Water filters: The ones we'd recommend for reduced PFAS, microplastics and limescale and better tasting water

So why are so many people filtering tap water if it's safe to drink?

Part of the answer is simple: Safe drinking water and completely contaminant-free water are not the same thing.

UK drinking water is very tightly regulated and safe to drink. Most households do not need a filter to make their tap water safe.

But regulation is based on substances remaining below permitted limits, not on every trace being removed. Water can also pick up contaminants from older domestic plumbing, while hard water can leave significant limescale even though it remains safe to drink.

There is another shift too. Many families are trying to buy less bottled water because of its storage in plastic bottles. At the same time, awareness of PFAS, microplastics and lead has grown.

Although UK tap water is considered safe to drink, many people choose to filter it to improve taste, reduce limescale or lower their exposure to certain substances that can be found in drinking water, including PFAS, microplastics and, in some older homes, lead.

Microplastics

Have been found throughout the environment, including in drinking water. What remains less certain is exactly what normal exposure means for human health. Filters with very fine physical membranes can significantly reduce microplastic particles.

PFAS

PFAS, often called forever chemicals, are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in products including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foams. They break down extremely slowly and are now widely present in the environment. Some PFAS have been linked to potential health concerns, which is why scientists and regulators are paying increasing attention to reducing unnecessary exposure wherever practical.

Lead

Lead is more likely to enter drinking water from older plumbing than from the water treatment system itself. Some filters can substantially reduce lead, particularly those combining activated carbon with ion exchange.

Chlorine

Chlorine helps keep drinking water microbiologically safe as it travels through the network. Even relatively inexpensive activated-carbon filters can make a noticeable difference for people who dislike the smell or flavour of chlorinated water.

Making sense of water filter options

Water filters explained: From water jugs to whole-house filtrations

From filter jugs to whole-house systems, water filtration can seem confusing. The key is understanding that different filters remove different contaminants.

Filter jugs

Most use activated carbon and ion-exchange resin.

Pros

• Affordable
• No installation
• Good for taste and chlorine
• Some reduce lead and limescale.

Cons

• Filtration can be slow.
• Cartidges need frequent replacement
• Many jugs are plastic, so filtered water sits against plastic until used.

Glass filter jugs

These work like conventional jugs but use glass for the main container.

Pros

• Less plastic contact.
• Glass does not hold tastes or odours.
• Often easier to clean.

Cons

• Heavier
• Breakable
• Note - lids and cartridges may still contain plastic

Countertop filters

Countertop water filters sit on your kitchen worktop and don't usually require permanent plumbing. Some simply connect to your tap, while others, such as many reverse-osmosis systems, have their own built-in water reservoir and dispense filtered water directly.
Pros

• Usually provide much more thorough filtration than a standard jug.
• Many can reduce lead, PFAS, chlorine, heavy metals and microplastics.
• No permanent plumbing required for most models.
• Large water capacity, making them suitable for families.
• Longer-lasting filters than many jug systems.

Cons

• More expensive than filter jugs.
• Take up valuable worktop space.
• Some systems, particularly reverse osmosis, produce wastewater.
• Replacement filters can be costly.

Faucet (tap mounted) filters

Faucet filters attach directly to your kitchen tap and filter water as it flows through. Most use activated carbon, sometimes combined with other filtration media, and many have a switch that lets you choose between filtered and unfiltered water.

They're a good option if you want filtered water on demand without keeping a jug in the fridge.
Pros

• Affordable and easy to install
• Convenient filtered water straight from the tap
• Can reduce chlorine, unpleasant tastes and odours, and some models target contaminants such as lead
• Usually cheaper than under-sink systems

Cons

• Filtration is generally less comprehensive than good under-sink or reverse-osmosis systems
• Exactly what they remove varies considerably between models
• Replacement cartridges add an ongoing cost
• Can slow the water flow

Under-sink filters

These connect to the water supply beneath your kitchen sink.

Pros

• No jug to fill
• Filtered water on demand
• Convenient for families
• Longer cartridge life

Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Sometimes needs installation
• Replacement cartridges can be expensive.

Reverse-osmosis systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) filters use a fine membrane and multiple filtration stages to remove a much wider range of contaminants than standard carbon filters. They’re available as under-sink systems or countertop units, making RO an option even if you don’t want permanent plumbing changes.

Pros

• Very strong contaminant reduction.
• Effective against many PFAS.
• Removes many dissolved substances.

Cons

• Removes minerals too (if this is a concern look out for the ones that put the minerals back in - see recommendation below)
• Takes up space
• Produces wastewater
• Expensive

KindCasa top tips when buying a water filter

1. Decide what you want to reduce.
Chlorine, limescale, lead, PFAS and microplastics require different filtration approaches.

2. Ignore impressive-sounding contaminant numbers without evidence.
“Removes 100 contaminants” means little without independent testing.

3. Consider different filtration methods
Most water filters use activated carbon to reduce chlorine, improve taste and remove some unwanted compounds. Many also include ion-exchange resin to help reduce limescale and certain metals. Multi-stage filters combine several technologies for broader filtration, while reverse-osmosis systems provide the most comprehensive treatment, removing a much wider range of contaminants. The trade-off is higher cost, slower filtration and wastewater production.

4. Check running costs.
A cheap jug with expensive cartridges can quickly become costly.

5. Change filters on time.
Old filters become less effective and poorly maintained systems can collect organic material.

6. Think about the jug material too.
If reducing plastic contact matters to you, consider glass or stainless steel.

7. Be wary of alarmist marketing.
Good filtration evidence should stand on its own.