Not all water have the same quality. Dangerous contaminants lurk in even the seemingly cleanest areas and put your family at risk for illness.
Water filter pitchers provide an easy and effective way to keep your water tasting great and without harmful contaminants.

So, which water filter pitcher removes the most contaminants? As of 2022, The Clearly Filtered water pitcher removes over 365 drinking water contaminants, the highest of any water filter pitcher. It has NSF 42, 53, 244, 401 & 473 water quality certification.
Although Brita pitcher is the most well-known, Clearly water pitcher detects eight categories of contaminants while Brita only filters out two.

- The Clearly pitcher is the best pitcher water filter on the market, removing more than 365 impurities based on a dual-technology Affinity Filtration process.
- A lifespan of about 100 gallons and a pitcher volume of ten cups mean the filter only needs replacing every four months.
- The pitcher comes with a lifetime warranty.
- The product has NSF 42, 53, 244, 401, and 473 certifications.
- The top reservoir holds half a gallon when filled.
- The Clearly pitcher contains medical-grade, BPA-free, and BPS-free plastic. The filtration process does not add contaminants to your water.
- The pitcher comes with an easy-grip handle, making it easy to carry and pour when full.
- If you have concerns about the pitcher taking up too much room in your fridge, don’t! Its compact design leaves plenty of space for your other food items and groceries.
- Slow flow rate. It may take up to twenty-five minutes (or longer) for the pitcher to filter ten cups of water.
- Small capacity. The reservoir only holds ten cups of water (approximately eighty ounces) at a time.
- More expensive than other pitchers. Remember, you get what you pay for – the quality of the pitcher makes up for the high price tag.
- Another user complaint is that the lid slides off the top when pouring – hold it in place, and you should not experience any further issues.
Water Pitcher Contaminants Comparison Table
The table below demonstrates the eight most common contaminants found in tap water. Asbestos, mercury, and chlorine are a few potential dangers in unfiltered water.
Chloramines are disinfectants used in tap water during the beginning stages of processing. They contain derivatives of ammonia. Cysts are parasites found in the digestive tracks of animals and often show up in public water systems. Common illnesses like Giardia come from cysts.
Turbidity contaminants are pieces of sediment or dirt that make water murky and discolored. VOCs (or volatile organic compounds) are ingredients in pesticides or paint thinners that run off buildings and into your drinking water. VOCs are harmful to your family and your pets.
Below are a handful of the most popular filter pitchers available and which contaminates they eliminate.
Asbestos | Chloramines | Chlorine | Cysts | Lead | Mercury | Turbidity | VOCs | |
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Aquasana – Clean Water Machine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Culligan – Pitcher Filter | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
PUR – 7-Cup Ultimate Pitcher Filtration System with Lead Reduction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Brita – Infinity Wi-Fi Connected Pitcher | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
Brita – Grand 80 oz Water Filter Pitcher | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
Zero Water – 8-Cup Stainless Steel Pitcher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Do Water Filter Pitchers Remove Bacteria?
Water filters do not remove bacteria from water. They remove many harmful contaminants such as lead, copper, chlorine, and organic compounds that affect the taste of water.
If you’re concerned about bacterial infections, your sink faucet should already treat your water for bacteria. Filtering water through a water filter will not remove bacteria.
Remember that not changing your water filter enhances the risk of harmful bacteria. Microorganisms love moist environments like filters, so keeping the pitcher fresh and clean should be a maintenance practice.