According to a three-year USA water quality investigation done by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 85% of the population gets water contaminated by 316 pollutants.
This clearly shows that we can’t trust the tap water coming from the government water treatment systems.
The question is, what’s the solution?
Eco-friendly and sustainable water filters!
You’ll not only do a favour to the planet by getting a sustainable water filter, but you’ll also guarantee you drink water filtered by a system that takes health and the environment seriously. No more sugar-coated claims of water purification that don’t convert!
So, where to get one?
Even though there are numerous options available, most of them aren’t exactly environmentally friendly, and we’re sure, you don’t want to be greenwashed.
Keeping this in mind, in this post, we’ve shared our three favourite environmentally friendly water filters (one of them is completely plastic-free), which are not only environmentally conscious but unique and absolutely loved by the majority who have used them!
Our Picks for the Best Sustainable Water Filters
Some of the best sustainable water filters include (if you use the link to purchase, we may earn a commission):
Best Overall: Aquaovo OVOPUR | Desvres | Wood ($1,111.95) – completely plastic free
Best Countertop Filter: Imperial Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter ($496)
Best Under Counter Filter: CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter ($199.95)
Why Switch to a Plastic Free Water Filter?
Switching to a plastic-free water filter is essential to prevent microplastics from entering your body. For context, we consume about 0.1 to 5 grams of plastic per week. A major chunk of these plastic particles contains chemicals, such as BPA – Bisphenol-A, that can cause serious health issues, such as cancer, birth defects, and impaired immunity.
By switching from conventional plastic filters and bottled water, you can make a significant change that your health will thank you later for. In addition to this, you’ll have a positive impact on the environment by steering clear of fossil fuel-produced plastic that causes plastic pollution and suffocates marine life after it’s disposed of.
Around 700 marine animals are on the brink of extinction due to plastic pollution in water bodies!
You can learn more about plastic pollution in Plastic Pollution | 12 Ways on How to Stop Using Plastic and its atrocities on the oceans in 18 Pollution Facts About the Ocean.
In addition to stopping plastic contamination, plastic-free sustainable water filters remove heavy metals and pesticides just like conventional filters, and at times, even better than them. They also remove chlorine and fluoride, which are chemicals added at water treatment plants.
Not to mention, they are made from sustainable materials such as glass, which can be reused, recycled, or composted, resulting in a lower, and at times, zero environmental impact.
How to Pick a Plastic-Free and Sustainable Water Filter?
Now the question is, how to choose plastic-free and eco-friendly water filters in today’s world of greenwashing?! Look for the following characteristics:
What Contaminants Does It Remove?
The main reason behind getting a water filter is to remove contaminants. Even though the water that enters our houses through taps is purified by the government water treatment plants, it contains chlorine and fluoride, which are added to eliminate bacteria and support the purification process.
In addition to this, most of the water lines in the majority of the places are ancient, and thus, leach other contaminants into the water as it flows from the treatment plants to our houses.
So, it’s necessary you pay close attention to what contaminants are removed by a water filter before getting it. The major pollutants wreaking havoc on our health are arsenic, asbestos, pesticides, insecticides, chlorine, fluorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, pharmaceuticals, radioactive particles, and nitrates.
Ensure It’s Completely Plastic Free
While looking for a plastic-free water filter, the first thing that you should ensure is it’s completely plastic-free. Many companies sugar wrap their descriptions to trick their customers into purchasing greenwashed products.
The best way to make sure that you don’t get scammed is to read through the description thoroughly. Pay close attention to the materials. Don’t just purchase a water filter because it is claiming to be plastic-free on the packaging!
Look for Certifications
The best way to make sure that you are spending your money on the correct sustainable water filter is to check for certifications. It should be certified for both water quality and environmental impact.
For water quality, make sure that your chosen filter is NSF International and the Water Quality Association (WQA) certified. Their stamp of approval means your water will be free of:
- Arsenic
- Asbestos
- Chlorine
- Chloramine
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Pesticides and insecticides
- Mercury
- Nitrates
- Radioactive particles
- Pharmaceuticals
For environmental impacts, look for approval from organisations such as B Corporation, Cradle 2 Cradle, Fairtrade, and Green America’s Green Business Certification.
How Much Water Does It Filter Daily?
Different water filters have different filtering rates and capacities. So, before you order any of the environmentally friendly water dilters, analyse your water usage. We are sure you won’t appreciate waiting for a glass of water!
3 Best Sustainable or Plastic Free Water Filters
1. Best Overall (Home or Office): AQUAOVO OVOPUR | Desvres | Wood – Completely Plastic Free Water Filter
Best Overall Sustainable and Completely Plastic Free Water Filter
No one can beat nature when it comes to purifying water, but AQUAOVO OVOPUR comes close. It’s unique, mimics nature, is handcrafted, and is considered a functional and performant piece of art by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts!
This masterpiece is specifically great if you are looking for a sustainable water filter for an office or a hotel.
This mesmerizing egg-shaped water filter is specifically designed by water researchers keeping the natural circulation and water regeneration principles in mind. The system is made from Desvres porcelain, a material possessing thermal properties, allowing water to stay cool and fresh all day long.
The best part about this sustainable water filter alongside its filtration mechanism is its ease of use. All you have to do is fill the upper reservoir and the filter does the remaining work. When you want to drink the water, simply pull the handle to enjoy fresh and natural drinking water.
Now, let’s talk a bit about the water purification mechanism of this eco-friendly beauty. It starts by pouring water into the upper reservoir, which has a capacity of 4 litres. Within 20 to 30 minutes, the water will flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber, filtered through gravity, using the AQUACRISTAL filter cartridge.
