Are you worried about lead in your drinking water? Discover the best faucet filters that remove lead in our comprehensive guide, designed to help you make an informed decision and protect your family’s health.
The best faucet filters that remove lead effectively are those with a high lead removal capacity, NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification, and a good service life. Top brands like PUR, Brita, Culligan, Aquasana, and Waterdrop offer reliable faucet mount filters that ensure safe and clean drinking water.
In this article, we delve into the world of faucet filters that remove lead, exploring their functionality, key features you need, and a lot more.
Read my ultimate guide on lead removal filters.
What Is a Faucet Mount Filter
A faucet mount filter is a device that attaches directly to your faucet, removing contaminants and impurities from your tap water. This simple solution can significantly improve the taste, odor, and safety of your drinking water. In this section, we’ll explore how these filters work, their main components, and some of the major brands in the market.
How Faucet Mount Filters Work
Faucet mount filters use a combination of filtration methods to remove impurities from tap water. The filtration process typically involves three main stages: pre-filtration, primary filtration, and post-filtration.
First stage: pre-filtration
In the pre-filtration stage, water first passes through a pre-filter. This component is designed to capture suspended particles such as sediment, rust and debris from the water.
By eliminating these larger contaminants, the pre-filter helps protect the primary filter and extend its service life.
Second stage: lead filter
Next, the primary filtration stage targets the dissolved phase lead and other contaminants. The primary filter is usually made up of activated carbon, which adsorbs contaminants from the water.
Some filters also incorporate additional filtration media, such as ion exchange resins or specialized membranes, to enhance their ability to remove specific contaminants like lead.
Third stage: polishing
Finally, in the post-filtration stage, water flows through a post-filter that polishes the water for improved taste and odor. This stage may involve additional activated carbon, specialized media, or a combination of both, which helps to remove any remaining impurities and ensures the water is clean and pleasant to drink.
By working together, these three stages provide a comprehensive filtration solution, effectively removing a wide range of contaminants, including lead, from your tap water.
Main components of faucet mount filter
Most faucet mount filters are comprised of three main components:
- Housing: This is the outer shell that holds the filter cartridge in place and connects to the faucet.
- Filter Cartridge: This component contains the filtration media that remove contaminants from the water.
- Diverter Valve: This allows you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water, prolonging the life of the filter cartridge.
Major Brands of Faucet Filters for Lead Removal
Several filter manufacturers produce a line of faucet mount filters that can remove lead from water. The top brands of lead filters are:
| Brand | Overview |
| PUR | Known for high-quality water filtration products and innovative designs |
| Brita | A popular brand offering a variety of water filtration solutions for households |
| Culligan | Specializes in water treatment solutions, including faucet filters and whole-house systems |
| Aquasana | Provides a range of water filtration systems, including under-sink and countertop |
| Waterdrop | Offers advanced water filtration technology in faucet filters and other filter systems |
1. PUR Faucet Filters for Lead Removal
PUR is a well-known brand specializing in water filtration solutions, including faucet filters designed to remove lead from drinking water. With their innovative Mineral Core Technology, PUR filters effectively remove contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals, providing clean, great-tasting water to consumers.
PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System
The PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System is designed for easy installation on standard faucets. It is available in either a vertical or horizontal configuration. This system employs Mineral Core Technology to filter tap water over minerals, resulting in improved taste.
Featuring a one-click attachment mechanism, the system simplifies the installation process. The inclusion of a Filter Change Light indicator provides users with a visual cue to replace the filter when needed, ensuring consistent filtration performance.
PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System
The PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System is a well-designed filtration device that effectively purifies tap water by reducing a wide range of contaminants. It is available in either a vertical or horizontal configuration.
This system is certified to reduce 70 contaminants, including lead, outperforming Brita’s leading pitcher filter in terms of contaminant reduction.
