - so you don't waste money on treatment that doesn't do what you need. SimpleLab the company behind Tap Score, has been cited by leading industry publications and awarded research grants by the EPA. They go beyond what regular laboratories or testing kits can provide.
Tap Score is the only home water testing service to apply toxicological and epidemiological research to your water's contaminant profile in order to give you a full picture of how your drinking water affects your health.
New York Times Wirecutter has named Tap Score the “best water quality test kit for your home”. It offers accurate results for over 1000+ contaminants, it includes easy-to-understand reports, explanations of potential health risks, unbiased treatment recommendations, and unparalleled support.
For Water Utility Customers
Water from a utility can spend 3-7 days traveling through old pipes before reaching your home, where plumbing and fixtures can also influence water quality.
For Private and Shared Wells
The only way to know what's in your well is to perform a complete screen. Some potent carcinogens, like arsenic, have no taste or color.
After testing you will know better how to pick the right filter for your home based on your geographic location, and house structure.
AquaTru Carafe countertop purifier packs its powerful, installation-free purification technology into a smaller footprint, making it perfect for individuals and smaller households. Pour with ease or store this thoughtfully designed glass carafe in the fridge for chilled water on hand. Whether you’re filling up a tall glass or brewing a cup of coffee, AquaTru Carafe will meet all of your clean drinking water needs. 64 oz. Glass Carafe for easy, plastic-free pouring
AquaTru Water Purifier is my first recommendation since it is tested to NSF standards by IAPMO. Designed for the homeowner or larger family who wants a higher capacity of fresh, purified water on demand.
Now you can make alkaline water right from your AquaTru with their new pH + Mineral Boost Alkaline VOC Filter
My link will give you automatically 30% off on their website.
SYSTEM: Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter. AquaTru's 4-stage TruPure RO Sanitizer, patent-pending, makes it easy to keep yourAquaTru holding tank in pristine condition.
If you want to remove Fluoride this is for you!
Combines Claryum® and reverse osmosis technology to remove 88 contaminants including fluoride and arsenic.
TESTED & PROVEN TO REMOVE 5X MORE CONTAMINANTS THAN OTHER RO SYSTEMS
Get clean, healthy water by reducing 88 contaminants including lead, bacteria, cysts, chlorine, pesticides, and more.
Remove contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium for healthier, delicious water.
Rest easy knowing that no chemicals are added during the filtration process and that the only thing in your water is water.
NSF tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, 58, and 401.
Minimal disposal of plastic parts and no more single-use plastic water bottles. Make a difference with this sustainable, eco-friendly solution.
Filtered water produces more natural flavors for amazing results in the kitchen. Leave your friends wondering about your best-kept secret.
Reverse Osmosis: the only proven water filtration method to effectively remove fluoride. Also reduces nitrates, nitrites, lead, radium, and arsenic.
To see all their amazing options and to learn more check their website
SYSTEM: Claryum® 3-Stage Max Flow Filter
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💦 I added this water-purifying pitcher when I decided I was wasting too much expensive spring water to rinse my veggies and fruit, and for cooking. 👉I just got this handy and light pitcher, it is very easy to use and is perfectly delivering the job I needed. 💦I still use my alkaline spring water for drinking and for tea. 🍎I can now rinse all the fruits, and veggies, and cook pasta or make soup with the water purified by this filter. The design is great and easy to move around the kitchen. ✅ Designed to remove up to 99.99% of all tap water contaminants, tested and exceeds NSF/ANSI Standards, and it is American-made. I found it also handy that it has an LED timer, which reminds you when it is time to replace the filter. 💦Epic water filter pitchers, bottle filters, and under-the-sink filters are the industry leader for removing harmful contaminants commonly found in municipal tap water, such as chlorine, lead, fluoride, bacteria, cysts, viruses, mercury, copper, trihalomethanes, glyphosate (RoundUp), DDT, chromium-6, PFOS, PFOA, and PFA, and many more. ✈️It is also great for travel, camping, or for smaller spaces. You can even keep it in the refrigerator!
💦 CRYSTAL QUEST® SMART Whole House Water Filter
Aquasana has a large collection with several options for your needs
If you are in the LA area you will need a system that purifies from chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia which is a disinfecting system used in this area).
