How to Remove Fluoride from Water at Home + 10 Best Fluoride Water Filter Reviews
Written by Gene Fitzgerald // Updated: // Published:
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The problem with water fluoridation is that, once added to our water supplies, there’s no way of controlling who ingests how much fluoride. This can be a serious problem especially for the majority of kids that already exceed the recommendation for daily fluoride intake by nutrition alone.
As a growing part of the population wants to opt out of water fluoridation, the demand for filter systems that can remove fluoride from water increases.
If you too are serious about going fluoride-free, make sure to carefully read our buying guide below. It features the best fluoride water filters and tells you how to remove fluoride from water at home in general.
On This Page You Will…
- Find our fluoride filters best-of list
- Find the best fluoride water filter system reviews
- Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Fluoride? (+ Our #1 RO Fluoride Water Filter)
- Best fluoride removal pitcher
- Whole house fluoride water filters
- Best fluoride shower filter
- Filter water bottle
- Top under sink system
- Berkey countertop water filter
- Inline and refrigerator water purifier
- Water distiller
- Faucet filters
- Filters that remove fluoride AND chlorine from water
- Buying guide – Learn how to get fluoride out of your tap water
No Time to Read? Check Our Fluoride Filters Best-Of List!
| Filters | Our Rating | Price | Product Type | Fluoride Reduction | NSF | Responsive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best RO System for Fluoride: AquaTru | Read Review | $$ | Countertop Reverse Osmosis | 93.5% | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |  Best RO System for Fluoride: AquaTru Our Rating: Read Review Use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 5% OFF! |
| Use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 5% OFF! | ||||||
 Best Water Pitcher That Removes Fluoride: Clearly Filtered | Read Review | $ | Pitcher | 96.9-98.2% | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 |  Best Water Pitcher That Removes Fluoride: Clearly Filtered Our Rating: Read Review |
 Best Whole House Fluoride Filter: Crystal Quest | Read Review | $$$$ | Whole House | 90-95% | - |  Best Whole House Fluoride Filter: Crystal Quest Our Rating: Read Review |
 Best Fluoride Shower Filter: Propur ProMax | Read Review | $ | Shower Filter | 48% | 42, 53 |  Best Fluoride Shower Filter: Propur ProMax Our Rating: Read Review |
 Top Fluoride Filter Water Bottle: Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel | Read Review | $ | Bottle | 99.0-99.9% | 42, 53, 401 |  Top Fluoride Filter Water Bottle: Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Our Rating: Read Review |
 #1 Under Sink System for Fluoride: Clearly Filtered | Read Review | $$ | Under Sink | 99.5% | 42, 53, 401 |  #1 Under Sink System for Fluoride: Clearly Filtered Our Rating: Read Review |
 Best Countertop/Portable Water Filter that Removes Fluoride: Big Berkey | Read Review | $$ | Gravity Water Filtration System | 97% | 42, 53 |  Best Countertop/Portable Fluoride Water Filter: Big Berkey Our Rating: Read Review |
 Inline & Refrigerator Fluoride Water Filter | Read Review | $ | Inline / Refrigerator | 99.5% | 42, 53, 401 |  Inline & Refrigerator Fluoride Water Filter Our Rating: Read Review |
 #1 Distiller: Megahome MH943SBSTru | Read Review | $ | Water Distiller | Up to 99% | - |  #1 Distiller: Megahome MH943SBSTru Our Rating: Read Review |
Best Fluoride Water Filter Reviews
Review Order
- AquaTru Reverse Osmosis System
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
- Crystal Quest Whole House Fluoride Filter
- Crystal Quest Big Blue
- Propur ProMax Shower Filter
- Clearly Filtered Filter Water Bottle
- Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under Sink
- Berkey
- Inline and Refrigerator Water Filter that Removes Fluoride
- Megahome Water Distiller
- Faucet Filters
- Water Filters That Remove Fluoride AND Chlorine
Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Fluoride? (+ Our #1 RO Fluoride Water Filter: AquaTru)
A study conducted by the University of Nebraska in 2008 showed that even small point-of-use reverse osmosis systems are very well capable of removing fluoride from tap water – some systems are certified to take out more than 90%.[1]
In our opinion, the best reverse osmosis fluoride water filter in 2020 is the AquaTru. Certifications according to NSF standards 42, 53, 58, and 401, and NSF protocol P473 guarantee the removal of dozens of hazardous contaminants that you don’t want in your drinking water (fluoride reduction rate: 93.5%).
