How to Filter PFAS and Microplastics from Drinking Water

PFAS and Microplastics: The Two Contaminants You Need to Filter Together

If you have been looking into water filtration, you have probably come across advice on removing microplastics. Maybe you have even bought a filter for that purpose. But here is the thing most guides overlook: PFAS contamination is just as widespread as microplastics, and many filters that handle one do not handle the other.

PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in the blood of 97.5% of Americans, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They have been found in over 2,800 water systems across the United States, serving more than 100 million people. Meanwhile, microplastics show up in virtually every tap water sample tested globally, with studies finding an average of 5 to 15 particles per liter.

These two contaminant families frequently co-occur in the same water supply. They share industrial origins, and neither is adequately addressed by standard municipal water treatment. Yet most consumer water filter marketing focuses on just one or the other.

This guide is specifically about solving both problems at once. We will walk through which filtration technologies handle both PFAS and microplastics, which specific products are independently certified, and how to verify what is actually in your water before you spend a dollar on a filter.

What Are PFAS and Why Should You Care

PFAS are a group of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals that share one defining feature: a chain of carbon atoms bonded to fluorine atoms. This carbon fluorine bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, which is exactly why PFAS are called "forever chemicals." They do not break down naturally in the environment, in water treatment plants, or in your body.

PFAS were first developed in the 1940s for their ability to repel water, grease, and stains. Since then, they have been used in an extraordinary range of products:

• Nonstick cookware (Teflon and similar coatings)
• Food packaging (fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes)
• Waterproof clothing (Gore-Tex and similar treatments)
• Stain resistant fabrics (Scotchgard treated carpets and upholstery)
• Firefighting foam (AFFF used at airports and military bases)
• Cosmetics and personal care products

The health concerns are serious and well documented. Peer reviewed research has linked PFAS exposure to:

• Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer (C8 Science Panel, 2012)
• Thyroid disease and hormone disruption
• Immune system suppression, including reduced vaccine effectiveness (Grandjean et al., 2012)
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Liver damage
• Reproductive harm and developmental delays in children
• Increased risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy

Unlike many chemicals that your body metabolizes and eliminates within hours or days, PFAS accumulate. The half life of PFOS (one of the most studied PFAS compounds) in the human body is approximately 4 to 5 years. That means even after you stop exposure, it takes nearly a decade for your body to clear just half of what has built up.

This is why reducing ongoing exposure through your drinking water is so important. Every glass of unfiltered contaminated water adds to a burden your body is already struggling to process.

How PFAS and Microplastics End Up in Your Water

Understanding how these contaminants reach your tap helps explain why they are so hard to avoid without filtration.

PFAS enter water supplies through:

• Industrial discharge. Manufacturing facilities that use or produce PFAS release them into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. A 2023 USGS study found PFAS in 45% of US tap water samples tested.
• Firefighting foam runoff. AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) used at military bases, airports, and fire training sites has contaminated groundwater in hundreds of communities. This is one of the most concentrated sources.
• Landfill leachate. PFAS containing products that end up in landfills leach chemicals into surrounding groundwater as they degrade.
• Wastewater treatment plants. Conventional treatment does not remove PFAS. When contaminated water passes through a treatment plant, the PFAS pass right through and re-enter the water cycle.
• Agricultural biosolids. Treated sewage sludge applied to farmland as fertilizer can contain PFAS, which then leach into groundwater.

Microplastics enter water supplies through:

• Degrading plastic infrastructure. Aging PVC water pipes, plastic storage tanks, and distribution system components shed particles directly into your water.
• Synthetic textile washing. A single laundry load can release 700,000 microfibers into wastewater, many of which survive treatment.
• Tire wear and road runoff. Tire dust (a major microplastic source) washes into storm drains and waterways.
• Atmospheric deposition. Microplastics in the air settle into open reservoirs and watersheds.
• Industrial plastic manufacturing. Pre-production plastic pellets (nurdles) spill into waterways at alarming rates.

The key insight is that both contaminants are products of industrial processes and our widespread use of synthetic chemicals. Municipal water treatment was designed decades ago to address bacteria, sediment, and chlorine disinfection. It was never designed to filter out molecules as small as PFAS or particles as varied as microplastics. This is why home filtration has become a necessity, not a luxury.

