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CL Answer How important it is to reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water from my tap? Removing dissolved solids (TDS) may be desirable if your tap water is known to contain large amounts of dissolved solids that negatively affect taste, but you may also be removing essential minerals. Learn more about our tests of water filter pitchers. CL Answer Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water? Find out if water filter pitchers and faucet mounted filters from Brita, Pur, Lifestraw and other brands remove microplastics from tap water.
Clinical Update
5/05/2023
Do Water Filter Pitchers Really Remove PFAS?
In many parts of the U.S., drinking water exceeds proposed limits for potentially toxic PFAS compounds. How well do water filter pitchers remove PFAS? Find out in the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Also see our Top Picks for water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
1/07/2022
Bacteria Build-up in Water Filters?
Water filter pitchers help remove contaminants and unpleasant taste from water, but can the filters harbor illness-causing bacteria? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
4/21/2023
Five More Water Filter Pitchers Tested
We tested five more water filter pitchers (Aquagear, Berkey, Brita, Kirkland, and LifeStraw) and found surprising results.
While all did an excellent job of removing the heavy metals lead, cadmium, and mercury, pitchers varied dramatically in their ability to remove chlorine, (which affects taste), fluoride, arsenic, total dissolved solids (TDS), and microplastic particles. Be aware that some pitchers actually increase the amount of microplastics in water after filtering!
See our Top Picks for:
- Removing Chlorine Taste
- Reducing Fluoride
- Removing Arsenic
- Reducing Earthy Taste (due to high TDS)
The Review also shows which additional contaminants products claim to reduce (such as PFAS, solvents, and microbes), explains why you shouldn't drink the first few pitchers of water when using a new filter, and what to do if your water pitcher is unusually slow.
See the Water Filter Pitchers Review and our video about it.
Clinical Update
5/02/2023
Clearly Filtered vs. Other Water Filters
After publishing our recent review of water filter pitchers, several readers asked us about the Clearly Filtered pitcher, which was not tested. We’ve added information about this product – including a questionable claim – to the ConsumerTips section of the review. Also see our Top Picks among tested water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
9/06/2023
Brita Responds to Lawsuit
Brita responded to the recent lawsuit alleging that its products do not remove all hazardous contaminants. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, and see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
9/08/2023
Filtering PFAS from Tap Water
Using a water filter pitcher or other home water filter was linked to significantly lower blood levels of PFAS in a recent study. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, and find out how water filter pitchers compare on removing PFAS, our Top Picks for removing PFAS, and our Top Picks for removing other substances in water.
Clinical Update
10/10/2023
Berkey Filters
Find out why water filters for Berkey filtration devices are not currently available. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
11/14/2023
Berkey Filters & Aluminum
Concerns have been raised that Berkey Fluoride filters may add aluminum to water. Find out if this is true, and if you should be concerned, in our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
5/31/2024
Have Kidney Disease? Watch What’s In Your Water
People with chronic kidney disease are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals. Even low levels of lead in drinking water may be harmful, according to a recent study. See our Water Filter Pitchers Review for details. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
5/09/2023
Filtering Out PFAS
We’ve added information about an add-on to Brita filters that claims to remove potentially dangerous PFAS from drinking water. See the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Clinical Update
7/14/2023
PFAS in Tap Water
A study of tap water in U.S. homes found that, in many cases, both public supply and private well water exceed the EPA’s proposed limits for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Get the details in our article about PFAS.
Find out which water filter pitchers claim to remove PFAS from water in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
7/18/2023
Filtering Out Forever Chemicals
PFAS, or “forever chemicals” are now in many water supplies and can have adverse health effects. Recent tests show how effective water filter pitchers are in filtering them out. See the results and our suggested Top Pick among them in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
9/28/2022
Microplastics & Blood Clots
A recent study raised concern about microplastics causing blood clots. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
10/28/2022
Microplastics in Salt
A recent study found high concentrations of microplastics in certain sea salts. Get the details, and learn how levels vary across salts in our article about microplastics in water and salt.
Also see if popular water filter pitchers removed microplastics in our Water Filter Pitcher Review. (We’re currently testing additional pitchers, so stay tuned for more results.)
Clinical Update
4/12/2024
Top Pick Water Filters
We’ve chosen an overall Top Pick among water filter pitchers based on test performance, cost, and certification. We have also changed our Top Picks for certain uses due to changes in products and availability. See our current Top Picks in our Water Filter Pitcher Review.
Clinical Update
3/29/2024
Microplastics Cardiovascular Concern
Microplastic particles were recently found in arterial plaque in many people, and this was associated with much higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and death. Get the details in the Microplastics section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing microplastics.
Clinical Update
9/19/2023
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher & PFAS
Does Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher do a good job removing PFAS ("forever chemicals") from tap water? Find out in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS as well as chlorine, arsenic, microbes, and more.
Clinical Update
10/11/2022
Removing Radium From Water?
A CL Member asked if water pitcher filters can remove radium from drinking water. Find out in the What to Consider When Using section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
12/01/2023
Avoid Fake Water Filters
Counterfeit water filters have been sold in the U.S. Learn how to avoid buying one online. See our list of authorized water filter sellers.
Also see:
- Our review of Water Filter Pitchers
- How to avoid counterfeit supplements online
Clinical Update
3/01/2024
Berkey Filter Replacement?
With Berkey water filters no longer being sold, how do replacement filters compare (such as those from Boroux, Kainasch, and ProPure)? Find out in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.
Clinical Update
7/21/2023
More "Forever Chemicals" In U.S. Tap Water
Concentrations of "forever chemicals" in tap water samples from 18 states in the U.S. were recently reported. Learn more in our article about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
For removing PFAS, see our Top Pick water filter pitcher and our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter.
