6 Best Water Filter Pitchers for Lead Removal (*Update 2023)
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 14, 2023
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Top Pick: What’s the Best Lead Water Filter Pitcher?
The best water filter pitcher for lead in 2023 is the Clearly Filtered, because it is NSF-tested to remove more than 99.3% lead among hundreds of other contaminants for 100 gallons of water, it is easy to set up and use, affordable to maintain, and backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty.
Got lead in your drinking water and want a water filter pitcher to remove it? No idea which model to choose among the dozens of available options?
For this comprehensive buying guide, we have considered over 50 water filter pitchers that could potentially be used for eliminating lead. Only 6 made it onto our final list. Continue reading to find out which suites your needs best!
Contents
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No Time to Read? Check Our List of the Best Lead Water Filter Pitchers!
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
 Best Overall Water Filter Pitcher for Lead Removal: Clearly Filtered |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Lead Reduction: >99.3% NSF: 42, 53, 401, P473 Size: 10 Cups Filter Life: 100 Gallons Read Review: Click Alexa’s Video Review: Click |
 Highest Lead Reduction: Epic Pure |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Lead Reduction: 99.94% NSF: 42, 53, 401, P473 Size: 8.5 Cups Filter Life: 150 Gallons Read Review: Click Alexa’s Video Review: Click |
 For Lead + PFAS: Aquagear |
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
|
Price: $$$ Lead Reduction: 99.35-99.41% NSF: 42, 53, 401, P473 Size: 10 Cups Filter Life: 120 Gallons Read Review: Click |
 Best Budget Pick: Brita Everyday |
Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
|
Price: $ Lead Reduction: 99.5-99.6% NSF: 42, 53 Size: 10 Cups Filter Life: 120 Gallons Read Review: Click |
Lead Water Filter Pitcher Reviews
Our Top Picks
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher – Best Overall
- Epic Pure – Highest Lead Reduction
- Aquagear – For Lead + PFAS
- ZeroWater ZP-010RP – For 0 TDS
- Brita Everyday – Best Budget Pick
- Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O – For Alkaline Water
1. Best Overall with Most Contaminants Removed: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
In our opinion, the best water filter pitcher for lead removal in 2023 is the Clearly Filtered. Its minimum lead reduction rate is 99.3 percent.
The reason why we ranked the CF as #1 is because, aside from lead, it can eliminate hundreds of different contaminants that might be lurking in your water supply – more than any other water filter pitcher on the market right now: Organic chemicals, heavy metals, volatile compounds…
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Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Ability to Remove Lead: | >99.3% |
| NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53, 401, P473 |
| Cups: | 10 |
| Filtration Capacity: | 100 gal |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
Get 10% Off! Use Code: |
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Alexa’s Video Review
Alexa, our inhouse video content producer, has ordered and tested the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher with her own hands. In other words, she has assembled and used the pitcher at home for several weeks to gain invaluable first-hand experience and insights. Alexa has documented the entire process and shares her opinion in the video below:
Other Specs
- Model: CF-PRF
- Last Price: $90
- Yearly Cost: ~$150
- Filter Media: Carbon + Composite Shell
- WxHxD: 11.25″x10.25″x5″
- Weight (Empty): 2.3 lb
- Warranty: Life (Limited)
Key Features & Pros
- Made in USA!
- Affinity Filtration Technology uses a combination of filter media to eliminate 365+ water contaminants: At least 99.3% lead, 99.5% chlorine, 99.7% chloramine, 97.8% chromium-6, 98.3% arsenic, up to 99.9% of dozens of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and herbicides, up to 99.9% of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, up to 99.5% of perfluorinated chemicals, and 99.5% fluoride, among other stuff.
- Provides for great-tasting and healthy drinking water.
- Manufacturer claims are backed by independent, third-party lab testing against official NSF standards (42, 53, 401, and protocol P473). Thus, the effectiveness of the filtration process is guaranteed.
- Beneficial minerals like calcium remain in the water.
- Filtered water holding capacity of 10 cups (17 cups total) is suited for family use.
- The lid can be removed for easy filling.
- You can pour water while there’s still some left in the upper reservoir.
- All materials are 100% BPA-free. Pitcher is made from Tritan.
- Quick and easy to put together.
- You get 100 gallons of filtered water out of each filter element. That’s an average of 4 months – much longer than the market standard.
- Low maintenance requirements.
- We estimate annual filter replacement cost at about $150. Plus, you can get a discount if you buy in bulk or subscribe.