The highlight, however, is that the AquaTru countertop RO system doesn’t require a permanent installation. You just place it on your countertop, plug in the power cable, and you’re good to go – it’s super convenient and ideal for renters. The cherry on top is that maintenance couldn’t be easier and the system is affordable, as well. 4.5 stars!
Make sure to use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 5% OFF!
AquaTru Reverse Osmosis System | |
| Price: | $$ |
| System Type: | Reverse Osmosis |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 93.5% |
| NSF Standards: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
| Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- The AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis system has earned 5 NSF certifications which guarantees healthy, great-tasting water for drinking and cooking with more than 80 contaminants removed, including fluoride (93.5%), lead (99.1%), chromium-6 (97.2%), PFAS (97.5%), pesticides, drug residues, organic compounds, chlorine, and cyst (99.99%).
- Uses 4-stage filtration process to achieve these results.
- Stage one and two is a combination of sediment and activated carbon pre-filter. Apart from chemicals and bad taste and odor, it filters larger particulates to protect the rest of the system from clogging.
- The reverse osmosis membrane rejects the contaminants listed above + others.
- Stage four uses an activated carbon block for final polishing.
- Fast filtration purifies one gallon of water in 10-15 minutes thanks to built-in pressure pump.
- High water pressure also reduces wastewater production. The recovery rate is 80%, meaning only 20% of the input water goes down the drain (reverse osmosis systems that don’t use pumps waste around 3-5 gallons for every gallon of filtered water).
- System setup doesn’t involve drilling or plumbing and barely takes 10 minutes.
- Design is space-saving.
- Operation is intuitive: Fill water into the removable tank and install it back into system. The RO water collects in the front tank (can be removed for cooling). Reject water collects in second tank ready to be discarded.
- Easy push button dispensing.
- Plastic material is BPA and BPS-free.
- The different filters last between 6 months and 2 years. Annual/biannual replacement only takes a few minutes with no need for tools. Lights on the front panel will tell you whenever it’s time for a new filter.
- Cost: We estimate between $100 and $120 a year which is really affordably.
- Manufacturer warranty is one year.
Cons
- A few people had issues with leaks. For others, the water filtration system stopped working entirely.
Best Fluoride Filter Pitcher: Clearly Filtered
In our opinion, by far the best fluoride filter pitcher in 2020 is the Clearly Filtered. It removes more water contaminants than any other pitcher and is thus for people who have clean drinking water at the top of their priority list. Fluoride reduction: 96.9- 98.2% – simply outstanding. 5 stars!
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher | |
| Price: | $ |
| Type: | Water Filter Pitcher |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 96.9-98.2% |
| NSF Standards: | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- The only water filter pitcher tested against 5 NSF standards (42, 53, 244, 401, P473) with outstanding results. Targets far more than 200 water contaminants including fluoride, chlorine and chloramine (99.9%), bacteria and cyst (99.9%), lead (99.5%), arsenic (99.6%), chromium-6 (96.9%), two dozen pharmaceutical drugs (99.9%), a bunch of herbicides (93.2-99.9%), pesticides (99.9%), PFAS (99.6%), and more than 100 VOCs (most to 99.9%).
- Healthy minerals are kept in the water adding to your daily nutritional intake.
- Uses Affinity Filtration Technology, a combination of granular activated carbon and several other proprietary filter materials.
- Super easy to assemble – barely takes 2 minutes – and use (we tested this ourselves).
- Holds up to 10 cups of water which is enough for a whole family if you remember to refill on a regular basis.
- Pitcher + filters are built in the USA from medical-grade Tritan plastic. 100% BPA-free.
- One cartridge lasts 100 gallons of water or 4 months on average. Keeps maintenance at a bare minimum. Cost per piece: $50 (cheaper if you buy in bulk and subscribe).
- Full refund thanks to 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
- Lifetime warranty on pitcher.
Cons
- The Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher is more costly to purchase and maintain than most of the competition.
- A few people have reported that their filters don’t last as long as advertised and that the filtration speed is rather slow. Personally we haven’t had any issues.
- A long contact time between water and filter media can be a good thing. It allows for a more thorough filtration.
- Clearly Filtered replaces defective water filters free of charge.
→ Full Clearly Filtered Review Here
Best Whole House Fluoride Filter: Crystal Quest
Our number one whole house fluoride filter in 2020 is sold by Crystal Quest. Fluoride reduction rate: 90-95% when used as intended. The high quality system comes in 2 different sizes. The smaller version is for homes with up to 3 bathrooms. The larger system is for 4+ bathrooms.
