Water Filter Certifications to Look For
When you think about clean water, you probably think of crisp, clear, and refreshing water straight from the tap or a handy pitcher. But not all tap water is created equal, and that’s why investing in a good water filter is important. When you look at different filters, you’ll notice certifications printed on the packaging. You may have seen labels like NSF, ANSI, or WQA, but what do these certifications actually mean for you? Understanding water filter certifications can be the key to finding the right product that effectively filters contaminants and provides safe drinking water. In this guide, we’ll explain the most important certifications you should be looking for, how they impact your water quality, and even look at some of the best products available on Amazon that meet these standards.
Why Do Certifications Matter?
When you purchase a water filter, you want to be sure it does what it promises. Unfortunately, not all filters are created equal, and some might not remove the contaminants you expect them to. This is where certifications come in. These labels are provided by independent organizations that test water filters to verify their claims. Certifications ensure that filters can indeed remove contaminants like lead, chlorine, bacteria, and more.
Key Water Filter Certifications to Know
Let’s explore the main certifications you need to know about when buying a water filter:
- NSF/ANSI Standard 42
- What It Is: This is one of the most common certifications, and it primarily deals with aesthetic effects. In other words, it ensures that a filter improves the taste, odor, and appearance of water by reducing chlorine and other similar impurities.
- Products to Look For: If you are concerned about chlorine taste or odor, a product like the Brita Standard Everyday Water Pitcher (available on Amazon) is a great option. It is NSF 42 certified, ensuring you get great-tasting water without the lingering taste of chlorine.
- NSF/ANSI Standard 53
- What It Is: Standard 53 focuses on health-related contaminants, such as lead, cysts, VOCs (volatile organic chemicals), and other potentially harmful substances. If you’re worried about the health effects of contaminated water, this is an essential certification to look for.
- Products to Look For: The PUR FM-3700 Advanced Faucet Water Filter is a popular product on Amazon that carries the NSF 53 certification. It reduces lead and many other contaminants, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
- NSF/ANSI Standard 401
- What It Is: This certification covers emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and herbicides, which may be found in trace amounts in tap water. With growing concerns about the effects of prescription drugs and pesticides in water, NSF 401 has become increasingly important.
- Products to Look For: The Aquasana AQ-5300+ Under Sink Water Filter is highly rated and NSF 401 certified, providing protection against an array of harmful chemicals.
- NSF/ANSI Standard 58
- What It Is: This standard is for reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which are known to be very effective at removing dissolved solids from water. It includes requirements for reducing contaminants like heavy metals and nitrates.
- Products to Look For: The APEC Water Systems ROES-50 is an Amazon favorite that carries the NSF 58 certification. If you want a powerful system that can eliminate nearly all contaminants, this is a solid choice.
- Water Quality Association (WQA) Gold Seal
- What It Is: The WQA Gold Seal is another widely recognized certification that ensures the product has been independently tested for performance, safety, and structural integrity. Products that carry this certification have gone through a rigorous evaluation.
- Products to Look For: The iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage RO Water Filter System has received the WQA Gold Seal and is well-reviewed on Amazon for its ability to provide clean, safe, and balanced water with added mineral content.
Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Needs
Now that you know the most important certifications, let’s discuss how to choose the right filter for your specific situation. Here are some common scenarios:
1. Improving Taste and Odor
If your tap water has an unpleasant taste or odor, it’s likely due to chlorine. In this case, a filter that is NSF 42 certified will do the job. Brita pitchers and PUR faucet attachments are affordable, easy-to-use options that can drastically improve the quality of your drinking water.
2. Addressing Health Concerns
If you are worried about contaminants like lead, pesticides, or even pharmaceuticals, a filter that carries NSF 53 and 401 certifications is crucial. These filters can eliminate harmful substances and provide added safety. For example, the Aquasana Countertop Water Filter is NSF 53 and 401 certified and provides a thorough filtering process for health-conscious individuals.
