We’ve put a range of PFAS-removing water filters through eight rigorous, hands-on tests to find out which are the best.
We scored each filter using a weighted system that reflects real-world performance, from contaminant removal and design to filtration rate and filter longevity. With this data, we ranked the top-performing models for PFAS removal based on their total scores.
With verified PFAS reduction, high-efficiency purification, and the ability to remove more contaminants than any other water filter we’ve tested so far, AquaTru (specifically the Carafe model) came out on top as the best water filter for PFAS in household drinking water.
Aquatru Carafe & Classic
Culligan ZeroWater
Waterdrop G3 P800
Quick Answer: Best Water Filters for PFAS of 2026 by Category
- Best overall: AquaTru Carafe (9.57/10). IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA and PFOS, and it removed 100% of lead, fluoride, uranium, and chlorine in our Tap Score lab testing.
- Best budget pitcher: Culligan ZeroWater (9.33/10). IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for Total PFAS and eliminated fluoride and uranium in our lab test for under $25 upfront.
- Best under-sink RO: Waterdrop G3 P800 (9.21/10). IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA/PFOS with an 800 GPD tankless flow rate and $0.11 per gallon filter cost.
- Best long-life pitcher: Clearly Filtered Pitcher (8.78/10). WQA certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction with a 100 gallon filter life, five times longer than ZeroWater’s.
- Best gravity countertop: Culligan MaxClear (8.55/10). The only gravity filter of its kind we have tested with an IAPMO certification to NSF/ANSI 53 for total PFAS.
Methodology: Scores come from our weighted testing system, in which contaminant reduction counts for 55% of the total. See how we test water filters.
Table of Contents
- Our Testing & Selection Process
- The 5 Best Water Filters that Remove PFAS
- AquaTru Countertop RO: Best Water Filter for PFAS Overall (9.57/10)
- Culligan ZeroWater: Best Budget PFAS Filter Pitcher (9.33/10)
- Waterdrop G3 P800: Best Under-Sink RO for PFAS (9.21/10)
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher: Best Long-Life PFAS Pitcher (8.78/10)
- Culligan MaxClear: Best Gravity Water Filter for PFAS (8.55/10)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Testing & Selection Process
We only considered filters holding an official NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification for PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS reduction, issued by IAPMO, WQA, or NSF. Because certified PFAS testing is more precise than in-house detection, we used those certifications as the PFAS baseline, then tested every qualifying filter ourselves with Tap Score lab kits by SimpleLab to measure reduction of the other contaminants in our water (lead, fluoride, uranium, chlorine, and more). Each filter’s overall score weights contaminant reduction at 55%, with filtration rate, design, setup, and maintenance at 10% each and company policies at 5%.
To find the most effective filters for removing PFAS, we tested each product across multiple performance categories. Our main focus was contaminant removal*, with this being the biggest category to influence a filter’s score. We also evaluated filtration speed, design and build quality, ease of setup, and the simplicity of any ongoing requirements.
Since this guide is about PFAS, we only considered filters that are officially certified to NSF Standard 53 for PFAs reduction. Any filter that didn’t meet this benchmark wasn’t included.
From there, we scored every system based on its overall contaminant reduction capabilities, since many folks also want to reduce other health-harmful or taste-affecting contaminants (like chlorine, lead, and VOCs) from their drinking water.
We combined our own controlled at-home testing with lab results to reach our scores. If measurable data wasn’t necessary or available, such as when testing ease of use, we used our own experience-based evaluations to inform our scoring.
*We tested broadly but not specifically for PFAS, as discussed in the next section.
Learn about our testing and scoring process here.
To identify the best water filters for PFAS, we started by narrowing the field to only the systems that had official certifications for PFAS reduction (specifically NSF/ANSI 53, for the reduction of PFOA/PFOS. These are two of the most common PFAS compounds used as surrogates for the entire group of nearly 15,000 chemicals). We didn’t consider filters without this certification, regardless of the manufacturer’s claims.
If you’ve seen our other guides, you’ll know we factor in our own water quality test results when comparing filters and choosing the winners. But in this case, certified lab testing under NSF/ANSI standards is far more precise than anything we could replicate in-house. So, rather than conducting our own limited in-house testing for PFOS/PFOA, we used these independent third-party certifications to establish a baseline.
Note: We still conducted our own lab testing for other common drinking water contaminants that are easier and more affordable to detect.