The AQUACRISTAL comprises of following layers:
- Activated Carbon: This layer removes 99% of pharmaceutical residues, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phenols (chlorine), halogens (THMs), and other nonpolar and organic substances.
- KDF55: This layer removes 99% of heavy metals including chlorine, lead, mercury, nickel, and chromium.
- Crystalline Quartz: This natural filtration media removes the remaining lingering impurities.
- Microporous Bioceramics: They absorb chemical and organic residues. In addition to this, they ensure that filtered water provides maximum hydration and stimulates blood circulation and detoxification.
AQUAOVO OVOPUR has a holding capacity of 2.9 gallons or 11 litres. In terms of eco-friendliness, a single filtration unit counters the usage and disposal of 4,000 plastic bottles per year, which would be equal to around 160,000 bottles over the next forty years.
Characteristics
- Size: 11 x 14 x 29 in (28 x 36 x 74 cm)
- Weight: 24 lb (11 kg)
- Materials: Ceramic, Glass, and Baltic Birch
- Filtration Capacity: 4 months
- Filter Capacity: 11 litres/ 2.9 gallons
- Purification speed: 20 to 30 minutes per 40 litres
Pros
- Part of the permanent Decorative Arts & Design collection for the past decade at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Follows natural water filtration mechanism
- Offsets 4,000 plastic bottles per year
- Made from sustainable, renewable, or recyclable materials
2. Best Countertop Filter: Imperial Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Best On-the-go Sustainable Water Filter
Among numerous countertop water filter options available, the Imperial Berkey Gravity-fed Water filter is the best sustainable choice. Even though it’s on the pricey side but you can use it in your home, at your office, or take it with you for camping and other activities that require an on-the-go option.
This high-polish 304 stainless steel filter is capable of countering 200+ typical contaminants. It is powered by two Black Berkey Purification filters, that are capable of removing:
- Viruses (99.999%)
- Pathogenic bacteria (99.9999%)
- Chloramine (less than the lab detectable limit)
- Trihalomethanes (99.8%)
- Pharmaceuticals (99.9%)
- Most heavy metals
- Pesticides (less than the lab detectable limit)
These results are supported by numerous EPA-accredited laboratories, such as the Lousiana University’s Department of Toxicology and Environmental Science and the University of Phoenix’s Spectrum Labs.
You can also add a fluoride filter to remove the fluoride content by up to 97%, however, it is made from BPA-free non-leaching #5 polypropylene.
The Imperial Berkey Gravity-fed water filter has a capacity of 4.5 gallons, capable of supporting a family of 6. Each pair of filters can filter up to 6,000 gallons of water before requiring replacement. Its water purification speed is 5.5 gallons per hour.
Characteristics
- Size: 10 x 10 x 27 in (25.4 x 25.4 x 68.5 cm)
- Weight: 10 lb (4.5 kg)
- Materials: High polish 304 stainless steel
- Filtration Capacity: 6,000 gallons
- Filter Capacity: 4.5 gallons/17 litres
- Purification speed: 5.5 gallons per hour
Pros
- Filters over 200+ contaminants
- Tested by numerous EPA-accredited laboratories
- Lifetime warranty
- Each filter pair lasts for around 3 years or 6,000 gallons
Cons
- You’ll have to purchase the arsenic and fluoride filters separately
- Does not remove total dissolved solids (TDS)
- The instructions aren’t easy to follow, specifically the priming step
- It’s not completely plastic free
3. Best Under Counter Filter: CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter
Best Under Counter Water Filter
If you are looking for an affordable, sustainable, under-counter, long-lasting environmentally friendly water filter, then you should get your hands on the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter.
It has been certified by the NSF standards 42 and 61, indicating superior water filtration capability. It is only usable for municipal water, so avoid using it with private well water.
Now, let’s talk a bit about the filtration system. The CuZn UC-200 is powered by a bacteriostatic filter system, which counters mould and bacteria growth. It comprises of three parts: KDF-55 Filter Media, Coconut Shell Carbon, and Micro Sediment Membrane. It filters out the following contaminants, which makes it an excellent choice for homes near farms and industrial areas:
- Chlorine
- Disinfectants
- Herbicides
- Pesticides
- Sediments
- Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, chromium etc.
The filter has a lifespan of 5 years, which is around 50,000 gallons and comes with stainless steel connection hose.
Characteristics
- Size: 16 x 4.5 x 16 in (41 x 11 x 41 cm)
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Filtration Capacity: 50,000 gallons (5 years)
Pros
- Made in the US
- Powered by a bacteriostatic filter system, which means it counters mould and bacteria growth
- Promises to filter water for up to 5 years
- Certified by the NSF standards 42 and 61
- Easy to set up
- Doesn’t require ongoing maintenance
- 5-Year Prorated Performance Warranty
Cons
- Only works for municipal water supply.
- Some customers complained that the filter didn’t last as long as promised.
- A few customers complained that the water had white stuff or became murky after a few weeks of use, however, the majority of them had hard water softening systems in place so could be because of that. Some of them complained about the water taste.
- A few of them burst in the kitchen resulting in flooding.
- A single customer complained that the water made their cats and dogs sick. Given that it’s one out of over 5,000 reviews, the root cause might be something else.
These are our top 3 picks for sustainable or plastic free water filters. Let us know in the comments below if you’ve used any of these before. Honest reviews help the readers in making their choices. Don’t forget to hydrate!