Lead Pipe Map

Water filters that remove lead

Most filters on store shelves are certified for taste and chlorine, not lead. To reduce lead you need a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI 58.

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The quick answer

Pitcher, about $25 to $45Easy and cheap. Slow to fill and filters need changing every 2 to 6 months. Examples certified for lead include Brita Elite, PUR Plus and ZeroWater.See lead-certified pitchers Faucet-mount, about $30 to $60Filtered water straight from the tap with a switch. Doesn't fit pull-down or some designer faucets.See faucet filters Under-sink, about $100 to $400Highest capacity and a dedicated faucet. Carbon block units (NSF 53) or reverse osmosis (NSF 58).See under-sink systems

How to check a filter is really certified for lead

  1. Look for "NSF/ANSI 53" and "lead reduction" on the package. "NSF 42" alone covers taste and odor only.
  2. Search the model on NSF's listings at info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU. IAPMO, WQA and CSA also certify to the same standard.
  3. Make sure the replacement cartridge you buy is the certified version; brands sell several.

Use it the right way

  • Filter all water used for drinking, cooking, coffee and baby formula.
  • Use cold water only. Hot water draws more lead and can damage filters.
  • Replace cartridges on schedule. An expired filter can release what it trapped.
  • Boiling does not remove lead; it concentrates it.

Who should filter

Anyone whose service line is lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown, and anyone living through a replacement project, since digging can shake lead loose for months. 7,556 community water systems have reported at least one confirmed lead or galvanized line. The largest counts are in Chicago (360,857), Cleveland Public Water System (144,721), New York City System (124,197), City of Detroit (80,715), Milwaukee Waterworks (65,331).

Your utility or health department may hand out free filters, especially after a replacement or a lead action level exceedance. Ask before you buy.

More: How to tell if your home has a lead service line · What "lead status unknown" means · How to test your tap water for lead · Lead service line replacement: cost, who pays and deadlines · Does a Brita filter remove lead? · Is it safe to shower with lead pipes?