Both come with a programmable head valve which allows for automatic backwashing to increase the life of the fluoride filter media to as much as 1 million gallons! In other words, you don’t have to worry about replacing the media for several years. The long service life is also what makes the Crystal Quest fluoride whole home water system a worthwhile investment. The initial price tag seems high but it’s all the more affordable in the long run, especially compared to cartridge-based systems. 4.5 stars.
Crystal Quest Whole House Water Filtration System | |
| Price: | $$$$ |
| System Type: | Whole House Filter System |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 90-95% |
| NSF Standards: | – |
| Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- Uses mineral tank filled with granular activated charcoal-based fluoride removal media (bone char).
- Mixture of adsorption and chemical reaction to remove as much fluoride as possible.
- Also effectively removes lead, mercury, and arsenic.
- Copper-zinc alloy additive prevents bacteria growth inside the mineral tank.
- 5-micron sediment pre-filter (20”) traps silt, sand, dirt, and other large particles so they don’t get stuck in the mineral tank.
- 5-micron coconut-shell carbon block post-filter (20”) removes any chemicals and other contaminants to improve water taste.
- 1.5 cubic feet filter media (small version) lasts 750,000 gallons of water at 9-11 gallons per minute water flow. 2.0 cubic feet media (large version) lasts 1,000,000 gallons at 10-13 gpm flow.
- Maintenance-free for up to 10 years.
- System designed for municipal water containing inorganic fluoride.
- Can be used over a wide water pH range.
- Choose between fiberglass or stainless steel casing for durability.
- System installation and programming is easy and clear with solid instructions.
- Sediment pre-filter lasts 18-24 months. Carbon post-filter lasts 12-18 months. We estimate 8-10 years for a family of 4 before the bone char needs to be replaced.
- Total average annual cost: $115-140, depending on system size.
- Covered by manufacturer warranty for one year.
Cons
- Expensive at purchase.
Whole Home Alternative: Crystal Quest Big Blue
For smaller homes with 1 or 2 bathrooms, the Crystal Quest Big Blue system might provide a high-enough flow rate to meet your water demand even at times of peak consumption.
The max water flow rate is 4-6 gallons per minute. So you can’t really use more than 2, maybe 3 water outlets at the same time without experiencing a drop in pressure or unfiltered water leaching through.
As for the filtration itself, the filtering media is identical to what the larger Crystal Quest system uses: Bone char + bacteriostatic copper-zinc additive. Fluoride reduction rate: 90-95%.
The Crystal Quest Big Blue is a lot more affordable upfront, but it’s more costly to maintain on a yearly basis. You’ll probably have to replace the filter cartridge at least once every 12 months. As of 6th July, 2020, one cartridge costs $239.00 which is about twice as much as you’d have to spend for the other Crystal Quest system.
Best Fluoride Shower Filter: Propur ProMax
Is there even such a thing as a shower (head) water filter that removes fluoride? Unfortunately, there isn’t – at least not really. Yes, there are companies that list fluoride-reducing shower water filters, but they’re just not very effective. The best unit we could find is the ProPur ProMax. Fluoride reduction rate: Around 48%.
Well, better than nothing but we recommend installing a whole house fluoride water filter instead, if you have the budget. A point-of-entry system will treat all the water entering your home which, of course, also includes your shower water. Simply put, the filtration is much more thorough. For example, the Crystal Quest water filter reviewed above eliminates 90-95% fluoride.
In case you want to stick with the Propur ProMax, here’s our review:
Propur ProMax Shower Filter | |
| Price: | $ |
| Type: | Shower Filter |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 48% |
| NSF Standards: | 42, 53 |
| Warranty: | ? |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- Uses 4 propriety filtration layers.
- Tested against NSF standards 42 and 53 to reduce 200+ contaminants protecting your body from their unhealthy effects. The most thorough testing we’ve seen so far performed on a shower filter.
- Chloramine (71.0%), chlorine (57.1%), sodium fluoride (48.2%), VOCs (most >90%), arsenic (28.0%), chromium (28.8%), lead (61.1%), mercury (79.2%), pesticides (around 50 to 60%), semivolatile compounds (70-80%), nitrites (82.8%), nitrates (23.6%) etc.
- Results are not perfect but better compared to many other shower filters.
