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Water · Best-of

Best Water Filter for Copper

Bottom line

In our scoring the best water filter for copper is one certified to NSF/ANSI 53 (or 58) for copper reduction. Among our scored units the Waterdrop G3P800 reverse-osmosis system leads our certified set.

Like lead, copper leaches into tap water from household plumbing and brass fittings rather than the source. The EPA sets a copper action level of 1.3 mg/L under the Lead and Copper Rule. We rank only filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis, for copper reduction on an official database.

How we score: We require a verifiable NSF/ANSI 53 (or 58) copper-reduction certification on an official database, then rank by composite score.

  1. 16.6
    Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless RO

    The Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless RO is a ro water filter. It is third-party certified (IAPMO) to reduce chlorine taste and odor, total dissolved solids (TDS), lead, fluoride, cadmium, chromium-6, selenium, arsenic, nitrate, mercury, copper, barium, PFOA, PFOS. Running cost works out to about $0.123 per gallon.

    • Certified to reduce: chlorine taste and odor, total dissolved solids (TDS), lead, fluoride, cadmium, chromium-6, selenium, arsenic, nitrate, mercury, copper, barium, PFOA, PFOS
    • Cartridge life: 2,200 gallons
    • Cost per gallon: $0.123
  2. 25.9
    PUR Plus Pitcher (7-Cup)

    The PUR Plus Pitcher (7-Cup) is a pitcher water filter. It is third-party certified (NSF/WQA) to reduce chlorine taste and odor, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, cadmium, microplastics. Running cost works out to about $0.374 per gallon.

    • Certified to reduce: chlorine taste and odor, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, cadmium, microplastics
    • Cartridge life: 40 gallons
    • Cost per gallon: $0.374
  3. 35.6
    Brita Standard Pitcher

    The Brita Standard Pitcher is a pitcher water filter. It is third-party certified (WQA) to reduce chlorine taste and odor, zinc, copper, cadmium, mercury. Running cost works out to about $0.200 per gallon.

    • Certified to reduce: chlorine taste and odor, zinc, copper, cadmium, mercury
    • Cartridge life: 40 gallons
    • Cost per gallon: $0.200

FAQ

Where does copper in tap water come from?
Mostly from corrosion of copper plumbing and brass fixtures inside the building, not the source water, which is why levels can differ house to house. The EPA action level is 1.3 mg/L under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Does a standard carbon pitcher remove copper?
Only if it is specifically certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for copper. Some certified pitchers cover copper, while many basic carbon filters do not, so we do not credit it without the certification.

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