what does brita filter out?

Brita water filter pitchers use a granular activated carbon filter (carbon sand) that is designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor, as well as other impurities such as copper, cadmium, and mercury. The filter also reduces the amount of zinc, lead and asbestos that may be present in tap water. Additionally, it reduces the amount of sediment, dirt and rust that can affect the taste and appearance of your water. It does not remove contaminants like pesticides, trace pharmaceuticals, fluoride, bacteria and viruses.


At Epic Water Filters, we have spent many years studying the quality of tap water in the United States. One of the key findings of our research is that while tap water in the US is generally safe to drink (won't kill you tomorrow safe), there are still many contaminants that can be present that can pose a long term risk to human health. Especially if you are sensitive to immune system or chronic health issues. One of the main contaminants found in tap water is lead. Lead can leach into tap water from old pipes and fixtures, and it can cause serious health problems if consumed in high amounts.

Other contaminants such as pesticides, PFAS chemicals, heavy metals and bacteria can also be found in tap water. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for the levels of these contaminants in tap water, it is important to note that these standards are not always strictly enforced. Furthermore, the EPA only regulates around 90 contaminants, leaving other contaminants unregulated. We know from our research and testing that to remove tap water contaminants, you cannot use a granular activated carbon filter (GAC) like the standard Brita filter. There is just not enough contact time between the water and the filter media to absorb or trap water contaminants. So after the contaminants bypass the GAC filter, your body becomes the filter.


You can see from the Performance Data Sheet image below for the Brita filter, Brita is achieving very low levels of contaminant reduction, including between 92% & 95% of chlorine which is fairly easy to remove at high levels from water with a carbon block filter. Keep in mind that the Brita filter is only tested up to 40 gallons, which would last a family of four about 10 days based on the average person consuming 1/2 gallon of water a day. At Epic, we have tested our filters up to 150 gallons for our water pitcher & water dispenser and achieved an average removal of 98.6% for chlorine at 150 gallons. We have gone on to test our filter for the removal of over 200+ tap water contaminants. You can see our testing for our pitcher filter here.


Source: Brita's website


Given these concerns, it is important for individuals to take steps to ensure the safety of their tap water. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of strong water filters, like solid carbon block or carbon fiber block filters. These water filters can remove a wide range of contaminants, including lead (heavy metals), pesticides, chemicals, and bacteria.

There are many different types of water filters available, such as granular activated carbon, activated carbon block filters, reverse osmosis filters, and ultraviolet light filters. Each type of filter has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose a filter that is appropriate for your specific needs. In conclusion, while tap water in the United States is generally safe to drink, there are still many contaminants that can be present that can pose a risk to human health.


Carbon block water filters are a type of water filtration system that utilizes activated carbon to remove contaminants from water. These filters are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior performance compared to traditional granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. One of the main advantages of using carbon block filters is their ability to remove a wider range of contaminants than GAC filters. Carbon block filters are able to remove chlorine, chloramines, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and herbicides.

This is due to the fact that carbon block filters have a higher density of activated carbon than GAC filters, which allows them to effectively remove a greater variety of contaminants. Another advantage of carbon block filters is their longer lifespan compared to GAC filters. Carbon block filters can last up to six months or more, while GAC filters typically need to be replaced every two to three months. This is because carbon block filters have a higher surface area for adsorption of contaminants, which allows them to maintain their effectiveness for a longer period of time.


Additionally, carbon block filters require less maintenance than GAC filters. Unlike GAC filters, which need to be backwashed regularly to remove the accumulated contaminants, carbon block filters do not require backwashing. This is because carbon block filters are able to remove contaminants through adsorption, rather than through physical entrapment, as is the case with GAC filters. In summary, carbon block water filters offer several advantages over traditional granular activated carbon filters for contaminant removal.

They are able to remove a wider range of contaminants, have a longer lifespan, and require less maintenance. As such, carbon block filters are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an effective and efficient water filtration solution.


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Epic Water Filters Pure Pitcher

Pure Pitcher
$60

Filtered Water Bottles

Nalgene OG
$45

Epic Water Filters Pure Dispenser

Pure Dispenser
$69

Epic Water Filter Smart Shield

Smart Shield
$135