- Clearly Filtered offers a 30-day trial period for all their products. If you are unhappy, simply return for a full refund.
- Limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- Pricier than most competitor lead pitchers.
- There reportedly have been issues with slow filtration and clogging filters. Personally, we never had any problems.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 4.5/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is ideal for people who seek highly effective removal of lead and any other contaminants from their water supply.
→ Read the Entire Clearly Filtered Pitcher Review
2. Highest Lead Reduction Rate: Epic Pure Water Filer Pitcher
If you care most about the highest lead removal rate possible, we definitely recommend the Epic Pure lead water filter pitcher as our runner-up. It achieves 99.94% reduction according to official lab testing. (If you are on well water, go with the Epic Nano for up to 99.4% reduced lead content.)
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Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Ability to Remove Lead: | 99.94% |
| NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53, 401, P473 |
| Cups: | 8.5 |
| Filtration Capacity: | 150 gal |
|
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
Get 20% Off! Use Code: |
|
Alexa’s Video Review
Being part of the BOS team, Alexa has ordered and tested the Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher with her own hands. This means she has assembled and primed the pitcher herself, and then used it for several weeks. Alexa shares her experience with the product in the below video:
Other Specs
- Model: Epic Pure
- Last Price: $70
- Yearly Cost: ~$90-135
- Filter Media: Carbon Block, Ion Exchange
- WxHxD: 10″x10″x6″
- Weight (Empty): 2.0 lb
- Water Temperature: 38-85 °F
- Warranty: Life
Key Features & Pros
- 2 available color designs: Navy blue and white.
- As per NSF testing (standards 42, 53, 401, P473), the Epic Pure lead filter pitcher can remove more than 200 water contaminants in total making use of a carbon filter block.
- Chlorine + chloramine and their disinfection byproducts.
- Pesticide and herbicides.
- Lead, arsenic, chromium 6, and other heavy metals.
- PFOA, PFOS.
- Trace pharmaceuticals.
- BPA.
- VOCs.
- Fluoride, nitrate/nitrate, and other salts.
- Radiologicals.
- And much more.
- The Epic Nano pitcher also removes up to 99.999% of bacteria, viruses, and cysts (NSF P231).
- Essential water minerals like calcium and magnesium aren’t touched.
- 14.8 cups total volume should be plenty of water for an entire household.
- Still fits most refrigerators.
- BPA-free Tritan plastic.
- Filter elements last even longer than with the Clearly Filtered: 150 gallons of water or up to 6 months, whichever comes first.
- Each cartridge is 100% recyclable. Collect 4 and send them in to receive one free replacement filter.
- Timer reminds you when to replace the filter.
- Save 20 percent when subscribing to have replacement cartridges sent on schedule.
- Epic Water Filters offers discounts for military personnel, first responders, medical staff, teachers, students, seniors, and owners and employees of non-profit organizations.
- Backed by lifetime product warranty and hassle-free return policy.
Cons
- Some reviewers have complained about slowing filtration after a couple of weeks. Of course, replacing the filter element more often results in added cost.
- Top part may come off when pouring water.
- Lid may get stuck.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 4.5/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Pure by Epic Water Filters is ideal for people who want a water filter pitcher with the highest lead removal possible.
→ Get the Full Epic Pure Review
3. For Lead + Perfluorinated Chemicals: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
If you’re on tap water and, aside from lead, have perfluorinated chemicals in your water supply, the Aquagear water filter pitcher might be ideal for you. It combines activated carbon filter media with ion exchange resin to target over 70 contaminants.
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Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Ability to Remove Lead: | 99.35-99.41% |
| NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53, 401, P473 |
| Cups: | 10 |
| Filtration Capacity: | 120 gal |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
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Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: Aquagear
- Last Price: $69.95
- Yearly Cost: ~$150
- Filter Media: Carbon + Ion Exchange
- WxHxD: 11″x11″x6″
- Weight (Empty): 2.34 lb
- Warranty: Life
Key Features & Pros
- Filter media is made in the US.
- The Aquagear specializes in filtering out PFOA, PFOS, and similar substances. It removes well over 99% of these. The pitcher is also tested to NSF standards for removal of lead (99.35-99.41%) and some other heavy metals, asbestos, chemicals like chlorine (99.96%), and its disinfection byproducts, microplastics (99.99%), and dozens of VOCs among other stuff.
- NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401, and P473 are met.
- Healthy minerals are left in the water adding to your daily nutritional intake.
- A storage capacity of 10 cups is equal to what you get with the Clearly Filtered, and it should do the trick for most households.
