Contaminant · Water
PFAS (PFOA / PFOS)
What it is
PFAS are a large family of synthetic 'forever chemicals' used in nonstick and waterproof products. They persist in the environment and have been detected in many public water supplies.
Why it matters
In 2024 the EPA finalized enforceable drinking-water limits for several PFAS, including 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. That regulatory threshold is the reference point; we score whether a filter is certified to reduce these compounds, not any health outcome.
What removes it
A filter certified to NSF/ANSI P473, or NSF/ANSI 53 plus 401 covering PFOA/PFOS. Reverse osmosis also reduces PFAS; certification confirms it.
Reference: EPA PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).
Scored filters certified for PFAS (PFOA / PFOS)
- 7.5Culligan US-EZ-4 Under-Sink
An under-sink filter genuinely IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 for lead, cysts, VOCs, mercury and PFOA/PFOS.
- 7.2Aquasana AQ-5200 Under-Sink
Certified for lead and PFAS, cheap per gallon, marketing matches the certified scope.
- 7.2AquaTru Classic Countertop RO
A no-plumbing countertop 4-stage RO purifier certified to NSF standards for lead, PFAS, fluoride and arsenic with an efficient drain ratio.
- 4.9ZeroWater 5-Stage Pitcher (7-Cup)
A five-stage ion-exchange pitcher certified for lead, chromium-6 and PFOA/PFOS - but a short 15-gallon filter makes it costly to run.
FAQ
- Do standard pitcher filters remove PFAS?
- Most do not. Look for explicit P473 (or 53+401 PFOA/PFOS) certification on the official NSF database.