Water purification is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of our drinking water. This article delves into various water filtration options, to help you choose a plastic-free water filter that meets your needs. By understanding the different types of filters and their benefits, you can make informed decisions to improve your health and reduce your exposure to microplastics and fight single-use plastic pollution.

Why Water Filtration and Tap Water are Important?

Water filtration is crucial for ensuring access to safe drinking water by removing contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, and microplastics. The quality of tap water varies significantly depending on your location, and even seemingly clean water can harbor impurities that pose health risks. Using a water filter can enhance the taste, odor, and safety of your drinking water, offering peace of mind and better health outcomes.

Additionally, filtering your water at home eliminates the need for bottled water, which is often transported long distances, has therefore a high carbon footprint, and contributes to plastic waste. Bottled waters have been also found to contain microplastic particles. Water filtration systems help you minimize your environmental footprint while enjoying fresh, clean water and living a healthy life.

What are Common Waterborn Contaminants?

Water contaminants can be of different nature: physical, chemical, biological, or radiological. Some of the most common waterborn contaminants are:

Physical Contaminants:

• Microplastics and other particles
• Sediment and debris
• Heavy metals (lead, mercury, copper, etc.)

Chemical Contaminants:

• Fluoride and chlorine
• PFAS, PFOA, Gen X, and all Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) / forever chemicals / also called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Pharmaceutical residues
• Arsenic

Biological Contaminants:

• Bacteria and viruses
• Parasites and cysts
• Algae and other microorganisms

Dissolved Minerals or Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):

• Calcium and magnesium (hardness minerals)
• Sodium and potassium
• Iron and manganese
• Other dissolved salts and minerals

For accurate information about the state of drinking water in your country and community, visit the website of your country / state regulatory provider like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) (1) or more local authority sites.

What is the Impact of Microplastics on Water Quality?

Plastic pollution is a significant threat to water quality. Microplastics (tiny plastic particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic waste smaller than 5 mm or from synthetic fibers), and nanoplastics, (which are even smaller between 1 and 1,000 nanometers), have been found in tap water as analyzed in studies (2), plastic water bottles, and even in the food chain. These particles can absorb harmful chemicals, potentially leading to health issues (3), such as a variety of cancers, respiratory diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease etc. when ingested over long periods of time.

Related: Microplastic in Water Bottles – How Dangerous is It?

What Different Types of Water Filters are There?

There are several types of water filters available, each designed to tackle specific contaminants and suit different needs. The main two types are pitcher filters and faucet filters. In this article, we’ll explore both.

1) Countertop Pitcher Filters

Convenient and affordable, these filters use activated carbon to remove chlorine, heavy metals, impurities, and are used in jugs or large dispensers on your kitchen benchtop. Brands like Brita and Berkey are popular choices.

2) Faucet Filters 

Faucet filters attach directly to your faucet for on-demand filtration. These are effective for reducing chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. There are two main types:

• Countertop Faucet Filters (also called Benchtop Filters): Larger units that sit on your counter and connect to your faucet. They offer robust filtration capabilities and are ideal for households with high water usage. They are are also ideal for rental properties or for households unwilling to hard-plumb into the mains water line.
• Reverse Osmosis Systems: These advanced systems are usually installed under the sink and use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including fluoride and PFAS. They are highly effective, but can be more expensive due to their installation and require more maintenance. Furthermore, according to the US EPA some RO systems use 5+ gallons of water (i.e. rejected water) for every one gallon of water produced (4). Some inefficient units will go further to generate up to 10 gallons of reject water for every gallon of permeate produced.

Related: The Pros and Cons of Water Filters: What to Consider for an Eco-friendly Lifestyle?

10 Best Non Plastic Water Filters (or Nearly) for a Non-Toxic Hydration 

We scouted the world for some of the best water filtration systems and distillers for your home available on the market with the least amount of plastic and highlighted their features at a glance. See who made our list here below.

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps us continue the hard work we put into researching products and solutions to plastic/ microplastic pollution.

Please Note: Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health. Please read our disclaimer.

1. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System

Berkey has been one of the pioneers in water filtration. Their origins go back to 19th century England where epidemic diseases such as cholera and typhoid were spreading, also due to water contamination. The “Royal Doulton” products – as authorized to be named by the Royal family for the person who invented them – were ceramic water filters that have been perfectioned over time until the Black Berkey Elements were launched in 2023. The advantage of a gravity-fed system is that it doesn’t require any electricity, tools, or costing installations i.e. plumbing. It is made and/or assembled in the USA.