- You could also use two units in parallel.
- A filter life of 120 gallons or up to 5-6 months keeps maintenance needs at a bare minimum.
- You can send your used cartridges back to Aquagear for free. They are 100% recyclable.
- Materials are FDA-approved and BPA & BPS-free.
- There is a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Filtering process can be extremely slow, depending on your water conditions.
- Annual cost of around $150 is quite a lot.
- You can subscribe for an additional 20% off
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 4.5/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Best for
The Aquagear is ideal for people facing lead and perfluorinated chemicals in their water supply.
4. For Zero TDS: ZeroWater ZP-010RP 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher
What’s special about the ZeroWater pitcher is that it tries to reduce TDS (total dissolved solids) to zero. Its lead reduction rate is 95.9-99.7% – pretty solid.
ZeroWater ZP-010RP 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $ |
| Ability to Remove Lead: | 95.9-99.7% |
| NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53 |
| Cups: | 10 |
| Filtration Capacity: | 20 gal |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
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Other Specs
- Model: ZP-010RP
- Yearly Cost: ~$190-225
- Primary Filter Media: Carbon + KDF + Ion Exchange
- WxHxD: 5.5”x11”x10.25”
- Weight (Empty): 3.1 lb
- Warranty: 90 Days
Key Features & Pros
- We have five filter stages.
- A fine screen rejects sediment and other large particles.
- Next, granular activated carbon and KDF eliminate organics, chlorine, and few heavy metals.
- A foam pad makes sure that water flow is even across the entire filter diameter for a longer filter life.
- Ion exchange resins target leftover contaminants, primarily heavy metals.
- A second filter screen and a very fine membrane trap microscopic suspended solids.
- NSF certification 42 and 53 for guaranteed performance.
- The ZeroWater can hold a total of 10 cups of water which is the standard.
- You get a free TDS meter. It can be used to check your filter status. If the meter reads “006” or higher, it’s time to install a new filter element.
- You can fill your glass using the dispenser. Thus, you don’t need to wait for all the water to be filtered.
Cons
- Filtration can be very slow.
- Filters are rated at 20 gallons, but may last no more than 10. In other words, frequent filter replacements are needed.
- At least replacements are cheap (around $10-15 apiece).
- TDS is not the best measure to determine drinking water quality.
- 90 days warranty.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 2.0/5.0
- Price: 5.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 3.5/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Best for
The ZeroWater ZP-010RP is ideal for people who want their drinking water to be zero TDS.
5. Best Budget Option: Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
The Brita Everyday pitcher combined with the Elite filter cartridge is about as affordable as it gets when it comes to lead water filter pitchers.
Just don’t expect the most thorough filtration process. Brita is all about affordable prices and basic water filtration.
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Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $ |
| Ability to Remove Lead: | 99.5-99.6% |
| NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53 |
| Cups: | 10 |
| Filtration Capacity: | 120 gal |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
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Other Specs
- Model: Everyday
- Yearly Cost: ~$50
- Filter Media: Proprietary Blend
- WxHxD: 10.94″x10.47″x5.59″
- Weight (Empty): 2.29 lb
- Warranty: 90 Days
Key Features & Pros
- For removing lead you need to use Brita’s Elite filter cartridge. It removes more than 99% of the heavy metals.
- Don’t use the Brita Standard.
- A few other contaminants will also be removed, such as mercury, benzene, and chlorine.
- NSF certified against standard 42 + 53.
- Pitcher can hold 10 cups – small enough to fit most fridges.
- The lid can be removed which makes refilling a lot easier.
- Pitcher and filters are BPA-free.
- 120 gallons of water per filter cartridge is a lot.
Cons
- Filter reservoir can be difficult to take out which isn’t ideal for cleaning.
- Fitting the Elite filter without causing leaks can be tough.
- Not very ergonomic to handle.
- Short 90-day product warranty.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 3.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 5.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 3.5/5.0
Best for
The Brita Everyday water filter pitcher is ideal for people who are on a tight budget.
6. For Alkaline Water: Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O Pure Water Pitcher
If you prefer alkaline drinking water we recommend the Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O pitcher.
It’s not only NSF/ANSI-tested for 93.51 to 95.97 percent lead removal, it also increases tap water pH to up to 9.5.
Any downsides? Let’s check!
Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O Pure Water Pitcher |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Ability to Remove Lead: | 93.51-95.97% |
| NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53 |
| Cups: | 8 |
| Filtration Capacity: | 150 gal |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on lead reduction %, filtering capacity, purchase and maintenance cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, warranties, our testing, user opinions, and other factors.