Aquasana has a filter for chloramine: Rhino® Chloramines
Whole house filtration features upgraded catalytic carbon formulated to tackle chloramines and chlorine. It lasts for 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years. You can also add Tall Salt-Free Water Conditioner if you are dealing with hard water, common in the LA area. Salt-Free Water Conditioner naturally and safely reduces scale buildup on internal pipes and plumbing without the use of salt or chemicals.
✅ NSF/ANSI Standard 42 to remove up to 83% of chloramines and 97% of chlorine
✅ NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61, Rhino® tanks are molded from super strong, food-grade HDTE (High Density, Tri-Extruded) material.
✅ No chemicals are added during the filtration process, leaving you with only clean, great-tasting water throughout your home
✅ Noticeably healthier, more moisturized skin and hair
✅ UV Filter to powerfully sterilize 99.99% of bacteria and viruses and 99% of cysts (independently tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 55)
SYSTEM: upgraded catalytic carbon specially formulated to tackle chloramines (chlorine + ammonia)
Epic water filter pitchers, bottle filters, and under-the-sink filters are the industry leader when removing harmful contaminants commonly found in municipal tap water like chlorine, lead, fluoride, bacteria, cysts, viruses, mercury, copper, trihalomethanes, glyphosate (RoundUp), DDT, chromium-6, PFOS, PFOA, and PFA, and many more. ✅ Epic Water Filters have been independently certified and tested across the globe in both field and laboratory tests in multiple countries.
MATERIAL: BPA/BPS free
The packaging is 100% compostable. Filter Recycling Program to help you responsibly dispose of your used filters (and get rewarded for it). To learn how you can recycle your filter.
🌟Brondell Reverse Osmosis Under Counter Water Filtration System
💦 This Under Counter water filter features a Reverse Osmosis system and it is third-party tested and certified by Water Quality.
It features a new space-saving design and delivers high-quality water with up to 10x less waste.
Multi-stage filtration and reverse osmosis technology is the best technology for drinking water. It reduces toxic contaminants like lead, chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and more.
It features patented components science-based, that allow to waste less water: up to 10 times less as compared to other reverse osmosis water systems.
patented water-saving technology
superior 4-stage filtration
certified by the WQA to reduce and remove contaminants
SYSTEM: reverse osmosis technology and Multi-stage filtration
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Waterdrop 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter System | Reduce Iron & Manganese
NSF/ANSI 372 Certified
Tested and certified by IAMPO international against NSF/ANSI 372 standard in model WD-WHF3T-FG. We guarantee a high level of product safety and ensure the safety of their water supply.
Durable and Reliable: Built with durable materials, whole house water filter system withstands rigorous lab pressure tests to resist harsh environments, reducing maintenance and replacement hassle.
Efficient and affordable, our pre-filter provides long-lasting water purification for 6-12 months, ensuring continuous and cost-effective water protection*. The service life is determined by the water quality.
SYSTEM:
Watens Refrigerator Water Filter neutralizes many of the contaminants found in most water sources. Super easy to install and ready to begin giving you the healthiest, crisp water. Most filter brands will leave darkness in your water or simply not filter the water much at all. However, each one of our filters is meticulously designed to surpass all competition in filtration ability. Replace the water filter in your refrigerator and taste cleaner, fresher, and healthier water and ice every day. Engineered with a premium filtration technology, this water filter eliminated most contaminants found in tap water without diminishing the minerals that are good for our body and health
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Filterbaby's proprietary de-scaling process turns harsh tap water into better, cleaner water; designed to protect, hydrate, and improve skin.
Reduce chemicals in tap water. Filterbaby is designed to fit US standard faucets.
Filterbaby's three-step filtration system reduces particles as small as 0.000001mm.
✅ Reduce Contaminants in Tap Water: Lab Certified To Remove Up To 99.9% Of Chlorine, Chloramine, & Contaminants
✅ Improve Skin Moisture: Clinically tested to improve skin moisture. Prevent skin dehydration from chlorine and chemicals in tap water.
