Free EPA Data Lookup

What's in Your Water?

Enter your ZIP code to check the EPA's Safe Drinking Water database for violations and contaminants in your local water system. It takes 5 seconds.

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Filters That Actually Work

Based on independent lab testing and NSF certifications. These are the products I use and recommend for my own family.

Top Pick

AquaTru Classic

$449

NSF-certified 4-stage countertop reverse osmosis. Removes 84 contaminants including lead, PFAS, fluoride, microplastics, and arsenic. No plumbing needed -- sits on your counter.

NSF Certified | Removes 84 Contaminants
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Budget Pick

Clearly Filtered Pitcher

$90 - $100

Independently tested to remove 365+ contaminants including 99.7% of PFAS, lead, and microplastics. The best filtration you can get in a pitcher format, at a fraction of the RO cost.

Removes 365+ Contaminants | PFAS Tested
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Test First

Tap Score Water Test Kit

$180

Before you buy a filter, find out exactly what's in your water. Tap Score tests for 100+ contaminants at a certified lab and sends you a detailed report with health-based recommendations.

Certified Lab Analysis | 100+ Contaminants
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Most Popular

AquaBliss Shower Filter

$35

Your skin absorbs contaminants in the shower too. This high-output shower filter reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment. Over 80,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Amazon.

80,000+ Reviews | Multi-Stage Filtration
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my water quality?

Enter your ZIP code in the tool above to instantly check EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) records for your area. This will show you any water system violations, the contaminants involved, and the water systems serving your ZIP code. You can also request a free Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your local water utility, which is published annually.

What does the EPA test for?

The EPA regulates over 90 contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act, including lead, copper, arsenic, nitrates, disinfection byproducts (like trihalomethanes), coliform bacteria, and certain pesticides. However, the EPA does not currently regulate many emerging contaminants like PFAS (forever chemicals), microplastics, and pharmaceutical residues, though new PFAS regulations were finalized in 2024.

Do Brita filters remove PFAS?

Standard Brita filters (using activated carbon) do not effectively remove PFAS. Brita's Elite filters can reduce some PFAS compounds, but for comprehensive PFAS removal, you need a reverse osmosis system like the AquaTru or a filter specifically certified for PFAS removal like the Clearly Filtered pitcher, which is independently tested to remove 99.7% of PFAS.

What is the safest water filter?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are considered the gold standard for home water filtration because they remove the widest range of contaminants, including lead, PFAS, microplastics, fluoride, and arsenic. The AquaTru is a top-rated countertop RO system that requires no plumbing and is NSF-certified to remove 84 contaminants. For a budget option, the Clearly Filtered pitcher removes 365+ contaminants and is independently tested.

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