Clinical Update
8/22/2023
Brita Lawsuit
A recently filed lawsuit alleges that Brita products do not live up to claims of removing hazardous contaminants from drinking water. Learn more and ConsumerLab’s take on the suit in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.
Clinical Update
2/13/2024
Exposure to Forever Chemicals
Learn about a tool to help you estimate your exposure to PFAS ("forever chemicals") and ways to reduce exposure. For details, see the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS.
Clinical Update
4/16/2024
PFAS Toxins in Drinking Water
Separately, the EPA recently finalized limits on PFAS in drinking water, but this gives water districts until 2029 to take corrective action. Learn more and see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS.
Clinical Update
3/01/2024
Loss of Minerals with Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis water filtration depletes water of minerals. Is it necessary to add minerals back? Find out in our article about reducing exposure to PFAS, which includes our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter.
Also see our Water Pitcher Filters Review.
Clinical Update
12/16/2023
Discount Water Filters?
We found that sites that sell water filters at a discount actually charge more for some brands. Get the details in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.
Clinical Update
12/27/2023
Water Filters From AllFilters.com?
Find out which filter brands AllFilters.com is authorized to sell and which it is not. It’s all in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.
Clinical Update
12/08/2023
Lower-Cost Filter Sellers?
Is it smart to use lower-cost sellers of water filters? We checked into two popular sellers. See what we found in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.
Also see a video we added to our article about how to avoid buying counterfeit supplements.
Clinical Update
7/14/2023
Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filters
Although not tested, we also reviewed countertop reverse osmosis water filters for removing PFAS. See which is our Top Pick.
Clinical Update
6/21/2022
Drinking Water & PFAS
The EPA indicated last week that it intends to slash the amount of PFAS that can safely be in drinking water. Get the details in the Drinking Water section of our CL Answer about PFAS. Also see our information about water filters to remove PFAS.
Clinical Update
8/30/2019
Microplastics in Food and Water
How many microplastic particles do we consume each year from our food and water? Find out in the updated answer to the question: Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water?
Clinical Update
4/28/2023
Rinsing Coffee Filters?
Bleached coffee filters can contain a small amount of dioxin (a harmful chemical), but there’s a way to reduce the amount. Find out in the Dioxins in coffee filters section of our article about coffee and heart health.
Clinical Update
11/26/2021
Fiberglass HEPA Filters
Are HEPA filters made out of fiberglass safe to use inside a home? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Which air purifiers are best for reducing the spread of COVID-19?
Clinical Update
4/14/2023
Dioxins from Coffee Filters?
Some paper coffee filters contain toxic chemicals that can leach into coffee. Learn more and how to reduce exposure in CL Answer about coffee.
Clinical Update
5/09/2023
Coffee Filters Without Dioxins?
Find out which brands of white (i.e., “bleached”) coffee filters are least likely to expose users to dioxins in our article about coffee.
Clinical Update
7/17/2018
Too Much Coconut Water?
Drinking too much coconut water can be dangerous, particularly for certain people. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Coconut Waters Review. (Also see our tests and comparisons of popular coconut waters.)
Clinical Update
6/08/2019
Avoiding Microplastics in Bottled Water
There is increasing evidence of microplastics appearing in water -- including a study of popular bottled water brands. See the results in our answer to the question: Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water and specialty salts? How concerned should I be?
Clinical Update
10/11/2019
Risk from Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
Repeatedly opening and closing plastic water bottles can pose a risk, according to a new study. Get the details in our updated answer to the question: Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water and specialty salts? How concerned should I be?
Clinical Update
3/14/2023
"Hydrogen Water" Tablets?
Are "hydrogen water" or "H2 tablets" effective for any medical condition? Find out in our article about hydrogen water.
Clinical Update
4/11/2023
PFAS in Drinking Water
The EPA recently proposed federal limits on PFAS, chemicals with potentially negative health effects, in drinking water. Get the details in our updated answer to the question: How can I avoid PFAS in dental floss, food, water, and other products?
Clinical Update
11/15/2022
Does Bottled Water Expire?
Find out what the dates printed on bottled water really mean and the best ways to store water in disposable and reusable bottles.
Clinical Update
6/13/2023
Hard Water & Soap
If you have hard water, learn which soap ingredient may be particularly irritating.
Clinical Update
6/24/2022
Salt Water for Gums?
Can rinsing with salt water reduce plaque build-up or help with bleeding gums?
Clinical Update
8/16/2022
Water for Dry Eye?
Does drinking extra water help with dry eye? Find out in our updated article about dry eye -- which includes information about supplements and lifestyle habits than can help.
Clinical Update
6/01/2022
Bug Sprays Around Pets & Laundry Water Disposal
We answered the following questions from our readers:
Are bug repellents or insecticides for humans safe for use on or around pets?
Is it safe to dispose of laundry water used to wash permethrin-treated clothing?
Clinical Update
2/14/2023
Green Tea: More EGCG and Less Caffeine?
A CL member asked how steeping green tea in cold water rather than brewing in hot water affects levels of polyphenols and caffeine in the tea. See what a study found in the ConsumerTips section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.
Clinical Update
6/27/2023
Should you worry about fluoridated drinking water?
A recent study showed an increase in dental fluorosis in children in areas with fluoridated water. Should you be concerned? Learn more in the Fluoride section our article about toothpaste and other dental products.
Clinical Update
1/27/2024
Alkaline Water for Kidney Stones?
People who have had kidney stones may be advised to consume foods and supplements that alkalize their urine. Find out if “alkaline water” might help in our article about supplements, foods, and kidney stone risk.
Clinical Update
1/30/2024
Ulcerative Colitis
Find out if drinking coconut water or taking psyllium helped people with active ulcerative colitis in recent studies. Also see our Top Picks among coconut waters and psyllium supplements.
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