Size: available in 7 different sizes, even a travel size with the Travel Berkey.
Longevity: Berkey filters need to be replaced after 6,000 gallons of use.
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: The Berkey water filter cartridges remove or dramatically reduce over 250+ typical contaminants that could be present in freshwater sources. This is possible thanks to an advanced technology that allows for unique adsorption and absorption properties.

Removes Microplastics? Yes & No. No claim can be made by the manufacturer since no actual testing of plastic fibers has been conducted. However, their in-house product test results show that the elements can remove or reduce contaminants down to a scale of 24-26 nanometers (0.024 to 0.026 microns), which is smaller than many plastic fragments found in water.
Removes Fluoride? Yes, however, you need to buy optional additional filters called PF-2 filters™, which a part from fuoride, also absorb arsenic V, pre-oxidised Arsenic III, and other residual heavy metal ions.
Removes Gen X & PFAS? Yes, 100% according to a test by EWG.

Please Note: if you have an older Berkey, you can replace the plastic spigot with a 100% stainless steel spigot.

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2. Gravity Ceramic Stoneware Water Filters & Ecofiltro

Image credit: Smythcidpottery on Etsy / Ecofiltro

These large ceramic urns are usually handmade by artisans or made in small-batch production and are hard to find nowadays. Inside they have carbon ceramic water filter systems, also called ceramic filter candles.

Size: available in different sizes & shapes for different liquid capacities.
Longevity: it depends on the filter used. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: it depends on the filter used.
Removes Microplastics? It depends on the ceramic filter used. The Doulton Super Sterasyl filters remove particles down to 0.5 microns. To put half a micron in perspective, a human red blood cell is about 5 microns in diameter and a human hair is approximately 75 microns in diameter, while many bacteria are about 1 micron across. For these reasons, it should be effective at removing synthetic particles above this measurement.
Removes Fluoride? Yes, but only if you purchase a specific fluoride filter.
Removes Gen X & PFAS? It depends on the type of filter, some may reduce PFAS.

Shop Ecofiltro from Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
Shop on Etsy
Shop from Biome Australia

Related: 5 Non-Toxic, Plastic Free Water Bottles Without Microplastics

3. Aarke Purifier Glass Water Pitcher with Refillable Stainless Steel Filter Cartridge and Reservoir

Finally, a glass and stainless steel pitcher with a stylish and innovative patented design that leaves no plastic material of the filter in contact with the water. A bit disappointing though that the lid has still some (BPA free) thermoplastic (silicone) to ensure a right, leak-proof seal while pouring.

The handle in the 5 cup design is made of glass, while in the 7 cup design the handle is made with recycled, certified Ocean Bound Plastic and stainless steel. A detachable silicone bumper is included to help protect the glass carafe from bumps and scratches. All parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher (making sure to remove the granules first!) making it a very hygienic solution.

Size: 5 cups or 7 cups pitcher.
Longevity: the filter granules are reusable for 8 weeks and refillable.
Filtered Contaminants:

• Pure Water Refill Granules: reduce limescale, chlorine, and heavy metals (lead and copper)
• Enriched Filter Refill Granules: on top reducing the elements listed above, they also add magnesium minerals, turning tap water into alkaline water through an increased pH value.
• Please note: The filter granules are not just activated carbon, they also include an ion exchange resin co-developed with Austrian water-filtration multinational BWT (Best Water Technology). As you can imagine, this resin is made from petrochemicals, more precisely polyacrylate, and has been certified food-safe from NSF and Tüv Süd, but it’s plastic based! You can go around this by exchanging their granules with granular activated carbon charcoal.

Removes Microplastics? No
Removes Fluoride? No
Removes Gen X & PFAS? Herbicides, pesticides and PFAS may be reduced by the activated carbon in the granules. However, the manufacturer can not generally define how much these substances may be reduced as it depends on the condition of the inlet water source.

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4. Chimera Plastic-Free Water Filter System & Coffee Maker by Proper By Design

With Chimera, Proper By Design has created the first water-filtration system designed to eliminate plastic in both materials and experience. Every component that touches your water is made from ceramic, glass, and activated carbon. There are no plastic cartridges. No leaching. No waste. This designer product is available as a full system or just the ceramic filter housing (in case you already own a Chemex style coffee maker).