How to Check If Your Water Has PFAS

Before spending money on a filter, it is worth knowing what you are dealing with. Here are three ways to check, from free to comprehensive:

1. EWG Tap Water Database (free)

Visit ewg.org/tapwater and enter your zip code. The Environmental Working Group compiles data from EPA required testing and state databases to show what contaminants, including specific PFAS compounds, have been detected in your local water system. This is the fastest way to get a general picture.

2. Your Water Utility's Annual Report (free)

Every public water system in the US is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Search for your utility's name plus "water quality report" online. Starting in 2024, the EPA now requires utilities to test for and report six specific PFAS compounds. If your utility has completed this testing, the results will appear in their most recent report.

3. Home Water Testing (paid, $150 to $300)

For the most accurate picture of what comes out of your specific tap, a laboratory test is ideal. Companies like Tap Score and SimpleLab offer PFAS specific testing panels. You collect a sample, mail it to their certified lab, and receive a detailed report. This is especially valuable if you are on well water, since wells are not covered by EPA monitoring requirements.

Even if your water system shows low or undetectable PFAS levels in public reports, keep in mind that testing is still catching up. The 2023 USGS study found that many water systems previously thought to be clean actually contained PFAS once more sensitive testing methods were used. A home filtration system provides a safety margin regardless of what public data shows.

Filter Technologies That Remove Both PFAS and Microplastics

Not every filter technology that removes microplastics also removes PFAS, and the reverse is also true. Here is how the main technologies compare when you need to address both contaminants.

A few critical takeaways from this comparison:

• Reverse osmosis is the clear winner for both. RO membranes physically block particles down to 0.0001 microns, which catches microplastics easily. The multi-stage design (usually including an activated carbon pre-filter) also adsorbs PFAS molecules that are too small for the membrane alone.
• High quality carbon block filters are the best budget option. The key word is "carbon block," not "granular activated carbon." Carbon block compresses the carbon into a dense solid that forces water through tiny channels, dramatically improving both particle and chemical removal compared to loose granules.
• Ion exchange is great for PFAS but poor for microplastics. If you only care about PFAS, ion exchange resins are highly effective. But they do not physically filter particles, so microplastics pass right through.
• GAC (standard pitcher filters) fails at both. Loose granular carbon does not create channels small enough to trap microplastics, and the contact time is too short for effective PFAS adsorption.

The Best Filters for PFAS and Microplastics

These are specific products that have been independently tested or NSF certified to remove both PFAS and microplastics. We have organized them by type so you can find the right fit for your situation.

Best Under-Sink RO System: APEC ROES-50

The APEC ROES-50 is a five-stage reverse osmosis system that has been a top pick for water filtration for years, and for good reason. It uses a sediment pre-filter, two carbon pre-filters, an RO membrane, and a carbon post-filter. This multi-stage approach removes over 99% of microplastics and 94 to 99% of PFAS compounds.

• Price: approximately $200
• PFAS removal: 94 to 99% (RO membrane plus carbon stages)
• Microplastic removal: 99.9%
• Installation: under sink, requires basic plumbing (most people can DIY in 1 to 2 hours)
• Filter replacement cost: approximately $50 per year for pre-filters, $40 every 2 to 3 years for the RO membrane
• Downsides: produces some wastewater (about 3 gallons waste per 1 gallon filtered), requires space under the sink

The APEC is WQA Gold Seal certified and made in the USA. If you have the space and ability to install an under-sink system, this is the best value available.

Best Tankless RO System: Waterdrop G3P800

The Waterdrop G3P800 is a newer generation tankless reverse osmosis system. It eliminates the storage tank entirely, delivering filtered water on demand at a fast flow rate. The system is NSF 58 certified and includes a UV sterilization stage.

• Price: approximately $650 to $800
• PFAS removal: 95 to 99.6% (NSF 58 certified)
• Microplastic removal: 99.9%
• Installation: under sink, compact design
• Filter replacement cost: approximately $80 to $120 per year
• Advantages: 3:1 pure to waste ratio (much better than traditional RO), no tank saves space, built in TDS monitor

The higher price is justified if you want better water efficiency and a smaller footprint. The 3:1 ratio means significantly less water waste compared to the APEC's 1:3 ratio.

Best Countertop RO (No Installation): AquaTru

The AquaTru is a countertop reverse osmosis system that requires zero installation. You pour water in, and it filters through a four-stage RO process right on your counter. This makes it ideal for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who cannot modify plumbing.