3. Removing the Most Contaminants Possible
If you want the cleanest water possible, look for a reverse osmosis system with an NSF 58 certification. RO systems are known for removing up to 99% of impurities, including dissolved solids, heavy metals, and bacteria. The APEC ROES-50 is a great example of an NSF 58 certified system that delivers high-quality purified water.
How to Verify a Water Filter’s Certification
It’s important to know that just because a product claims to be certified doesn’t necessarily mean it is. To verify certifications:
- Check the Product Packaging: Most certified filters will display the certification logo prominently on their packaging.
- Visit the NSF or WQA Website: These organizations maintain databases where you can search for specific product models and confirm their certifications. This is especially useful for products that claim certifications without displaying logos.
Water Filter Types and Certification Fit
Depending on your needs and lifestyle, different types of water filters may work better for you. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pitcher Filters
- Ideal for: Small households, easy access, better tasting water
- Best Certifications: NSF 42 (for chlorine)
- Recommended Product: Brita Standard Everyday Water Pitcher
- Faucet Filters
- Ideal for: Easy installation, on-demand filtered water
- Best Certifications: NSF 42, NSF 53
- Recommended Product: PUR FM-3700 Advanced Faucet Filter
- Under Sink Filters
- Ideal for: Larger households, dedicated clean water for cooking and drinking
- Best Certifications: NSF 53, NSF 401
- Recommended Product: Aquasana AQ-5300+
- Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Ideal for: Maximum contaminant removal, serious water quality concerns
- Best Certifications: NSF 58, WQA Gold Seal
- Recommended Product: APEC Water Systems ROES-50
Other Important Considerations
1. Flow Rate
Flow rate is an important factor, especially if you have a larger household. Pitcher filters are usually slower, while faucet and under-sink filters provide a much faster flow rate. If you use a lot of water daily, a system like the iSpring RCC7AK, which features a higher flow rate, could be a good option.
2. Maintenance and Filter Replacement
Different filters have different maintenance needs. Be sure to check how often filters need to be replaced, as some may require more frequent changes, adding to the ongoing cost. For instance, the Brita pitcher filter needs to be replaced every two months, while the APEC ROES-50 RO system filters can last between 6 to 12 months.
3. Budget and Cost of Ownership
Filters range widely in price, from affordable pitcher filters to expensive multi-stage RO systems. However, it’s important to think about the long-term costs, including filter replacements. A lower initial price might end up costing more over time if replacement filters are expensive or need to be changed frequently.
FAQs About Water Filter Certifications
1. Are certified water filters always better than non-certified ones?
Yes, certified filters have undergone independent testing, which verifies that they effectively remove the contaminants they claim to. Non-certified filters may not have been properly tested, and you may be taking a risk in terms of their performance.
2. Do all filters remove lead?
No, not all filters are effective at removing lead. To ensure that a filter can remove lead, make sure it carries the NSF 53 certification. A product like the PUR FM-3700 is an example of a lead-reducing filter that is widely used.
3. Is it necessary to have multiple certifications for one product?
Not necessarily, but having multiple certifications can give you added confidence that the filter is capable of removing a wider range of contaminants. For instance, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ has both NSF 53 and NSF 401 certifications, making it effective against both health-related contaminants and emerging contaminants.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Water Filter for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing a water filter, understanding certifications is essential. Whether you need to improve the taste of your water, protect against serious contaminants like lead, or ensure your water is free from pharmaceuticals and herbicides, there’s a filter out there that’s right for you. Always look for trusted certifications such as NSF/ANSI standards and the WQA Gold Seal, as these will give you peace of mind about the quality of the product you are using.
If you’re still on the fence about which one to choose, consider your specific needs. For general taste improvement, a simple Brita pitcher with NSF 42 certification is perfect. For health concerns, opt for a PUR faucet filter or Aquasana under-sink filter with NSF 53 and 401 certifications. And if you want the most comprehensive filtering available, a reverse osmosis system like the APEC ROES-50 is the gold standard.
By taking the time to understand these certifications, you can ensure the water you drink is clean, healthy, and refreshing every time. Happy filtering!