The four main types
| Type | Where it works | Best for | Look for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PitcherLow cost | Whatever you pour | Renters, small households, trying filtration | NSF/ANSI 53 for lead; 42 for particulates |
| Faucet-mountLow cost | One kitchen faucet | Filtered water on tap without refilling | NSF/ANSI 53 for lead on the exact model |
| Under-sink ROPermanent | Its own kitchen faucet | Drinking and cooking water, lead, PFOA/PFOS | NSF/ANSI 58, plus 53 claims you care about |
| Whole-home carbonPermanent | Every tap and shower | Chlorine taste and smell everywhere | NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine |
Pitchers that carry a lead certification
- Brita Elite filter (model OB06): Certified by IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction in listed Brita pitchers, plus NSF/ANSI 42 Class I particulates. Rated for 120 gallons, about 6 months.
- PUR PLUS pitcher filter (PPF951K): PUR states it is certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction. Rated for 40 gallons.
- Culligan ZeroWater 5-stage filter (ZEROF01): Certified by IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead, PFOA, and PFOS reduction. The lead and PFAS certification is for 15 gallons, so filters need changing often.
A simple rule of thumb
- Worried about lead or PFAS? Filter your drinking and cooking water with a certified pitcher, faucet filter, or under-sink RO.
- Don't like the pool smell? Carbon — at one tap or the whole house.
- White spots and scale? That's hardness; a filter won't fix it. See hard water and softeners.
Compare every system and what it covers in our filter table and prices.
Quick questions
Does a whole-home filter remove lead?
A whole-home carbon filter is for chlorine taste and smell at every tap. For lead, use a drinking-water filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead, or an RO system with that claim.
Sources
- Consumer Tool for Identifying Point-of-Use and Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce Lead — U.S. EPA, June 2024
- Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce PFAS — U.S. EPA
- About Lead in Drinking Water — CDC, August 20, 2025
- Better Water: which Brita filters are certified for what — Brita
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Palos Heights Water Filtration is an independent business and is not affiliated with the City of Palos Heights. Product certifications are model-specific and can change; check the current listing before you buy.
