Can a Brita filter remove lead?

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02/06/2022
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Does Brita filter out lead?

Brita is a trusted brand of water-filtration systems that work to trap and clear impurities from tap water that affect both the flavor and health of your drinking water. If you’re worried about whether there’s lead in your drinking water, it’s best to perform a test or consult your water provider immediately. But Brita filters are a great way to ensure you have clean drinking water in the meantime — and a home water-filtration system will save you money compared to buying bottled water, while keeping plastic bottles out of landfills, too. If you’re looking to learn more about how Brita filters work to filter tap water, keep reading.

How to test your tap water for lead

Lead typically seeps into tap water when lead pipes, faucets or other fixtures begin to corrode. This is especially problematic in older cities and homes, and in regions where the water is highly acidic or has a low mineral content. The Consumer Confidence Reports section of the Environmental Protection Agency’s website can also tell you whether the water in your region is likely to be contaminated. This report is updated every year before July 1st.

The only way to confirm whether there is lead in your drinking water is to perform a test. While you can find store-bought testing kits, the best and most accurate way to test your water is to consult your local government agency or water supplier. They can give you valuable information and provide you with a list of certified water-testing labs in your state. A test typically costs between $20 and $100.

What is lead poisoning?

Lead is a very dangerous contaminant that can lead to serious health effects, even in small amounts. Lead poisoning can lead to cardiovascular disorders, reproductive disorders and kidney dysfunction in adults, and is especially dangerous for pregnant people and young children. In children, lead poisoning can seriously impact mental and physical development.

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Can a Brita filter remove lead?

How does a Brita filter work?

Brita uses filters made from activated carbon pearls and ion exchange pearls, which work together to trap heavy metals, including lead, as well as copper, mercury and limescale. According to Brita, their faucet systems and new Longlast+ filters can remove up to 99% of lead. This is the only filter that removes lead; Brita's other filters remove other contaminants, including chlorine, asbestos and benzene.

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In addition to potential health effects, these impurities can affect the flavor of your water. Many consumers find that filtered water tastes better than unfiltered tap water.

How long does a Brita water filter last?

Each Brita filter can filter up to 120 gallons of water, so Brita suggests changing the filter every two to six months, depending on how much water your household drinks each month. This will vary slightly depending on which Brita filtering system you choose. Brita's Longlast Water Pitcher uses filters that last up to six months and includes a convenient filter indicator to remind you when it's time for a new one.

Types of Brita filters

Brita manufactures several different filtering products to fit every household’s needs, from water pitchers and dispensers to on-the-go water bottles to filters that attach directly to your kitchen faucet. Each of these systems uses the same type of filter to filter out impurities from your water (Brita faucet filters and Longlast+ filters will filter out lead). The system you choose depends on your individual needs and preferences.

The Brita faucet filter attaches directly to the faucet in your kitchen so that you can get filtered water straight from the tap. This system costs between $20-$30. The more expensive faucet filter models come with user-friendly features like an electric filter status indicator or an attractive chrome finish. Each replacement filter can filter up to 200 gallons of water and costs about $10.

A Brita water pitcher holds up to 10 cups of filtered water at a time and can be stored on the counter for room-temperature water or in the fridge for ice-cold water. To use, fill the pitcher from your tap and then wait a few minutes for the filter to do its work. Brita pitchers come in an array of different colors to match your kitchen aesthetic. A Brita pitcher costs about $25-$40 and replacement filters cost about $5 each.

Some Brita pitchers, like the Cascade Stream Water Pitcher, use Brita's Stream filtering technology to filter water as you pour. This means no waiting for the water to filter before you drink.

Brita also makes a larger-capacity water dispenser that uses the same filtration system as their standard water pitcher, with additional filtering of lead. The Ultramax Water Dispenser with Longlast+ Filter can hold up to 18 cups of water, which is especially convenient for large households and offices.

You might also consider a Brita water bottle, which uses a carbon block filter to reduce chlorine and other particulates to improve the taste of your water on the go. These filters are not guaranteed to filter lead, however.

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Katy Severson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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