• Price: approximately $400 to $450
• PFAS removal: tested to remove over 95% of PFOA and PFOS (NSF certified to Standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473)
• Microplastic removal: 99.9% (reverse osmosis stage)
• Installation: none required
• Filter replacement cost: approximately $60 to $90 per year
• Downsides: takes up counter space, smaller reservoir than under-sink systems, slower output

The AquaTru is notably one of the few countertop units with NSF P473 certification specifically for PFAS. This is the gold standard and means PFAS removal claims have been independently verified, not just stated by the manufacturer.

Best Pitcher Filter: Clearly Filtered

The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is in a completely different class from standard pitcher filters. It uses a proprietary Affinity Filtration technology with a dense carbon block core that removes contaminants most pitcher filters cannot touch.

• Price: approximately $80 to $100 for the pitcher
• PFAS removal: independently tested to remove over 99.5% of PFOA and PFOS (tested to NSF P473 standards)
• Microplastic removal: up to 99.5%
• Installation: none, it is a pitcher
• Filter replacement cost: approximately $70 every 4 months (or about $210 per year)
• Downsides: slow filtration speed (about 15 to 20 minutes to fill), higher ongoing filter cost than RO systems

If your budget is limited or you are renting, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is the best entry point. Its PFAS removal numbers rival reverse osmosis systems at a fraction of the upfront cost. The tradeoff is higher long-term filter costs and slower flow.

Best Faucet Filter: Epic Pure

The Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher is another strong option that uses a solid carbon block filter. Epic also makes an under-sink version (the Epic Smart Shield) for those who want higher capacity.

• Price: approximately $70 to $80 for the pitcher
• PFAS removal: independently tested to remove over 98% of PFOA and PFOS
• Microplastic removal: over 97% (tested by third party labs)
• Installation: none for the pitcher
• Filter replacement cost: approximately $50 every 3 to 4 months
• Advantages: BPA free housing, recyclable filters, strong performance at a lower price than Clearly Filtered

The Epic Pure is a solid alternative to Clearly Filtered with slightly lower but still excellent PFAS removal numbers and a somewhat lower price point.

Quick Comparison: Which Filter Should You Choose?

What Does NOT Remove PFAS

This section matters because many people believe they are protected when they are not. Here is what does not meaningfully reduce PFAS in your drinking water:

Standard Brita and PUR pitchers. These use granular activated carbon, which has limited contact time with the water. Brita's own data confirms their standard and Brita Elite filters do not significantly reduce PFAS. They are designed for chlorine taste and odor, not chemical contamination.

Most refrigerator filters. The vast majority of fridge filters use the same granular activated carbon technology as basic pitchers. Unless your specific fridge filter model has NSF P473 certification (very few do), assume it is not removing PFAS.

Boiling water. PFAS are thermally stable at temperatures far above water's boiling point. Boiling actually concentrates PFAS by evaporating pure water while the chemicals stay behind. Boiling also does nothing to microplastics.

UV purification. Ultraviolet light is excellent at killing bacteria and viruses, but it has no effect on PFAS molecules or microplastic particles. UV is a great complement to a filter, not a replacement.

Water softeners. Ion exchange softeners swap calcium and magnesium for sodium. They are not designed for PFAS removal and do not address microplastics at all. Some specialty ion exchange resins can remove PFAS, but these are not standard water softener resins.

Simple sediment filters. A sediment filter can catch larger microplastic particles, but PFAS are dissolved molecules far smaller than any sediment filter can capture.

The bottom line: if your filter was not specifically tested and certified for PFAS removal, do not assume it works. Marketing language like "reduces contaminants" or "improves water quality" means nothing without specific PFAS testing data.

Understanding PFAS Certifications

The water filter industry is full of vague claims. Certifications are how you cut through the marketing. Here are the three that matter for PFAS:

NSF P473: The PFAS Standard

This is the most important certification to look for. NSF P473 was developed specifically to test a filter's ability to reduce PFOA and PFOS (the two most studied and regulated PFAS compounds) to below 70 parts per trillion. Products with this certification have been independently tested by NSF International under controlled conditions. If a filter has NSF P473, its PFAS claims are verified.

NSF 53: Contaminant Reduction

NSF 53 covers reduction of specific health-related contaminants including lead, VOCs, and certain chemicals. Some NSF 53 testing now includes select PFAS compounds, but the scope is narrower than P473. A filter with NSF 53 may handle some PFAS compounds but is not guaranteed to match P473 performance.