- 2 gallons per minute water flow rate provides for enough pressure.
- Includes massaging head with 5 spray settings.
- Choose from 4 different finishes: White, chrome, antique bronze, brushed nickel.
- Chrome version is also available with a handheld wand.
- Installation and maintenance is straightforward and doesn’t take much time.
- Fits standard ½” pipe threads.
- Filters last 6 to 9 months. Cost: $40 per cartridge which is acceptable.
- Made from BPA-free plastic.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
→ Full Propur ProMax Filter Review Here
#1 Fluoride Filter Water Bottle: Clearly Filtered
In our opinion, the top fluoride filter water bottle in 2020 is sold by Clearly Filtered. In fact, the company sells 3. There’s an insulated stainless steel filtered water bottle, a filter bottle made from Tritan plastic, and one made from glass.
Different materials yes, but all apply the same filter cartridge to remove more or less the same contaminants the Clearly Filtered pitcher removes (reviewed above). Thus, you can expect very thorough water filtration – the most thorough in the realm of filter bottles as far as we know. Fluoride reduction rate: 99.0-99.9%. People couldn’t be happier about their purchase and would buy again. 5 stars!
Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filter Water Bottle | |
| Price: | $ |
| Type: | Water Bottle |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 99.0-99.9% |
| NSF Standards: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- Bottles provide clean, safe, and great-tasting drinking water.
- Very high quality overall.
- Clearly Filtered Affinity filtration filters 220+ contaminants. 99.0-99.9% fluoride, 99.9% chlorine and chloramines, 99.9% herbicides, 99.9% lead, 99.9% pharmaceuticals, 99.9% of pesticides, VOCs, and semi-volatile compounds.
- Tested by an independent EPA-accredited laboratory to NSF standards 42, 53, and 401.
- Filters last 25 gallons or 6 months.
- Equals 160 fill-ups for the stainless steel and glass filtered water bottles and a little more than 130 fill-ups for the plastic version.
- Easy to use. Fill bottle with water and suck it out through the mouthpiece connected to the filter straw.
- Stainless steel water bottle is double-wall insulated for up to 24 hours of cooling.
- Available in different colors.
- All materials are BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free so nothing leaches into the water.
- Built in USA.
- Covered by lifetime warranty and 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- Requires quite strong suction to get enough water (similar to drinking a thick milkshake).
- Filters become less restrictive over time.
- If bottle leaks check that the silicone ring inside the lid is in the right position.
→ Full Clearly Filtered Water Bottle Review Here
Best for Under the Sink: Clearly Filtered 3-Stage System
The best under sink fluoride water filter in 2020 is the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage system. Apart from removing 99.5% sodium fluoride, it takes care of 230+ other water contaminants. And this is not just a claim. It has been tested by independent EPA-approved laboratories according to NSF standards. Simply put, you won’t find an under sink water filtration system that outperforms the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage – both in terms of fluoride reduction AND overall contaminant removal. 5 stars!
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under-the-Sink System | |
| Price: | $$ |
| System Type: | Under Sink Filter System |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 99.5% |
| NSF Standards: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- The under sink water filtration system is NSF standard 42, 53 and 401 tested to capture chlorine (98.6%), chloramines (95.3%), arsenic (94.3%), chromium 6 (99.4%), lead (99.9%), PFAS (99.9%), more than a hundred VOCs and SVOCs (99.9%), and many other types of contaminants found in water. The result is healthy and refreshing drinking water.
- Maintains all healthy minerals.
- Uses 3 filter stages. Stage 1 is coconut shell granular activated carbon. Stage 2 and 3 are proprietary media blends (Affinity Filtration Technology).
- DIY installation doesn’t take more than 15 minutes and is non-permanent. Great for renters and to save money.
- Mounting the system is optional. All hardware is included.
- Filters last a full year on average and can be replaced in seconds – tools-free and without the need to shut off the feed water supply.
- Built in USA.
- Uses stainless steel hoses for durability.
- Whole under sink system is covered by lifetime warranty.
- You have a 30-day window after purchase to return the product if you’re not satisfied and receive a full refund.
Cons
- System reduces water pressure by about 15-25%.
- Considerably more pricey than competitor water filters. This also applies to the replacement filters.
- Worth the investment if you ask us.
- Subscribe to receive replacement filters automatically on schedule and save 10% + get free shipping.