Once we confirmed that a filter met this certification requirement, we scored it using our internal ranking system. The filters that performed well and scored highest are the featured filters in this guide, ranked according to their scores.
PFAS reduction isn’t something every filter can do, and not a lot of manufacturers have gone through the certification process (which is time-consuming, not to mention expensive). That means the list of qualified products that we recommend is small, but we’ll continue adding to it as more filters that meet our criteria become available.
We also decided not to feature certain water filters in this list if:
-They had availability issues or weren’t easily accessible to US buyers.
-They passed PFAS certification but performed poorly in other important areas, like durability or flow rate, affecting their practicality for long-term, real-world use.
Article Update History
- 02/09/2026 – Added Culligan MaxClear
- 11/14/2025 – Added Culligan ZeroWater, removed Legacy ZeroWater
The 5 Best Water Filters that Remove PFAS
| Product | Aquatru Carafe | Culligan ZeroWater |  Waterdrop G3 P800 |  Clearly Filtered Pitcher |  Culligan MaxClear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.57 | 9.33 | 9.21 | 8.78 | 8.55 |
| Price | $349+ | $24.99+ | $699 | $90 | $229.99+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401, 372 | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & 372 | NSF 42, 53, 58 & 372 | NSF 42, 53 | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 372 |
| Filter Capacity | 300 gal and 1,200 gal | 20 gallons | 550/1100/2900 gallons | 100 gallons | 50 gallons |
| Cost per Gallon | $0.19 | $0.90 | $0.11 | $0.55 | $1.20-$1.58 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 90 days | 1 year | 2 years | 5 years |
| Read Review | Aquatru Carafe review | Culligan ZeroWater review | Waterdrop G3 P800 review | Clearly Filtered Pitcher review | Culligan MaxClear review |
AquaTru Countertop RO: Best Water Filter for PFAS Overall (9.57/10)
We’ve tested the AquaTru RO system in two configurations: the slightly smaller Carafe and the full-size Classic model. Both models have been certified by IAPMO to NSF/ANSI 53 to reduce PFOA and PFOS. In our testing, the Carafe and Classic systems delivered near-identical contaminant reduction results and currently stand as the two highest-performing water filters we’ve reviewed.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $349.00+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 83+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401, 372 |
| Process | Mechanical + Carbon + Reverse Osmosis |
| Filter Capacity | 300 – 1,200 gal. |
| Annual Cost | ~$60 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why Did AquaTru Score Highest for PFAS Removal?
Key Finding: In our Tap Score lab testing, the AquaTru Carafe and Classic both eliminated 100% of lead, fluoride, uranium, molybdenum, barium, and chlorine, and their 4:1 recovery rate is the most efficient we have measured in a reverse osmosis system.
These AquaTru models took first and second place in our scoring system, with the AquaTru Carafe just edging out the Classic model (scoring 9.57 and 9.54 respectively). Both units use the same core filtration technology: a 4-stage reverse osmosis process that’s certified to remove a wide range of contaminants—every single contaminant that AquaTru claims to reduce.
What gave the Carafe model the lead over the Classic system? It came down to a single design feature: the purified water collects in a glass carafe (hence the name) rather than an internal plastic tank, as is the case with the Classic model. That gave it a higher component quality score. You might prefer this model if you want the peace of mind of storing your purified water in a non-leaching container.
What Certifications Do the AquaTru Models Hold for PFAS?
Both AquaTru units are certified by IAPMO to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53*, which specifically validates their ability to reduce PFOA and PFOS. Under this certification protocol, filters have to demonstrate a reduction of these contaminants to below the EPA’s health advisory level, which is currently 20 parts per trillion (PPT), based on controlled laboratory testing.
We’ve reviewed dozens of filters, and very few manufacturers go through the expense and rigor of obtaining this certification—hence why AquaTru’s systems stand out.
How Did AquaTru Perform in Our Lab Testing?
Our own performance testing focused more generally on common drinking water contaminants that are easy to detect with a lab test. We used a Tap Score testing kit by SimpleLab to take samples of our water, then shipped them to the lab for testing.
Both AquaTru models eliminated 100% of lead, fluoride, uranium, molybdenum, barium, and chlorine in our water, earning them each a score of 9.91 out of 10. They’re also far more efficient than traditional RO units, with a 4:1 purified-water-to-wastewater ratio; the best we’ve seen so far.