The ceramic housings are handcrafted in small batches in the U.S., ensuring exceptional quality and lasting durability.

Size:
– Ceramic Filter Housing: 5.75″ diameter, 8″ height. Designed to sit atop Chemex-style carafes
– Borosolicate Glass Carafe: Capacity: 36 oz / 1.1L
Longevity: The housing lasts for years. Only the activated carbon is replaced (every ~2 months)
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: it depends on the filter used.
Removes Microplastics? Their effectiveness varies based on the ceramic pore size and quality.
Removes Fluoride? n.a.
Removes Gen X & PFAS? n.a.

Shop on Etsy

Related: 10 Benefits of Drinking Tap Water vs Bottled Water

5. Binchotan aka Japanese Activated Carbon Water Filters

Binchotan is a very affordable and zero-waste carbon filter. The name comes from Japanese and simply means “charcoal”. It’s a pure charcoal traditionally used in Japanese cooking because it’s long burning and odorless. The image above shows the charcoal I use at home in a glass dispenser with lemon grass to make the water tasty!

Size: available in all sizes & shapes for different liquid capacities.
Longevity: usually 3 months, plus another 3 months after boiling the sticks. Yes, you can boil the sticks for 10 minutes to recharge them for another few months and when they reach their end of life, you can compost them in your garden. I keep mine in a glass pitcher with a lid (see my photo above).
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: the technology works by adsorption. The electrically charged ions stick to the surface of the activated charcoal and are no longer suspended in the water, therefore removing unwanted molecules.
Removes Microplastics? No
Removes  Fluoride? No
Removes Gen X & PFAS? No

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Shop from Biome Australia and Biocasa Australia

Related: Use a Home Water Purifier or Test the Water?

6. Invigorated Water pH Replenish Alkaline Water Filter Glass Pitcher

We have chosen pH Replenish Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher because it’s made with premium quality curved glass and a stainless steel filter with no plastic! The alkaline filter comes in a pouch.

Size: 1.8 liter for the jug, but they have different sizes in stores.
Longevity: the pouch lasts up to 400L/105 gal of water.
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: Alkaline purification method. It removes pollutants, fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals, while keeping minerals & increasing pH up to pH10.
Removes Microplastics? Not mentioned on their website.
Removes Fluoride? Yes.
Removes Gen X & PFAS? Not stated on their website.

The same company also offers a glass water filter dispenser with a bamboo lid, though the filter cartridge is plastic.

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7. LifeStraw Glass Pitcher Water Filters

LifeStraw offer the only water filter pitcher that removes bacteria and parasites, in addition to microplastics according to the manufacturer. The 7-cup jug is made of handblown borosilicate glass, with a detachable anti-slip silicone base. However, please note the lid & the removable filter housing are still plastic. The larger dispensers (18 cup) are made of BPA free plastic.

Size: 7-cup only
Longevity: The membrane microfilter lasts 264 gallons (1 year). The activated carbon + ion exchange filter lasts 40 gallons (roughly for 2 months).
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: Advanced hollow fiber membrane technology. The micro filtration membrane has 0.2 micron pores, so small that organisms like bacteria, parasites, and even dirt and microplastics cannot pass through. They reduce lead, mercury, and chemicals including PFAS (“forever chemicals”), chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, dirt, sand, and cloudiness. They retains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium that are good for your health.
Removes Microplastics? Yes.
Removes Fluoride? No, unless you purchase a specific fluoride filter.
Removes Gen X & PFAS? The manufacturer states that the LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher and LifeStraw Home Water Filter Dispenser reduce PFAS and meet the NSF P473 standard for reducing PFOA and PFOS from water.

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Related: Why Should You Avoid Plastic Water Bottles?

8. Amwater Whole House Water Filter with a Reusable Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Filter (Pre-Filtration Solution)

Amwater provide water filtration solutions for both whole-house, as well as countertop systems. It is the first company we encountered that has developed NSF certified 304 stainless steel mesh filter cartridges and with stainless steel housing, instead of plastic ones. They offer a range of filters to remove sediment, rust, sand, dirt, and chlorine, with specific models designed for pre-filtration to protect plumbing and appliances. The zero water waste system allows to save 8,000 gallon water capacity, which corresponds to 60,000 bottled water.