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Other Specs
- Model: Gen 2 Dual pH2O Pure Water Pitcher
- Yearly Cost: ~$120-180
- Filter Media: GA, Ion Exchange, Mineralization
- WxHxD: 10.5”x10.75”x5.5”
- Weight (Empty): 2.01 lb
- Warranty: 90 Days
Key Features & Pros
- Filters are Made in USA.
- Aside from lead, contaminants that will be removed from your water include chlorine, chemicals such as volatile organic compounds and disinfection byproducts, PFAS, pesticides, chromium 6, nitrate and nitrite, and fluoride.
- NSF 42 and 53-tested.
- Provides for alkaline water with pH of up to 9.5.
- According to Seychelle, the filtered water can also be better absorbed by the body for improved hydration, and it helps detoxify.
- 8 cups should be sufficient if you refill multiple times per day.
- BPA-free plastic.
- Easy to assemble and use also thanks to flip top lid.
- Long-lasting filters with 150 gallons capacity.
Cons
- Some people are far away from reaching the full 150 to 200 gallons filtering capacity before clogging becomes an issue.
- Not cheap to maintain.
- PH increase doesn’t always work or may only work for the first several gallons.
- Installing the filter elements correctly can be tricky.
- You need to wait for all the water to be filtered before pouring.
- Short 90-day limited warranty.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 4.5/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Seychelle alkaline filter pitcher is ideal for people who want lead-free drinking water with elevated pH levels.
→ Check Full Seychelle Pitcher Review
More Reviews:
Comparison List
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Model | Price | Annual Cost | Ability to Remove Lead | Filter Media | NSF/ANSI | Cups | Filtration Capacity | WxHxD | Weight | Warranty | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher | $$$ | ~$150 | >99.3% | Carbon + Composite Shell | 42, 53, 401, P473 | 10 | 100 gal | 11.25″x10.25″x5″ | 2.3 lb | Lifetime (Limited) | |
| Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher | $$$ | ~$90-135 | 99.94% | Carbon Block, Ion Exchange | 42, 53, 401, P473 | 8.5 | 150 gal | 10″x10″x6″ | 2.0 lb | Lifetime | |
| Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher | $$$ | ~$150 | 99.35-99.41% | Carbon + Ion Exchange | 42, 53, 401, P473 | 10 | 120 gal | 11″x11″x6″ | 2.34 lb | Lifetime | |
| ZeroWater ZP-010RP 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher | $ | ~$190-225 | 95.9-99.7% | Carbon + KDF + Ion Exchange | 42, 53 | 10 | 20 gal | 5.5”x11”x10.25” | 3.1 lb | 90 Days | |
| Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher | $ | ~$50 | 99.5-99.6% | Proprietary Blend | 42, 53 | 10 | 120 gal | 10.94″x10.47″x5.59″ | 2.29 lb | 90 Days | |
| Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O Pure Water Pitcher | $$$ | ~$120-180 | 93.51-95.97% | GAC, Ion Exchange, Minerals | 42, 53 | 8 | 150 gal | 10.5”x10.75”x5.5” | 2.01 lb | 90 Days |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Lead Water Filter Pitcher That’s Best for You
The following are key features worth considering when shopping for a water filter pitcher to remove lead. They will help you choose the right on for your needs and budget.
Lead Reduction Rate According to NSF Standard 53
NSF standard 53 is a certification for the removal of health-affecting contaminants. It doesn’t concern lead exclusively, but a number of additional water pollutants that could have adverse effects on human health, for example chromium.
It’s good to look for pitchers that have this specific certification. However, it does not necessarily mean that a filter is good at removing lead, meaning you need to check for lead reduction specifically. Also, an NSF certification for lead doesn’t tell you exactly how effective that filter is – just that it’s passed a certain level of decontamination.
Other Contaminants
Most lead water filter pitchers also remove a variety of additional contaminants. This is a common feature in many modern models, to the point that some buyers expect some general purification capabilities by default. If you care about decontaminating your water as thoroughly as possible, you should specifically look for a model with advanced filtration capabilities.
If you want to achieve the same level of filtration quality as with a regular, non-lead filter, you may have to spend a bit more.
Filtration Capacity
Another important factor to pay attention to is how much water a lead pitcher can filter before it needs its filter element replaced. This varies a lot across the board. With some filters, you need to replace the cartridge every month, or perhaps every two months. Other models can last for up to half a year before requiring a replacement.