Is AquaTru Easy to Set Up and Use?
In terms of design, here’s where the AquaTru models differ slightly. The Carafe is the smaller model, with a compact design, using a glass carafe to collect the purified water instead of a plastic water tank. Both filters scored similarly here, but the Carafe got the highest score of 10.00, while the Countertop model was slightly behind with a score of 9.70.
We found the two units equally easy to set up, with no plumbing or tools required. We just plugged them in, filled the tanks with water and flushed the filters. Our setup scores were equally high, with both systems earning a 10.00 in this category.
Maintenance is straightforward and not too regular, although the Carafe model requires a bit more work due to its smaller filter capacity (meaning its filters need replacing more often). Still, this wasn’t enough to affect its score, and the two systems got identical scores of 9.75 here.
Final Verdict
The AquaTru Carafe and Classic countertop RO systems are our top pick for removing PFAS thanks to their certified performance and excellent contaminant reduction in our own testing, as well as their high scores across all other testing categories.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.57 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 100% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 0.3 GPM |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Exceptional |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.19/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Returns | 30 days |
Culligan ZeroWater: Best Budget PFAS Filter Pitcher (9.33/10)
If you’re looking for a PFAS water filter that offers similar results to an RO system, without the water waste or electricity use, we recommend the Culligan ZeroWater Pitcher. It offered a similar comprehensive contaminant reduction performance as the AquaTru models and is also certified across all of its performance claims, including for total PFAS.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $24.99+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 25 |
| Certifications or Testing | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & 372 |
| Holding Capacity | 7- 40 cups |
| Filter Lifespan | 20 gallons |
| Approx. Annual Cost | $160+ |
How Did the Culligan ZeroWater Perform in Our Tap Score Lab Test?
Key Finding: The Culligan ZeroWater pitcher is IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for Total PFAS and eliminated fluoride and uranium in our lab test, but it dropped our water’s pH from 7.6 to 6.6 with no remineralization option.
We tested the Culligan ZeroWater Pitcher using the same Tap Score testing package. It impressed us by completely eliminating fluoride and uranium (both initially exceeding the HGL), along with sulfate, nitrate, zinc, chlorine, copper, strontium, barium, and molybdenum. Plus, it’s certified to NSF 42, NSF 53, and NSF 401 for every single contaminant it’s claimed to reduce, including PFAS.
The filter received a 9.65 score in the contaminant reduction category, slightly lower than AquaTru’s due to its less-than-ideal aesthetic results. A big part of Culligan ZeroWater’s marketing is its TDS reduction, as you’d get from an RO system. But the issue we had was that certain dissolved solids that contribute to pH, like calcium and magnesium, were also almost completely eliminated. This meant that the pH of our water was reduced from 7.6 to a slightly acidic 6.6, and, unlike AquaTru, there’s no optional remineralization media.
How Long Do the Culligan ZeroWater Filters Last?
As a gravity filter, the Culligan ZeroWater pitcher is slower to deliver filtered water than pressurized systems that are plumbed in. That said, it has a pretty decent filtration rate for a gravity filter, measuring at 1.9 GPH (based on a filtration time of just under 7 minutes for an entire pitcher of water). This earned it a high score of 9.50.
If you’re after a PFAS filter that’s quick and easy to set up, it doesn’t get much easier than with Culligan ZeroWater. The entire process took us less than 5 minutes, with just a single filter to flush and no difficult priming required, resulting in a high score of 9.50.
Maintenance is just as simple, but replacing the filter is up to four times more expensive than it is for AquaTru at $0.90-per-gallon, owing to its shorter filtration capacity of just 20 gallons. That earned it one of the lowest maintenance scores of all the filters on this list: just 8.00.
Design-wise, this is a pretty basic filter, with none of the bells and whistles that you might find in a more expensive unit. But its construction feels sturdy, and we appreciate the flexibility of choice when it comes to pitcher sizes, with water-holding capacities ranging from 7 to 40 cups. It’s also IAPMO certified for materials safety and lead-free design, contributing to its high design score of 9.40.
