Water filter pitcher: lead certification and NSF/ANSI 53 and 42 explained
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- Brita Tahoe pitcher with Elite filter. Best for: A larger household pitcher. See options on Amazon
- Brita Elite replacement filters. Best for: Keeping a pitcher on schedule. See options on Amazon
- Pitcher filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Best for: Homes with lead concerns. See options on Amazon
Why certification matters
The EPA explains that lead can enter drinking water when service pipes that contain lead corrode, especially where water has high acidity or low mineral content, and that homes may also have internal plumbing materials containing lead. To reduce exposure, consumers can consider a drinking water filter that has been evaluated by an accredited third-party certification body to reduce lead.
The EPA's tool says consumers can increase their level of confidence by buying point-of-use and pitcher filters certified for lead reduction to 5 ppb or less and for particulate reduction (Class I). It also notes the document does not endorse any trade names or products.
What to look for on the box
| What to check | What it means | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with a lead reduction claim | Tested for lead reduction; the EPA looks for reduction to 5 ppb or less | Packaging, performance data sheet, or certifier listing |
| NSF/ANSI Standard 42, particulate reduction (Class I) | Tested for particulate reduction, which the EPA also recommends | Packaging or performance data sheet |
| A certification body's mark | An ANSI-accredited third party evaluated the filter | Filter packaging, the filter itself, or the smallest container |
Details are from the EPA's Consumer Tool for Identifying Point-of-Use and Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water (June 2024).
Reading the claims
The EPA says certification bodies require their mark and a statement indicating testing against NSF/ANSI Standard 53 along with a claim of lead reduction. Example packaging text reads that the system was tested and certified by a named certification body against NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53 for the claims specified on the performance data sheet. Some companies simply print NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 42 near the mark.
If the lead and particulate claims are not on the box, the EPA says they can typically be found on the performance data sheet inside the packaging, in the certifier's online product listing directory, or on the maker's website. Certifier directories include NSF, IAPMO R&T, WQA, UL Solutions and CSA.
Pitcher vs faucet or under-sink filters
The EPA groups pitcher filters, which are inserted into water pitchers and bottles, separately from point-of-use filters attached directly to faucets or inserted into refrigerators. The same certification advice applies to both. Pitchers need no installation and suit renters, but hold a limited amount and must be refilled. Faucet and under-sink systems filter on demand but need installation. Whatever the type, check the specific cartridge's certifications, not just the brand.
For bathing water, see our shower filter guide, which explains why shower filters are a different product.
Replacing the filter
- Follow the rated life. Brita says its Elite filter should be replaced every 120 gallons, or about every 6 months for most households.
- Use the indicator if your pitcher has one; Brita's Tahoe pitcher has a SmartLight filter indicator that tells you when to change the filter.
- Do not stretch it. A filter used past its rated capacity may no longer meet the claims on its data sheet.
- Keep it cold and clean. Store the pitcher in the refrigerator and wash the pitcher body as the maker directs.
Know what's in your water
A pitcher filter is one step. Your water utility's annual water quality report and, if you are concerned about lead pipes, testing your home's water help you choose the right filter. The EPA's lead page offers basic information about lead in drinking water. If a test shows lead, use a filter certified for lead reduction for drinking and cooking water, and contact your utility about service line replacement.
For carrying filtered water, see our smart water bottle guide.
What to look for when you buy
Brita Tahoe pitcher with Elite filter
Best for: A larger household pitcher
Brita lists a 10-cup capacity, a SmartLight filter indicator and an Elite filter rated for 120 gallons.
Watch out: Check the Elite filter's performance data sheet for its NSF/ANSI 53 and 42 claims.
See options on AmazonBrita Elite replacement filters
Best for: Keeping a pitcher on schedule
Brita says to replace the Elite filter every 120 gallons, or about every 6 months.
Watch out: Buy the cartridge made for your pitcher model.
See options on AmazonPitcher filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead
Best for: Homes with lead concerns
The EPA recommends filters certified for lead reduction to 5 ppb or less under NSF/ANSI 53, plus NSF/ANSI 42 Class I.
Watch out: Verify the claim in the certifier's online directory.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do water filter pitchers remove lead?
- Only if certified; the EPA advises NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead reduction to 5 ppb or less.
- What does NSF/ANSI 42 mean?
- It covers particulate reduction (Class I), which the EPA recommends alongside NSF/ANSI 53.
- Where do I find a filter's certification?
- On the packaging, the performance data sheet, the certifier's directory or the maker's website.
- How often should I change a pitcher filter?
- Follow the rated life; Brita says every 120 gallons or about every 6 months for its Elite filter.
- Is a pitcher as good as an under-sink filter?
- The EPA applies the same certification advice to both; compare the specific cartridge certifications.
Sources
- Consumer Tool for Identifying Point-of-Use and Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water (epa.gov), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Brita Tahoe Water Pitcher with Elite Filter (brita.com), Brita