The PUR PLUS system incorporates Mineral Core Technology to filter water over natural minerals, contributing to enhanced taste. The system is compatible with standard faucets and is straightforward to install.
With a capacity to filter up to 100 gallons of water, the PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System ensures consistent performance for up to three months under typical use.
2. Brita Faucet Filters for Lead Removal
Brita is a household name in the water filtration industry, offering a range of faucet filters specifically designed to address lead contamination in drinking water. Combining user-friendly design and efficient filtration technology, Brita filters provide an affordable solution to improve water taste and quality.
Brita Basic Water Filter Faucet System
The Brita Basic Water Filter Faucet System is a filtration device designed to improve tap water taste with a focus on simplicity and convenience. It features a one-click installation process for easy setup on standard faucets.
With a single filter, the system can deliver up to 100 gallons of filtered water. The filter replacement indicator provides a visual reminder for users to change the filter when necessary, ensuring consistent filtration performance.
The Brita Basic Water Filter Faucet System offers a straightforward and practical solution for those seeking a user-friendly water filtration option.
Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System
The Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System is a filtration device designed to enhance tap water quality while offering additional functionality. The system is compatible with standard faucets and can be easily installed in minutes.
Equipped with a single filter, the system has a capacity to provide up to 100 gallons of filtered water. A notable feature of this device is the electronic filter indicator, which serves as a built-in reminder for users to replace the filter when necessary, ensuring optimal performance.
The Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System also includes three spray options, adding versatility to its functionality. This filtration system is a practical choice for users seeking an easy-to-use water filtration solution with added features.
3. Culligan Faucet Filters for Lead Removal
Culligan is a reputable brand with a long history in water treatment, offering a range of faucet filters designed to eliminate lead and other contaminants from tap water. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Culligan filters are known for their long-lasting performance and certification by IAPMO R & T for meeting strict water quality standards.
Culligan CFM-300CR Faucet Mount Filtration System
The Culligan CFM-300CR Faucet Mount Filtration System is a certified filtration device designed to reduce PFOA/PFOS, chlorine, and particulates class I, which can be harmful when consumed. The system is compatible with standard faucets, excluding drop-down faucets, and is straightforward to install.
Included with each device purchase is the first filter, CRFM-001, which can be easily replaced within minutes for user convenience. This filtration system features carbon fiber technology, which lasts three times longer than leading brands and offers a capacity of 300 gallons compared to the 100-gallon rating of competitive models.
The Culligan CFM-300CR Faucet Mount Filtration System is Water Quality Association (WQA) certified and has a 300-gallon rating, lasting up to four months. Additional features include a filter life indicator and a 2-year warranty, making it a reliable choice for users seeking a durable and effective water filtration solution.
Culligan CFM-300WH Faucet Mount Filtration System
The Culligan CFM-300WH Faucet Mount Filtration System is a certified filtration device designed to provide longer-lasting performance compared to its competitors. This system effectively reduces PFOA/PFOS, chlorine, and particulates class I, which can be harmful when consumed. Compatible with standard faucets, except for drop-down faucets, the system is easy to install.
Each device purchase includes the first filter, CRFM-001, which can be conveniently replaced within minutes. The filtration system employs carbon fiber technology, providing three times the lifespan of leading brands and a capacity of 300 gallons, as opposed to the 100-gallon rating of competitive models.
The Culligan CFM-300WH Faucet Mount Filtration System is Water Quality Association (WQA) certified, with a 300-gallon rating and a 4-month filter life. Additional features include a filter life indicator and a 2-year warranty, making it a dependable option for users seeking a long-lasting and efficient water filtration solution.
Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter System Advanced
The Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter System Advanced is a polished chrome filtration device designed to address the primary water quality concern of bad tastes and odors. This unit is an ideal solution for individuals seeking to improve their water’s taste and odor while also providing protection against additional water issues.