Together with the price of the filters themselves, this will be an important factor in determining how expensive your water filter pitcher will be over a longer period of time. Buyers looking for a cheap solution often go for a model with a low upfront price. That’s often a mistake though, as many of the cheapest models on the market use filters that don’t last for a very long time.
Jug Size
A larger jug means having to refill the pitcher less frequently. This can be convenient for large households and users who drink a lot of water on a daily basis. However, increasing the jug size can also make the pitcher more difficult to lift and pour from. Keep this in mind if you have small children or elderly people in your family, as it might be inconvenient for them to use a pitcher that’s too large.
In addition, using a larger jug will often result in water sitting in the pitcher for longer during the day. This can lead to a slight stale taste, especially in pitchers with a plastic container.
Filtering Speed
It’s common for water filter pitchers to take a while to process all the water they contain. It’s the same with lead filter pitchers. You will usually need to wait at least a couple of minutes until you have a glass of water ready to drink. Some pitchers utilize filters that allow them to process water faster without compromising the filtration strength. Those tend to cost more.
BPA-Free
If your lead filter pitcher is made of plastic, you should ensure that it doesn’t contain any BPA. The use of the material has been largely phased out in consumer products in recent years, and for good reason. BPA is commonly affected with some adverse health effects, though its exact impact on human health is still being studied.
Bottom line: You should do your best to avoid any models that utilize BPA in their design.
Warranty & Costs
As we mentioned above, the price of new filter cartridges can significantly affect the long-term cost of using your pitcher. Warranty is another factor that plays into this.
If you’re buying a pitcher that you intend to use for a long time, you should pay attention to its running maintenance costs and its warranty. It’s a good idea to spend a bit more on a model with a longer warranty from a more reputable manufacturer.
More on Lead Water Filter Pitchers
Further Reading:
What Is a Water Filter Pitcher for Lead?
A water filter pitcher for lead works just like a regular water filter pitcher, with one major addition: it treats water for lead in addition to other contaminants. These filters are useful for households in areas with minor to severe lead issues in the water supply.
If you know for a fact that your water doesn’t contain any significant amounts of lead, it might be a waste of money to spend extra on a filter that specifically targets it.
How Does a Lead Filter Pitcher Work?
Removing lead from water requires certain filtration methods. Some of those, such as activated carbon, can often be found in regular models that don’t target lead specifically.
Lead filter pitchers still utilize some specific solutions to guarantee the removal of as much lead from the water supply as possible. That’s why they tend to cost more than traditional filters, as you’re paying extra for the advanced filtration.
How Filter Pitchers Are Tested for Lead Reduction
The easiest way to test a water filter pitcher’s lead reduction capabilities is to take two water samples – one before filtering, and one after – and run them through tests to verify their lead content.
Keep in mind that testing water for lead is something that should be done at a proper laboratory for the most reliable results. More on that below.
Benefits of Using a Lead Water Filter Pitcher
If you’re wondering whether a lead water filter pitcher is right for you, here are some points to consider.
1. Lead-Free Drinking Water
Unfortunately, lead is quite prevalent in our environment today. It’s associated with a wide range of health problems, including some severe ones. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area without any lead contamination in the water supply, then this is probably irrelevant to you. But if not, investing in a lead water filter is a great way to improve your long-term health prospects.
2. More Contamination Removed
In addition to lead, most water filter pitchers on the market also remove various other contaminants. This can allow you to get all your filtration needs fulfilled by one device, instead of having to use two or more separate ones.
Depending on the severity of the contamination in your water supply, it might not be possible to thoroughly remove every type of contaminant that’s relevant to you. In those cases, more advanced filtration systems may be required.
3. Better Tasting Drinking Water (+ No Odors)
Removing stuff like chemicals from water can improve its taste. It will also help get rid of some unpleasant odors, especially in more heavily contaminated water supplies.
Keep in mind that some odors are caused by contaminants which might not be specifically targeted by the filter you’re using. If removing a nasty taste or odor is your primary concern, you should first figure out what causes it, and then focus your search on a filter that targets this specific contaminant.
4. Ease of Use
Lead water filter pitchers are easier to use than other lead filtration methods. They don’t require you to hook up anything to your home’s plumbing and don’t come with complex installation procedures.
You just need to replace the filter on a regular basis and that’s pretty much all the maintenance you need to do.
5. Portable
You can bring your lead filter pitcher with you wherever you go. This is another great benefit over stationary systems tied to a single faucet in your home.
A lead filter pitcher is also great for traveling.
