Water Contaminants
EPA & UCMR 5 data
Filter Comparison
What each type removes
| Filter Type |
PFAS |
Arsenic |
Nitrates |
Lead |
DBPs |
Bacteria |
Cost |
Brita / Basic Pitcher
Activated carbon only |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
~ |
~ |
✗ |
$30–50 |
Certified Pitcher
NSF/ANSI 53 + 473 |
~ |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
$80–120 |
Whole-House Carbon
Point-of-entry GAC |
~ |
✗ |
✗ |
~ |
✓ |
✗ |
$600–900 |
Reverse Osmosis
NSF/ANSI 58 — Recommended |
✓ 99% |
✓ 95% |
✓ 95% |
✓ 99% |
✓ 99% |
~ |
$300–500 |
RO + UV
Well water / private wells |
✓ 99% |
✓ 95% |
✓ 95% |
✓ 99% |
✓ 99% |
✓ |
$500–900 |
⚠ Myth: "I just got a Pitcher Water Filter — I'm protected."
Duke University and NC State research found that basic activated carbon filters —
including pitcher, countertop, refrigerator, and faucet-mounted styles — showed
inconsistent and unpredictable PFAS removal. Some whole-house carbon
systems actually increased PFAS levels in the water after filtration
because they remove the disinfectants that suppress regrowth in pipes.
Only NSF/ANSI 58 certified reverse osmosis systems achieved near-complete
PFAS removal in controlled testing. For counties with arsenic or nitrates, RO is the
only household option — no carbon filter touches those contaminants.
Recommendation
Understanding NSF Certifications
What to look for when buying
NSF/ANSI 42
Taste, odor, and chlorine reduction. All pitchers should have this minimum. Does not cover health contaminants.
NSF/ANSI 53
Health-related contaminants including lead, VOCs, and some heavy metals. Better than 42 alone but misses PFAS and arsenic.
NSF/ANSI 58
Reverse osmosis systems. Covers PFAS, arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, lead. The gold standard for high-risk counties.
NSF/ANSI 473
PFAS reduction for pitcher-style filters. Emerging certification — verify the specific PFAS compounds covered by the filter.
NSF/ANSI 401
Emerging contaminants including pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides. A useful supplement to 53 or 58.
WQA Gold Seal
Water Quality Association certification — equivalent standard to NSF. Accepted by most health agencies as equivalent.
See the full county risk report
Air quality, flood risk, community safety, ecosystem health, and more — 7 domains, federal data sources, $19.99.
Get Full County Report →
EarthScore360 water quality data is sourced from EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, state environmental agencies, and peer-reviewed research. Filter effectiveness data sourced from Duke University / NC State University research and EPA NSF certification standards. Amazon links are affiliate links — EarthScore360 earns a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend NSF-certified systems. This information is for general guidance only and does not replace a professional water quality test. For official water quality data see your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.