→ Full Clearly Filtered Under-the-Sink System Review Here
Do Berkey Filters Remove Fluoride? (Our #1 Countertop + Portable Filter)
Berkey systems are popular gravity water filters, especially in the SHTF community. As portable countertop units, they’re easy to assemble and use, low in maintenance, and very effective at removing a whole arsenal of contaminants to provide drinking water of superb quality. Long-term fluoride reduction: 97% when used with optional PF-2 fluoride filter elements.
By the way, there’s no difference between the various Berkey models except for their size which determines filtration speed and water holding capacity. Other than that, they work with the same filter elements and thus achieve the same level of water purity. Our personal favorite is the Big Berkey system. It’s perfect for small families with up 4 people but is not too bulky for most kitchens and to be moved around. 4.5 stars!
Big Berkey Water Filter System | |
| Price: | $$ |
| System Type: | Gravity Water Filter System |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 97% |
| NSF Standards: | 42, 53 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- Berkey systems produce great-tasting drinking water.
- Tested by accredited laboratories to remove fluoride, viruses, bacteria, cysts, heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and chromium, VOCs, chlorine, chloramine, THMs, Bisphenol A, Ibuprofen, pesticides and VOCs, sediment, turbidity, taste and odors, and much more contaminants. Testing standards: NSF 53.
- To maintain fluoride reduction efficiency for up to 1,000 gallons use optional PF-2 filters (also available on bigberkeywaterfilters.com).
- Healthy minerals are preserved in water.
- Work based on gravity. No electricity and external water pressure required. Ideal for emergency situations or power outages.
- You can use almost any water as your feed source.
- Filters are long-lasting which saves time and money.
- 304 food-grade stainless steel tanks are durable and look good.
- Casket protects countertop from scratches.
- Tools-free system assembly takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes.
Cons
- Replacement filters are relatively expensive. The fluoride elements cost extra.
- The filtration does not stop when the lower tank is full. Be careful not to overfill.
- You have to lift the top chamber to check how much purified water is left in the system.
- For some people the plastic spigot started to leak.
- Frequent filter re-priming is required.
- Water flow from spigot may be slow due to negative pressure.
→ Full Berkey Water Filter Review Here
#1 Inline & Refrigerator Water Filter that Removes Fluoride
In our opinion, the best inline/refrigerator water filter that removes fluoride in 2020 is the Clearly Filtered Universal. It’s the only unit we could find that’s actually NSF tested for fluoride reduction. And it’s very effective, too, and works flawlessly. Average sodium fluoride reduction rate: 99.5%! 4.5 stars.
Prop tip: As an inline water filter, the Clearly Filtered Universal is compatible with all appliances including refrigerators. When you install it, you’ll no longer need to use the filter that comes with your refrigerator. Depending on your fridge model, you might be able to bypass it or remove it entirely.
Clearly Filtered Inline and Refrigerator Water Filter | |
| Price: | $ |
| Type: | Inline/Refrigerator |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | 99.5% |
| NSF Standards: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- Features slim 2×12 inches design. Can be fitted in tightest corner or behind your refrigerator.
- Works with all refrigerator models as long as there’s a ¼” water line.
- Installation is simple and takes only a few minutes – think push fittings. Simply connect existing water line to filter’s inlet/outlet.
- Comes with one extra braided stainless steel line if that’s your water line type (choose during checkout process).
- Package includes mounting bracket with screw.
- Affinity Filtration Technology removes 232+ tap water contaminants as per NSF testing standards 42, 53, and 401.
- Uses activated carbon to adsorb bad tastes and odors, chlorine (98.6%), chloramine (95.3%), herbicides (99.9%), pesticides (99.9%), and organic compounds.
- Uses proprietary filter media to reduce radiation, microplastics, pharmaceuticals (most to 99.9%), sodium fluoride (99.5%), perfluorinated chemicals (99.9%), arsenic (94.3%), aluminum (99.9%), cadmium (99.9%), chromium-6 (99.4%), lead (99.9%), mercury (99.9%), and VOCs + SVOCs (99.9%).
- Filtration capacity is 365 gallons of drinking water so you don’t have to replace too often.
- Built in USA.
- Backed by 30-day worry-free trial period and lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- $150 price tag is more than what the competition charges.
Review: Megahome Water Distiller
There’re different versions of the Megahome Water Distiller but they’re identical in the inside: All material the water touches is either 304 stainless steel or glass. This prevents chemicals and other substances from recontaminating the purified water. People say it’s a great purchase, everything works exactly as advertised, and the water tastes very pure. 5 stars!
