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Know what’s in Your tap

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State of American Drinking Water

For too many Americans, turning on their faucets for a glass of water is like pouring a cocktail of chemicals.

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EWG’s water filter guide: Find the right filter for your water – and budget
Drinking water: New frameworks needed to account for multiple contaminants and protect public health
The many sources of drinking water pollution
Private drinking water wells
Nitrate contaminates drinking water for millions people in cities across the country

EWG scientists developed our own no-compromise safety standards based on the most up-to-date independent studies.

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What filter type is right for you?

Water
Contaminants

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Carbon Filters

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Reduced maintenance

cons

  • Does not remove all contaminants

Reverse Osmosis

Most effective at reducing contaminants.

pros

  • Most effective

cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires more maintenance
  • Wastes water

Other Considerations

Ion Exchange

Pros: Softens hard water, Reduces some contaminants

Cons: Doesn't remove all contaminants

Whole-House Filters

Pros: Useful for reducing radiologicals and TCE

Cons: Expensive to install and maintain, Risk of bacterial contamination

Distillation

Pros: Removes heavy metals and harmful microbes

Cons: Does not reduce most contaminants

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Discover top-rated filters that protect your family from harmful contaminants.

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Sign our petition to protect PFAS drinking water standards

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