We think the Culligan ZeroWater pitcher is ideal for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, no-prime water filter pitcher that’s certified to reduce PFAS and significantly cheaper than an RO system upfront.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.33 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.70 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 8.00 |
| Performance Certification | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 |
| Filtration Rate | 1.9 GPH |
| Component Quality | Excellent |
| Component Certification | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & 372 |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Exceptional |
| Costs | $0.90/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 90 days |
| Shipping | Free shipping within the continental US on orders above $99 |
| Returns | Limited returns |
Waterdrop G3 P800: Best Under-Sink RO for PFAS (9.21/10)
The Waterdrop G3 P800 was the next-highest scoring water filter we tested that meets our criteria for PFAS removal. This high-efficiency under-sink RO system greatly reduced or removed the 10 contaminants with health effects detected in our water, and, importantly, it’s also certified by IAPMO for PFOA/PFOS removal.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $539 – $999 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 10+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 372 |
| Process | Mechanical + Carbon + RO |
| Filter Capacity | 550/ 1100/ 2900 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$145 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
How Does the G3 P800 Compare to AquaTru?
Key Finding: The Waterdrop G3 P800 is IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA/PFOS and costs just $0.11 per gallon to run, the lowest ongoing cost of any PFAS filter we have tested.
The G3 P800 earned an overall weighted score of 9.21, putting it in third place behind the two AquaTru models. While it didn’t outperform the AquaTru systems with its contaminant reduction performance, it came really close, reducing or removing contaminants like fluoride, lead, arsenic, barium, and nitrate, earning it a respectable 9.28.
Like AquaTru’s models, the Waterdrop G3 P800 is a reverse osmosis system, which is what gives it such capable and comprehensive water purification abilities.
The big difference is that it’s designed to install at the cold water line under your kitchen sink (the process is more complex than simply plugging the unit in and resulted in a lower setup score of 7.00). This gives you near-instant access to purified water whenever you turn on the dedicated faucet, with none of the tank filling and emptying required by AquaTru.
As with AquaTru, the G3 P800 has an NSF/ANSI 53 certification that lists PFOS/PFOA as two of the contaminants it can reduce within this Standard. This tells us that the filter was capable of reducing these forever chemicals down to below the EPA’s suggested limits under test conditions.
It’s worth noting that the AquaTru filters carry more extensive certifications overall (they’re certified to reduce 83 contaminants), while the G3 is certified for fewer than 10 contaminants.
How Hard is the Waterdrop G3P800 to Install & Maintain?
Design-wise, the G3 P800 earned a 9.70. We loved the helpful features, like the faucet-mounted TDS meter and the LED filter life indicators, which give you insights into your water quality and filter replacement requirements where you’d usually have to guess.
The UV sterilizer is a nice bonus feature and offers peace of mind that the purified water is protected from microorganisms inside the system itself.
The only design letdown is that the base model doesn’t include a remineralization filter, although you can buy a separate post-filter that’s easy enough to tack on to the main unit.
We’ve already mentioned that installation is more challenging, but we found maintenance for this unit as quick and easy as the AquaTru systems. Combined with its low ongoing filter replacement cost of just 11 cents per gallon, the G3 P800 earned a perfect score of 10.00 in this category.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a PFAS-certified reverse osmosis system that filters water straight to the tap, the Waterdrop G3 P800 is our recommended choice. While it doesn’t outperform AquaTru in many categories, it comes really close, making it another top contender in this list.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.21 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.50 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 3.50 |
| Performance Certification | NSF 42, 53, 58 |
| Filtration Rate | 800 GPD |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Weak |
| Servicing Requirements | Exceptional |
| Costs | $0.11/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free shipping to lower 48 states |
| Returns | 30 days |
Clearly Filtered Pitcher: Best Long-Life PFAS Pitcher (8.78/10)
The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is a gravity-fed water filter that significantly reduced 8 contaminants with health effects in our water testing. It’s one of the few pitchers available that’s certified for PFAS reduction (this time by the WQA), and, unlike the other systems we’ve reviewed so far, it doesn’t require electricity, a high upfront spend, or a difficult installation.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $90.00 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 10+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 |
| Process | Coconut Carbon Block |
| Filter Capacity | 100 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$150 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why Did the Clearly Filtered Pitcher Make this List?
Key Finding: The Clearly Filtered pitcher filtered water at 2.27 gallons per hour in our timed test, roughly 7 times faster than the Culligan MaxClear, and its 100 gallon filter life is more than double the pitcher industry average.