✅ Improve Skin Radiance: PRODermis™ gently softens water, resulting in improved skin radiance and quality.
✅ Protect Epidermal Layer: Protect the thinning of the epidermis and help restore the skin's natural oils.
MATERIAL: Woven Mesh, Carbon Fiber + PRODermis™, Hollow Fiber Ultra-Filtration Membrane
💦 Your unfiltered tap water can contain a wide variety of harmful and skin-damaging contaminants such as chlorine, mercury, pesticides, bacteria, selenium, sulfur, and much more. These types of contaminants can be hazardous to your health and will leave your skin and hair feeling dry and rough to the touch.
🐬With the most advanced filtration process on the market and our easy-to-install design, you can quickly and easily improve the quality and safety of your water for an affordable price.
Removes chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, THMs, pesticides, sulfur, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide ("rotten egg" odor), iron oxides ("rust water"), dirt, sediment, and other odors while balancing pH & de-chlorinating! It works by filtering the water through stages of our ERA® 6500 and ERA® 9500 media. The results? The healthiest, most refreshing bath experience in addition to smoother, softer skin and hair that is less dry. Your tub and shower area will be cleaner too! The unique drop-down filter design allows for a substantial amount of filtration media, enabling more contact time with the water.
There is a CA Prop 65 warning attached to the shopping box. That is confirmed by the company that is not related to the packaging:
💚Organic Olivia Mighty Minerals is a delicious blend of herbs formulated to help support little ones and picky eaters.
Mighty Minerals utilizes plants that contain trace minerals including Nettle Leaf, Alfalfa and Oatstraw. A healthy intake of minerals and nutritive plants supports general immune function, vitality, and overall health.*
🌿Mighty Minerals is 100% organic. The organic, whole-fruit source has the connective tissue present since it’s made from the entire fruit, which means more fiber and more viscosity.
While Mighty Minerals was designed for kids, this formula is a favorite for adults too! A healthy intake of phytochemical-rich plants supports immune function, energy, and overall vitality for all of us, making an impact on how we feel each and every day.
This is a blend you’ll look forward to taking with your kids when you want to start the day feeling nourished, energized, and supported.*
INGREDIENTS: Nettle, Yellow Dock, Red Clover Blossoms, Horsetail, Rose
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🌿 Bathorium Sentevia's Bath Filter is carefully crafted to give you the gentle nourishment of mineralized water for healthier skin. Healing starts with Clean Water.
This Water Filter with the help of healthy minerals, naturally combats diaper rash, eczema or dry skin and itchy skin. Bathing in chlorinated water can cause dry skin and dry hair.
The Bath Filter reduces absorption and inhalation of chlorine, and restores water’s natural properties promoting softer hair and smoother skin. Recommended to those dealing with eczema, baby eczema or sensitive skin.
INGREDIENTS: sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, magnesium sulfate, zea mays starch, kaolin clay, menthol*, persea gratissima (avocado) butter, essential oils. *Organic
I had a Berkey Water Filter for years until I decided to buy a filter 2PF-2 FLUORIDEAND ARSENIC WATER FILTERS (2) replacement. Here is what I discovered. First, when I dug deeper I found out that Berkey has California Proposition 65 Warning listed on Amazon. Berkey does not undergo the same rigorous independent testing and certification process to NSF standards. They have no scientific basis to support their filter life claims. In fact, in their tests of their main filter, they stop their testing after 50 gallons; yet they claim their filters last for 3000 gallons. According to Berkey, their Fluoride filter removes up to 97% of fluoride and lasts for 1000 gallons; yet they only tested to 100 gallons. Test results for these kinds of filters decline over time. Their test results are accessible via a Dropbox link below. When I decided to send back the unopened filters to the company since they promised a 100% refund, I discovered over the chat they deduct a 15% stocking fee, charge a 15% restocking fee, and also the original shipping cost that they paid to ship the item to you. They deducted even more than their original shipping costs, I had to pay the shipping back. In conclusion, the refund was only 50% of the original amount. That is what they call a 100% refund! Besides their misleading policy and their heavy metal content under the California Proposition 65 Warning, Berkey cannot sell to California because their testing is not approved by the state. I do not recommend this brand!