NSF 58: Reverse Osmosis Systems

NSF 58 is the standard for reverse osmosis systems and verifies overall contaminant reduction including TDS (total dissolved solids). Because RO membranes physically block most dissolved substances, NSF 58 certified systems inherently provide strong PFAS reduction even without separate P473 testing. However, a system with both NSF 58 and P473 is ideal.

How to verify certifications: Do not just trust the product packaging. Visit the NSF International database and search for the specific product model to confirm its certifications are current and valid.

The 2024 EPA PFAS rule: In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standard for PFAS. It set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS individually, and a combined hazard index for other PFAS compounds. Public water systems must comply by 2029. This is a significant step forward, but it means most water systems are still years away from full compliance. A home filter remains the most immediate protection.

Beyond Your Water: Other Sources of PFAS Exposure

Filtering your water is one of the most impactful steps you can take, but it is worth knowing that PFAS exposure comes from multiple sources. Addressing your water alone will not eliminate exposure entirely, but it will significantly reduce it.

Other common PFAS exposure sources include:

• Food packaging. Fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and grease-resistant food containers often contain PFAS. A 2022 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found PFAS in packaging from every major fast food chain tested.
• Nonstick cookware. Traditional Teflon coatings use PFAS. While newer formulations have moved away from PFOA specifically, many still use other PFAS compounds. Stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic cookware are safer alternatives.
• Waterproof and stain resistant clothing. Many outdoor and performance fabrics are treated with PFAS. Look for brands that specifically advertise PFAS free water repellency (some outdoor brands are transitioning to wax based treatments).
• Cosmetics and personal care products. A 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found PFAS in over half of cosmetics tested in the US and Canada, particularly in foundations, mascaras, and lip products.
• Carpet and upholstery treatments. Stain resistant treatments for carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently contain PFAS. Declining stain protection treatments when buying new furniture or carpet is a simple way to reduce exposure.
• Dental floss. Some brands of dental floss are coated with PFAS for smooth gliding. Oral-B Glide, for example, has tested positive for PFAS. Natural wax-coated alternatives are available.

A comprehensive approach to reducing PFAS means filtering your water and gradually reducing these other sources as well. But if you can only do one thing today, start with your drinking water. It is the highest volume daily exposure for most people.

Quick Action Plan

Here is a step by step plan you can start right now, organized from most to least urgent:

1. Check your water today. Visit ewg.org/tapwater and look up your zip code. It takes 30 seconds and gives you a baseline understanding of your contamination risk.
2. Stop using plastic water bottles immediately. Bottled water in plastic contains both microplastics and, in some cases, PFAS from the production process. Use glass or stainless steel instead.
3. Get a filter this week. If budget is tight, start with a Clearly Filtered pitcher (~$90). If you can invest more, go directly to the APEC ROES-50 (~$200) for the best long-term value.
4. Filter your cooking water too. Many people filter their drinking water but cook with unfiltered tap water. Boiling does not remove PFAS or microplastics, so using unfiltered water for pasta, rice, soups, and coffee means ongoing exposure.
5. Set filter replacement reminders. A filter that has exceeded its rated capacity may allow PFAS and microplastics to pass through. Set calendar reminders based on your filter's replacement schedule.
6. Consider a home water test. For the most accurate picture, order a PFAS panel from Tap Score or SimpleLab ($150 to $300). This is especially important if you are on well water.
7. Address other PFAS sources gradually. Replace nonstick cookware with stainless steel or cast iron. Avoid stain treatments on furniture. Choose cosmetics from brands that disclose ingredients and avoid PFAS.

The Bottom Line

PFAS and microplastics are two of the most pervasive contaminants in modern water supplies, and they require deliberate filtration because standard municipal treatment does not remove them. The good news is that effective filters exist at every price point.

If you can install an under-sink system, a reverse osmosis filter like the APEC ROES-50 provides the most comprehensive protection for around $200 upfront and $50 per year in filters. If you need something with no installation, the AquaTru countertop RO is NSF P473 certified for PFAS. And if you want the simplest, most affordable starting point, the Clearly Filtered pitcher removes over 99% of PFAS and microplastics for under $100.

Whatever you choose, the most important step is choosing something. Even an imperfect filter dramatically reduces your daily exposure compared to unfiltered tap water. Check your water, pick a filter, and stop drinking forever chemicals today.

Frequently Asked Questions