Megahome Water Distiller | |
| Price: | $ |
| System Type: | Water Distiller |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate: | Up to 99% |
| NSF Standards: | – |
| Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- System is very simple to use.
- Produces 1 gallon of distilled water in 5½ hours which should be enough drinking water for small families.
- Electricity cost of 35 to 50 cents per distillation cycle is cheaper than buying bottled water.
- Distilled water is almost 100 percent pure.
- Uses activated carbon water filter sachets to adsorb volatile contaminants as well as tastes and odors.
- Sachet housing comes with glass insert.
- Replacement sachets are affordable.
- Assembly only takes a few minutes.
- Easy to clean.
- UL-listed and approved meaning in compliance with safety standards.
- All materials are BPA-free.
- Replacement parts can be purchased online.
- One year warranty.
Cons
- Residues bake to the steel chamber at the end of distillation cycle.
- Pro tip: Use timer switch and program it to turn off before all water has evaporated.
- You have to push the start button firmly or the machine might not turn on.
- For some users, the distiller shuts off prematurely for no apparent reason.
→ Full Megahome Water Distiller Review Here
Faucet Filters
As far as we know, faucet filters won’t help you get fluoride out of your water. If you are still interested in learning more about this filter type, follow this link.
Water Filters That Remove Fluoride AND Chlorine
Eliminating chlorine from water is way easier than getting rid of fluoride. The products listed on this page are all capable of removing the former.
By the way, our Chlorine Special is the best place if you want to learn more about how to remove chlorine from your water.
Buying Guide: How to Remove Fluoride from Water at Home
We don’t want to talk about water fluoridation in general and whether it’s good or bad. Instead, we would like to focus on how you can remove fluoride.
Now, the fluoride amount dissolved in fluoridated tap water doesn’t exceed 1 ppm (parts per million or mg/L) says the American Dental Association. In comparison, non-fluoridated water usually contains less than 0.3 ppm, although concentrations in groundwater may be higher.
It’s fair to ask if filter systems are actually capable of removing/reducing such a small amount of fluoride, or if it slips through the grid of even the most rigorous filtration process to later end up in our drinking water anyway.
To answer the question, the Water Quality Association lists four treatment methods as suited for the removal of fluoride from tap water[2]:
- Reverse osmosis– It’s the most commonly used method of water purification and utilizes a semipermeable membrane to filter out up to 99% of all contaminants. → Check system review
- Strong base anion exchange– Filter systems based on this technology are rare. As far as we can tell, they’re only available for industrial use but not your home.
- Activated alumina adsorption media– The most popular water filters that apply activated alumina are Berkey systems which we’ve reviewed further above (jump).
- Distillation– Your last option are water distillers that, strictly speaking, don’t belong to the group of water filters. However, they offer an effective way of removing fluoride from water, which is why we don’t want you to miss out on them. → Click to see reviews
Although not on the list, bone char is another water filter media with high fluoride adsorptive capacities. Produced by charring mainly cattle and pig bones, the porous, granular material consists of tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and carbon. Tricalcium phosphate is what removes the fluoride.
Brita, PUR, ZeroWater, LifeStraw – Do They Remove Fluoride?
Some of the most popular water filters, PUR and Brita systems among them, will not filter fluoride out of your water. Yes, they improve water taste and remove chlorine for example, but when it comes to fluoride, it’s a whole different story – the reason being that both PUR and Brita use activated carbon to trap impurities which doesn’t have any effect on fluoride.
As for LifeStraw, it only filters bacteria, protozoa and viruses.
Does ZeroWater remove fluoride? Yes! ZeroWater filter pitchers have an average fluoride reduction rate of 99% according to tests conducted by an EPA certified laboratory.
Do Water Softeners Remove Fluoride?
The sole purpose of a water softener is to soften water. Thereby it does not remove fluoride. That’s just not what the ion exchange resin was designed to do.
Can You Boil Fluoride Out of Water?
No, you can’t. Boiling water does not remove fluoride as fluoride does not evaporate easily. What you can do instead is use steam distillation to separate the water from all the contaminants dissolved in it.
Removing Fluoride Naturally?
How can you remove fluoride from drinking water naturally? You can’t. Fluoride neither evaporates at room temperature nor does it break down if you wait long enough or something like that. It’s just not possible.
References:
Questions about how to remove fluoride from water? Ask away!
And come back to this page from time to time for new fluoride filter reviews.
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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