The portable designs of some models make them perfect for larger families too. Every family member can take their pitcher with them when they need to drink water through the day, instead of having to go to a common point in the house to fill a glass of water.
6. Affordable
Affordability is another factor most buyers would find important.
You should remember that a model with a lower upfront cost might end up more expensive over time due to the cost of its filter replacements. This isn’t always the case. But taking the time to research the running costs of each filter you’re considering can save you a lot of money in the long term.
How to Test Water for Lead in a Water Supply
If you’re wondering whether a lead water filter pitcher is right for you, you should start by testing your water for lead contamination. This can be done in several ways.
Lab Testing
Sending a sample of your drinking water to a specialized laboratory is the most reliable way to find out if you have any amount of lead contamination in your supply, and how high the level of contamination is exactly. This is often expensive and can take some time, depending on how busy the lab is. If you have several faucets in your home, it’s a good idea to take a sample from each one.
Water Quality Reports
Depending on where you live – city vs rural area – you might be able to easily access reports about your local water quality. These reports are called Consumer Confidence Reports. Every single public water utility in the US has to provide one on an annual basis for free.
DIY Testing
Some companies sell DIY kits that allow you to perform a simple test at home. The reliability of some of those kits is questionable, so you should do appropriate research to figure out which ones are worth using.
Keep in mind that they might also not tell you the whole story. Some kits merely indicate whether there’s any amount of lead in the water or not, while others may give you more detailed information about the severity of the problem.
How Does Lead Get into Our Water?
Lead pipes are prohibited for plumbing use in many parts of the world, the US among them, and have been for a few decades. But replacing the entire plumbing infrastructure of a certain region is not an easy task, and therefore many areas still use lead pipes in some capacity. This can cause lead to deposit in the water, especially if the water supply has a higher level of acidity.
Even if the pipes themselves are not made of lead, the material may still be used in some specific parts of the plumbing, like solders between pipe sections.
The amounts that leach into the water supply may seem negligible, but they can add up over time. Especially if you also use that water for cooking.
The Health Effects of Lead in Drinking Water
Lead has been linked to a wide range of health problems.
- It can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- It also affects the liver, kidneys, bones, and many other organs.
- Lead is also known for causing lasting – in some cases permanent – changes to the mood and behavior of a person. In fact, the heavy use of vehicle fuel with high lead content is suspected to have caused severe mental problems in at least several generations of Americans towards the end of the last century. Lead poisoning can make a person more irritable and aggressive and can inhibit concentration and other basic brain functions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Which water filter pitcher removes the most lead?
To our knowledge, with 99.94 percent the Epic Pure water filter pitcher provides the highest lead removal rate. - Does a Brita pitcher remove lead?
Yes, Brita pitchers do remove lead. In fact, they are even certified to do so. - Do carbon filters remove lead from water?
Yes, carbon filters remove lead from water. Ideally, you are using a carbon block filter. - Why is there lead in my water?
Most lead enters water supplies being contained in old plumbing pipes and solder. Over time, the heavy metal leaches into the water.
How We Chose and Tested the Best Water Filter Pitchers to Remove Lead (Why Trust Us)
How did we become experts in reviewing lead-removing water filter pitchers? Our process involved laser-focused research, hands-on testing, and thorough analysis:
- We developed a list of 18 critical criteria as our benchmark.
- We gathered 50+ different pitchers from the internet for review.
- In round one, we used information from manuals, descriptions, warranty conditions, lab reports, NSF certifications, and contacted companies for support details. We narrowed it down to 15 contenders.
- We considered feedback from real users and third-party sources, resulting in 6 remaining products.
- We tested a selection of these 6 pitchers (more are to come) using water test kits and measured lead among other contaminant reduction rates. We also evaluated ease of use and maintenance needs (as per manufacturer instructions), filtration speed, filtered water taste/aftertaste/odor, we checked for particulates in the water, etc. – each pitcher was tested for 2+ weeks.
- The second to last step was to make a buying guide out of all the data we had mined. The focus was to make all the information easy to access and digest.
- Lastly, everything was fact-checked. The evaluation of claims aimed at reducing contamination was a crucial task carried out by Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS – think verification of NSF certifications etc.
- Needless to say, all our work is independent and unbiased.
About Our Ratings
Our evaluation process for lead-reducing water filter pitchers is based on these key factors: NSF-backed lead reduction rates (30%), costs (25%), testing and user opinions (20%), cartridge life (15%), customer support & product warranty (10%).
We’ve rated each pitcher on a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating.
Questions? Ask away!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.