The FM-25 offers advanced filtration, reducing bad taste and odor, aesthetic chlorine taste and odor, sediment, lead, turbidity, atrazine, lindane, and particulate class I. The filter cartridge has a lifespan of up to 200 gallons or approximately two months.
Product features include a simple design that allows for easy, no-tools-needed installation. To activate the filter, users can simply pull the diverter tab. The system utilizes the Culligan FM-25R filter cartridge and has been tested and certified by IAPMO R & T, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability as a water filtration solution.
Culligan FM-15A Faucet Mount Filter System Advanced
The Culligan FM-15A Faucet Mount Filter System Advanced is a convenient on-tap filtration solution designed to address the primary water quality concern of bad tastes and odors. This unit is ideal for individuals seeking to improve their water’s taste and odor, while also providing protection against additional water issues.
The FM-15A offers advanced filtration, reducing bad taste and odor, aesthetic chlorine taste and odor, sediment, lead, turbidity, atrazine, lindane, and particulate class I. The filter cartridge has a lifespan of up to 200 gallons or approximately two months.
Product features include a simple design that allows for easy, no-tools-needed installation. To activate the filter, users can simply pull the diverter tab. The system utilizes the Culligan FM-15RA filter cartridge and has been tested and certified by IAPMO R & T, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability as a water filtration solution.
4. Aquasana Faucet Filters for Lead Removal
Aquasana offers high-quality faucet filters for lead removal, utilizing their Claryum filtration technology, which is tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standards. In addition to removing harmful contaminants, Aquasana’s Claryum technology retains beneficial minerals in water, promoting a healthier and more enjoyable drinking experience.
Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Filter System
The Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Filter System filters water for up to 800 gallons or 6 months. This filtration system features a 44% faster flow rate and a pre-filter that extends the system’s life and enhances performance.
Aquasana’s Claryum filtration technology is tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53 (includes P473), and 401. It effectively reduces over 97% of chlorine and chloramines, 99% of lead, 96% of PFOA/PFOS, and other contaminants such as mercury, chlorine-resistant cysts, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and pharmaceuticals. In total, the Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow tackles 15 times more contaminants than leading pitcher filters.
Claryum’s selective filtration technology retains naturally occurring beneficial minerals found in water, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, resulting in healthier and tastier water. The system combines a 20-micron pre-filter with activated and catalytic carbon and ion-exchange for premium water filtration.
The system alerts users when filter replacements are needed, and the replacement process is simple—just twist off and replace without disconnecting hoses or water lines. The package includes an all-metal dedicated faucet available in three finishes—Brushed Nickel, Chrome, and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
5. Waterdrop Faucet Filters for Lead Removal
Waterdrop is a rapidly growing brand in the water filtration market, providing faucet filters specifically designed to remove lead and other impurities from tap water. The Waterdrop filters utilize innovative ACF material and are certified by NSF International, ensuring efficient filtration and a safe drinking experience for users.
Waterdrop 320-Gallon Long-Lasting Faucet Water Filter
The Waterdrop 320-Gallon Long-Lasting Faucet Water Filter is designed to provide safe and reliable drinking water. Tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI standard 42, this filter effectively reduces 94.2% of chlorine, taste, and odor. It also meets NSF/ANSI 372 standards for lead-free material, ensuring a safe drinking experience at all times.
Each faucet filter offers 320 gallons of cleaner water, or approximately 3 months of typical use—twice the duration of most faucet filters. The filter utilizes innovative ACF material for efficient and fast filtration, effectively reducing lead, chlorine, and other contaminants.
With its upgraded filtration technology, the Waterdrop 320-Gallon Long-Lasting Faucet Water Filter is a reliable choice for those seeking clean and safe drinking water directly from their faucets.
Considerations for Faucet Mount Lead Filter
When choosing a faucet mount filter that removes lead, it’s crucial to consider factors such as service life, lead removal capacity, maintenance costs, and particle filters.
Service life
A filter’s service life refers to how long it lasts before needing a replacement. Most faucet mount filters have a service life of 2-6 months or around 100-200 gallons of water.
