Free habits (start tonight)

  • Use cold water. Use only cold tap water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Hot water can hold more lead, and boiling does not remove lead.
  • Run the tap first. Water that sits in pipes for hours can pick up more lead. Before drinking, run the tap, take a shower, or run a load of laundry or dishes to bring in fresh water.
  • Clean the aerator. Unscrew the little screen at the end of your faucet every few months and rinse it. Tiny bits of sediment and lead can collect there.

Filters that don't need installing

EPA's filter guide recommends a filter certified under NSF/ANSI 53 for lead and NSF/ANSI 42 for particulates. Certification belongs to the exact model:

  • 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.

Brita's faucet filter is also listed for lead on Brita's own chart, and it clips onto many standard kitchen faucets.

Questions to ask your landlord

  • What is the service line made of? As of December 31, 2025, the City of Palos Heights reports it has not located or verified any lead service lines in its service area.
  • Has the tap water ever been tested for lead? Ask to see results.
  • Who maintains the water heater? CDC notes that buildings with centralized hot water need a Legionella water management program.
  • Would you consider an under-sink filter? Some owners add one as an amenity. Point them to our published prices.

Want everything in one place? The free Palos Heights Safe Water Guide covers all of this in a printable PDF.

Quick questions

Can I use a filter without changing the plumbing?

Yes. Pitcher filters need no installation, and many faucet-mount filters attach without tools. For lead, pick a model certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead.

Sources

  1. City of Palos Heights 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report — City of Palos Heights
  2. Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water — U.S. EPA
  3. Consumer Tool for Identifying Point-of-Use and Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce Lead — U.S. EPA, June 2024
  4. Better Water: which Brita filters are certified for what — Brita
  5. Vacation Rental Owners and Managers (Legionella control) — CDC

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.