Insider Secrets and Tips for Buying Drinking Water Filters that Work!

Water Filter Comparison Chart

No water filtration technology can totally remove 100% of contaminants from the water. However a multistage reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes sediment, activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters will remove many more contaminants than standard activated carbon filters alone.

RO systems are more expensive and have a greater upfront cost, however they are a better value and investment in the long run when it comes to cartridge replacements. Also, since basic carbon water filters do not offer the same level of health protection from water contaminants, they are not the ideal solution for most family's drinking water needs.

Information Last Updated on 1/20/10

Brand
Model Number
RO-45
AQ-4000
42201
Faucet
Classic Pitcher
Under Counter Models
ROM III
EV9273-86
MWFDS
Smartwater
Fridge Filter
Faucet
FM-3333
Filtration Type
Reverse Osmosis System
Two
Activated Carbons
Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis- Service
Contract
Reverse Osmosis System
Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon
Retail Price
$299.00
$99.99
$23.52
$21.25
$300 Setup +
$30 /Month
$494.99
$34.99
$22.99
Replacement Cartridge Cost & Capacity
$59.00 / 2400 Gal.
$48.00 / 500 Gal.
$12.50 / 100 Gal.
$7.01 / 40 Gal.
$100 Yearly
Cartridge
Replacement
Service
$225.00 / 3000 Gal.
$30.00 / 400 Gal.
$10.74 / 100 Gal.
Per Gallon "Cost Of Use"
2.5 cents/ gallon
9.6 cents/ gallon
12 cents/ gallon
17 cents/ gallon
Depends on usage amount
7.5 cents/ gallon
8 cents/ gallon
10.7 cents/ gallon
Est. Cartridge Cost for next 5,000 gal, (Aprox. 3-4 Yrs Supply)
$125.00
$480.00
$625.00
$876.00

Rental Fees
3 yrs = $1380
4 yrs = $1840
$375.00
$400.00
$537.00
Brand
Removes Arsenic
YES >93%
NO
NO
NO
YES >90%
YES >90%
NO
NO
Removes Bacteria
YES >99%
NO
NO
NO
YES >99%
YES >99%
NO
NO
Removes Benzene
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES 96%
YES
YES >98%
YES >95%
YES 99%
YES
Removes Chlorine
YES 99%
YES 99%
YES 99%
YES >99%
YES 99%
YES 59%
YES 96%
YES 98%
Removes Chromium
YES >93%
NO
NO
NO
YES >90%
YES >90%
NO
NO
Remove Cysts
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
Remove Fluoride
YES >90%
NO
NO
NO
YES >90%
YES >85%
NO
NO
Removes Lead
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES 99%
YES 99%
YES >95%
YES >93%
YES 99%
YES 96%
Removes MTBE
YES >98%
YES >93%
YES
YES
YES >98%
YES >95%
YES
YES
Removes Nitrates
YES >85%
NO
NO
NO
YES >90%
YES >85%
NO
NO
Removes Perchlorate
YES >90%
NO
NO
NO
YES >90%
YES >90%
NO
NO
Removes Radioactive Metals
YES >93%
NO
NO
NO
YES >90%
YES >93%
NO
NO
Removes Sediment
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES >99%
Removes THMs
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES
YES
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES 95%
YES
Removes Viruses
YES >95%
NO
NO
NO
YES >93%
YES >93%
NO
NO
Removes VOCs
YES >99%
YES >99%
YES
YES
YES >90%
YES >90%
YES 99%
YES

* Contaminant rejection percentages are based on manufacturer's claims and on scientific data available on activated carbon and reverse osmosis water filtration technology capabilities.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...

 

Reverse Osmosis outperforms faucet filters in Consumer Reports testing!
ConsurmerReports.org

 

Reverse Osmosis provides the most Protection!

"Mr. Bruursema, NSF International, and Ms. Houlihan say if taste is the primary concern, an inexpensive pitcher, refrigerator or faucet attachment with a carbon filter will likely do the trick. For those wanting the most protection, they agree one approach would be to combine a whole-house filtration system with a point-of-use model—such as reverse osmosis combined with a carbon filter—at the primary drinking outlet, usually the kitchen sink." -The Wall Street Journal (3/10/10)

Mr. Tom Bruursema is the GM of the Drinking Water Division of the NSF.
Jane Houlihan is the Senior VP of Research with the EWG.

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