Filter finder
Which Water Filter Do I Need?
Answer three questions, or start from your city's public record, and see each product's certification evidence for exactly what you picked, concern by concern.
Step 1
What do you want to remove?
Start from your city's public record and we tick the boxes for you, or choose them yourself.
Step 2
Where do you want filtered water?
Step 3
Do you own or rent?
Explore productsTick a concern to see each product's evidence for it.
Explore products
Related products to browse. Listing here says nothing about what a product covers; open one to see its evidence.
- 3M Aqua-Pure Whole-House Water Filter System (AP904)
- Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)
- Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)
- AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)
- Berkey PF-2 Fluoride & Arsenic Element (not certified)
- Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher (lab-tested, not NSF 53 certified)
- Countertop Gravity Filter
- Culligan ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (ZEROP10)
- Faucet-Mount Filter
- GE GXSH35W Water Softener (35,000-grain)
- Inline Refrigerator & Ice-Maker Filter
- iSpring WGB32B Whole-House Carbon System (not certified)
- Kenmore 420 Water Softener (40,000-grain)
- Under-Sink Carbon Block Filter
- Under-Sink Reverse-Osmosis System
- Waterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System
A product counts toward a concern only when a current certification record covers it; every concern you selected stays listed. Retail offers are looked up afterwards and never change which products appear or their order. As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. How we stay independent
What removes whatEach row is the treatment that addresses a concern and the certification that proves a specific model does it. The last column lists products in our catalogue with a current certification record, and the exact contaminants it covers.
How to choose in three steps
- 01Check your record
Your city report shows what was measured: PFAS, lead, hardness and any past violations. A filter should answer a finding, not a fear. Find my water
- 02Match the certification
Each concern has a standard that proves a model works for it. Check the certifier's listing for the exact model, not just the brand.
- 03Pick the format that fits
Pitcher and faucet filters need no tools; under-sink gives a dedicated tap; whole-house treats every tap. Budget for replacement cartridges, not just the unit.
Frequently asked questions
Which water filter do I need?
The one certified for what is actually in your water. Look up your city or ZIP code: its public record shows whether PFAS, lead or hardness is on record, and each finding points to a treatment and the certification to check (for example NSF/ANSI 53 for lead, NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis).
Do I need a reverse osmosis system?
Only if your water has something that calls for it: PFAS above the limit, fluoride, arsenic or nitrate. For lead or chlorine taste alone, a certified carbon filter (pitcher, faucet or under-sink) is enough and costs far less.
Is a pitcher filter enough?
For lead and chlorine taste, a pitcher certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead and NSF/ANSI 42 for taste works, as long as you replace the cartridge on schedule. Most pitchers are not certified for PFAS; check the exact model.
Does "NSF certified" mean a filter removes everything?
No. Certification is per contaminant and per model. A filter certified to NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine says nothing about lead or PFAS. Check the certifier's listing (NSF, WQA or IAPMO) for the exact model and contaminant.
Does a water softener make water safer to drink?
No. Hardness affects scale, appliances, soap and skin; it is not a health finding. A softener is a whole-house convenience and does not remove PFAS or lead.
I rent. What can I install?
Pitchers, faucet-mount filters and countertop units need no plumbing. An under-sink filter needs a small hookup, so ask your landlord; whole-house systems and softeners are for the owner to install.