Clearly Filtered’s pitcher is our recommended longest filter life water filter pitcher for PFAS reduction, ranking fourth in this list (with the fourth-highest overall performance score of 8.78). As it can be assembled and used almost instantly, it’s ideal for renters, students, anyone with limited counter space, and families who want better-quality drinking water on a budget.
If you prefer a single-filter system that you can get up and running in less than five minutes, Clearly Filtered offers a good solution.
How Did Clearly Filtered Perform in Our Lab Tests?
The big selling point of the Clearly Filtered pitcher is that it has been independently tested to reduce more than 360 contaminants—much more impressive than we see for the average water filter pitcher.
In our own testing (which was limited to the contaminants detected in our water supply), the pitcher earned an 8.24 score for contaminant reduction. This was based on its ability to reduce or remove barium, strontium, and other minerals and chemicals. The score was pulled down slightly by the presence of cobalt (0.00054 PPM) in our filtered water; a testing anomaly we don’t have an answer for yet.
Comparing its certifications to AquaTru’s, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is only officially certified for three contaminants. This lack of broader third-party testing does leave a bit of uncertainty when we compare it to systems like AquaTru, hence its lower certification score of 7.00.
How Fast Does the Clearly Filtered Pitcher Filter Water?
Many water filter pitchers we’ve tested have concerned us with their flimsy plastic designs, but the Clearly Filtered pitcher received a 9.70 score in the design category—one of the highest scores we’ve awarded a filter of its kind.
The BPA-free Tritan plastic jug feels solid and durable, and its WQA certification for lead-free materials and design safety is a big bonus.
We clocked the pitcher’s filtration rate at 2.27 gallons per hour, based on the time it took (just over 13 minutes) to filter 0.5 gallons of water. That’s faster than most other gravity-fed pitchers, earning it a score of 10.00. Plus, the 100-gallon filter life is more than double the industry average. That said, the filter replacement cost is still pretty high, at 55 cents per gallon, hence why its maintenance score was lower at 8.75.
Final Thoughts
The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is the best long life water filter pitcher for PFAS we tested. It might not have the power or the clever technology of an RO system, but it delivered a solid, dependable performance in our testing. At less than $100 with no installation required, it’s the most accessible way to reduce PFAS that we came across.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.78 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 8.30 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for <1% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 2.27 GPH |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.55/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Returns | 30 days |
Culligan MaxClear: Best Gravity Water Filter for PFAS (8.55/10)
Rounding up this review is the Culligan MaxClear, a gravity filter that’s compatible with Culligan’s stainless steel countertop filtration systems. It received an overall weighted score of 8.55, with an IAPMO certification for PFAS reduction and overall good contaminant reduction performance (although not the best on this list).
Best For
| Price | $229.99+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 13 |
| Certifications | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 372 |
| Process | Ceramic + Activated Carbon + KDF |
| Filter Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$160+ |
| Warranty | 5 years (unit only; filters not covered) |
What Did Our Lab Testing Find in the Culligan MaxClear?
Key Finding: The Culligan MaxClear is the only gravity filter we have tested with an IAPMO certification to NSF/ANSI 53 for total PFAS, but it took 8 hours to filter a full 3 gallon chamber in our testing.
In our lab tests, the Culligan MaxClear removed 100% copper, uranium, molybdenum, zinc, phosphorus, and fluoride, and reduced barium by 97%, strontium by 52%, nitrate by 34%, and chloride by just 2%.
But 0.0053 PPM of manganese was detected post-filtration, along with 6.51 PPB (parts per billion) dichloromethane (a manufacturing chemical). Neither of these contaminants was detected in our unfiltered water. Sulfate also increased by 724.71%. As a result, our lab testing score was pulled down slightly, to 8.76.
Most likely, manganese and sulfate were released from the filtration media itself, while it’s possible that methylene chloride was transferred onto the filters from the packaging materials. Read our full MaxClear review for more discussion on these unexpected results.
Is the Culligan MaxClear Certified for PFAS Reduction?
While PFAS wasn’t detected in our test water supply, we recommend the MaxClear filter in this shortlist because it has an IAPMO certification to NSF Standard 53 for removing this contaminant (as well as lead). In fact, it’s the only gravity filter of this kind that has been certified for PFAS reduction, of all the products we’ve tested so far.