Lead removal capacity
The lead removal capacity indicates the filter’s ability to reduce lead content in water. Look for filters with a high lead removal percentage (ideally, 99% or more).
For a lead filter to be of any practical use, it must remove essentially all of the lead. While no filter can remove 100%, a filter used to purify your drinking water should be able to reduce the lead concentration to below detection limits and below the drinking water standard.
Maintenance costs
Maintenance costs include filter cartridge replacements, and potential parts replacement.The service life of the filter has a big impact on the overall cost of ownership with this type of filter. Filter costs can be 20 times the purchase price of the unit.
High-efficiency sediment filter to remove lead particles
Lead can be in your water in two forms: dissolved and suspended particles. A high-efficiency particle filter is an additional feature that some faucet mount filters have to remove these lead particles.
If your filter does not have a particle filter to remove tiny lead particles (often too small to be seen), then you may still be exposed to lead. Check for this feature on your faucet mounted filter.
NSF certification and testing
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification is a critical factor when selecting a faucet mount filter. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 is the specific certification for lead reduction, which ensures that the product has been tested and meets the necessary requirements for lead removal.
Concerns Over Lead in Drinking Water
Lead in drinking water poses significant health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. In this section, we’ll explore these risks, how lead gets into your water, and how to test for lead.
Health risks
Exposure to lead can cause a variety of health issues, including:
- Developmental delays in children
- Lower IQ levels
- Kidney and nervous system damage
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular problems in adults
How does lead get into my water
Lead can enter your water through:
- Corroded plumbing systems (pipes, faucets, or solder)
- Leaching from lead service lines
- Contaminated groundwater sources
Testing for lead
To test for lead in your drinking water, you can:
- Use an at-home test kit
- Send a water sample to a certified laboratory
- Contact your local water utility for testing information
What Other Filters Remove Lead from Drinking Water
Apart from faucet mount filters, other filtration methods can effectively remove lead from drinking water. These methods include reverse osmosis, activated carbon filtration, ion exchange, and distillation.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) filters use a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants, including lead, from water. RO systems are typically installed under the sink and require professional installation.
Read my article about reverse osmosis for lead removal.
Activated carbon filtration
Activated carbon filters use a porous carbon material to adsorb contaminants, including lead, from water. These filters can be used in various formats, such as pitcher filters, under-sink filters, and whole-house filtration systems.
Ion exchange
Ion exchange filters use a resin to replace harmful ions like lead with less harmful ions, such as sodium or potassium. Ion exchange is often used in combination with other filtration methods, such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis.
Distillation
Distillation involves heating water to create steam, which then condenses and is collected as purified water. This process effectively removes lead and other contaminants. However, distillation can be energy-intensive and may not be suitable for large-scale water treatment.
FAQs
How often should I change my faucet mount filter?
Most faucet mount filters need to be replaced every 2-6 months or after filtering 100-200 gallons of water. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific replacement intervals.
Can I install a faucet mount filter on any faucet?
Faucet mount filters are designed to fit standard faucets, but may not be compatible with all faucet types. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility information before purchasing.
Do faucet mount filters remove other contaminants besides lead?
Yes, many faucet mount filters also remove chlorine, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants. Check the filter’s specifications for a complete list of contaminants it can remove.
Conclusion
Faucet mount filters are a convenient and affordable solution to remove lead and other contaminants from your drinking water. When choosing the best filter, consider factors like service life, lead removal capacity, maintenance costs, particle filters, and NSF certification. Additionally, explore alternative filtration methods like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filtration, ion exchange, and distillation for more comprehensive water treatment solutions.
| Key Takeaway |
| Faucet mount filters offer an effective way to remove lead and improve the quality of your drinking water. By considering factors like service life, lead removal capacity, and NSF certification, you can select the best filter for your needs and safeguard your family’s health. |