Culligan has also obtained IAMPO certifications to NSF 42 and 401, for removing chlorine, chloramine, and particulates class I, atenolol, carbamazepine, meprobamate, trimethoprim, DEET, linuron, metolachlor, and microplastics. This earned the filter a score of 10.00 for its certifications, contributing to its overall contaminant reduction score of 8.88.
How Slowly Does the Culligan MaxClear Filter Water?
The Culligan MaxClear is significantly slower to filter water than the Clearly Filtered pitcher, with a recorded filtration rate of just 0.3 GPH (Clearly Filtered is around 7 times faster). It took a total of 8 hours to filter a full upper chamber of water, even with all three filters installed, resulting in the lowest filtration rate score on this list: 6.50.
We used the filters in the Culligan Venture, which received a top design score of 10.00. The unit is made from stainless steel and holds 3 gallons of water, with an IAMPO certification to NSF 372 for lead-free design. It’s a more attractive alternative to the Clearly Filtered pitcher if you’re looking for a unit that can hold more filtered water at once.
The system was easy to assemble, taking around 20 minutes, but the actual filter flushing process was time-consuming, resulting in a score of 8.50 for setup. This same flushing is required whenever you replace the filters, and their expensive ongoing cost of $1.20-$1.58-per-gallon (depending on how many filters you buy at once) contributed to a lower maintenance score of 7.25.
As the manufacturer, Culligan offers an impressive 5-year warranty and free shipping on orders over $99, but its ambiguous returns policy reduced its overall company score to 8.80.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.55 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 8.70 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 |
| Filtration Rate | 0.3 GPH |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | NSF/ANSI 372 |
| Setup | Good |
| Servicing Requirements | Good |
| Costs | $1.20-$1.58/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 5 years (unit only; filters not covered) |
| Shipping | Free shipping within the continental US on orders above $99. |
| Returns | Unclear, case-by-case returns policy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What water filter will remove PFAS?
A: The best water filters for removing PFAS are reverse osmosis systems, some carbon filters, and water distillers. To be certain a filter removes PFAS, look for an official NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification covering PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS.
Q: What is the EPA limit for PFAS in drinking water?
A: The EPA’s enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA and PFOS are 4.0 parts per trillion each, finalized in April 2024. In May 2026 the EPA proposed keeping these limits while extending the compliance deadline for water systems to 2031.
Q: Which certification proves a water filter removes PFAS?
A: Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53, or Standard 58 for reverse osmosis systems, covering PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS, issued by NSF, IAPMO, or WQA. Every filter in this guide holds one of these certifications.
Q: Do water filters filter out PFAS?
A: Not all water filters are guaranteed to reduce PFAS levels. Unless a water filter has certified proof of testing for its ability to remove forever chemicals, assume that it cannot.
Q: Does the Culligan ZeroWater filter remove PFAS?
A: Yes. The Culligan ZeroWater pitcher is IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for Total PFAS reduction.
Q: Does distilling water remove PFAS?
A: Yes. Up to 99% of PFAS are removed by distilling water, but distillation is a lengthy process, so we did not include distillers in this guide.
Q: Do reverse osmosis filters remove PFAS?
A: Yes, a reverse osmosis filter can remove almost 100% of PFAS.
Q: Can granular activated carbon filters remove PFAS?
A: It depends. Some activated carbon filters remove virtually all PFAS from drinking water, while others do not reduce PFAS at all. Contact time matters, so slow-flow carbon filters generally perform better.
Q: Does bottled water have PFAS?
A: Yes, PFAS have been found in bottled water, so drinking bottled water instead of tap water does not necessarily protect you.
Q: Does boiling water reduce PFAS?
A: No. Boiling water only causes some of the water to evaporate, which increases the concentration of PFAS relative to the volume of water.
About Our Experts
This guide was produced by Brian Campbell, WaterFilterGuru.com’s Founder and Water Filter Specialist, who researched, reviewed, and tested our shortlisted products. You can learn more about Brian in the author bio below.
Will you be testing the Bluevua ROPOT Countertop RO System soon????
Already did, see it her https://waterfilterguru.com/bluevua-ropot-review/
Are there any water filters that attach to the kitchen sink faucet that will filter out PFAS chemicals?
Carbon filters. Keep in mind reduction rates are impacted by contact time, and sometimes water flowing through those small faucet filters is too fast for high removal rates.
Hello- I would like to know if this is better for our body than drinking distilled water?
If what is better than drinking distilled water?