Size: Whole house filtration system.
Longevity: The lead free cartridge vary between 5 and 300 micron, and the wire mesh is 100% cleanable and reusable. It has 1 year replacement cycle with zero energy consumption (zero electricity used!), making it a very affordable filtration system.
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: The 3-stage filter screen is made with laser welding technology. It removes sediment particles from water, such as sand, rust, and scale. It acts as an affordable way to protect more sensitive downstream filters and to prevent these solids from damaging plumbing and appliances.
Removes Microplastics? From 5 micron.
Removes Fluoride? No
Removes Gen X & PFAS? No

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9. Pure Water Mini Classic CT™ Countertop Water Distiller

The Pure Water Mini Classic Countertop Water Distiller is a compact and portable water distiller that is made in the USA and has the best warranty in the industry (15 year warranty on stainless steel / 2 year on electrical components). It does not require any installation and makes it easy to get 99.99+% pure vapor-distilled water in the comfort of your home. All parts of this appliance never let the water come in contact with plastic during the purification process because they are made of high-quality 304-grade stainless steel (boiling reservoir interior, water flow condenser tub, and the heating element).
The only thing we don’t like is the plastic in the glass jug lid, but luckily it can be removed, and can be used without it. The appliance does take a bit of space in the kitchen and makes a bit of noise, but the result is worth it.

Size: it produces approximately 0.8 gallons of distilled water every 3 ½ hour cycle.
Longevity: the activated carbon post filter is sewn together (not glued with plastic) and absorbs any possible VOCs. The manufacturer states that it should be replaced approximately every three months, or when the water begins to develop an undesirable taste. They also recommend to pinch the carbon filter weekly to prevent clumping and clogging.
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: Distillation. It removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, harmful TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and other contaminants.
Removes Microplastics? Yes.
Removes Fluoride? Yes.
Removes Gen X & PFAS? Yes, but some filters, like the HTO+, may be needed for specific contaminants like arsenic, microcystins, PCBs, and PFAS.

Shop Pure Water – 5% discount with code IMPLASTICFREE

10. Countertop Stainless Steel Distiller Machine

This water distiller provides clean, purified water by removing impurities and VOCs at a rate of 0.3 gallons per hour. Made from durable food-grade 304 stainless steel, it’s suitable for both home and professional use, from drinking water to coffee machines, humidifiers, CPAP devices, and more. With automatic shutoff at high temperatures, efficient heat dissipation, and easy maintenance, it offers a reliable way to produce high-quality distilled water every day.

Size: 4 liter
Longevity: 3x carbon pack filters included, plus one citric acid
Filtered Contaminants & Tech: Distillation. It removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, harmful TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and other contaminants.
Removes Microplastics? Yes
Removes Fluoride? Yes, the process achieves water purity levels as low as 2 PPM (parts per million), which means it removes virtually all fluoride content from your tap water.
Removes Gen X & PFAS? Yes, it removes over 99% of dissolved substances including PFAS.

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Shop Water Pure UK

Frequently Bought Together: Water Filter Accessories

When purchasing a water filter, you may also need additional accessories to optimize its use:

• Replacement Filters: Ensure you have spare filters on hand to maintain water quality without interruption.
• Water Testing Kits: Regularly test your water to monitor its quality and identify any new contaminants.
• Filter Cartridges: For systems like reverse osmosis, having extra cartridges can help maintain the system’s efficiency.

These accessories are frequently bought together with water filters to provide a comprehensive water filtration solution.

Maintaining Your Water Filter

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your water filter performs effectively:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean pitcher filters and dispensers according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent buildup of impurities.
• Filter Replacement: Replace filters as recommended, typically every few months, to maintain optimal filtration.
• System Checks: For complex systems like reverse osmosis, periodically check all components for wear and replace parts as needed.

Maintaining your water filter ensures you continue to enjoy safe, clean water without compromise.

Conclusion: Either You’re Using a Filter or Your Body is a Filter!

Choosing a water filter that minimizes plastic use not only improves your health by providing clean, contaminant-free drinking water but also contributes to reducing plastic pollution. By opting for sustainable filtration solutions, you embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes environmental stewardship and personal well-being. By trying to scout for plastic free water filters, you can enjoy the benefits of clean, safe drinking water that is healthier for you and the planet.

Do you have any questions or comments? Let us know in the comments section below.

References and Scientific Literature Sources:

(1) https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations
(2) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9103198/
(3) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935124004390
(4) https://www.epa.gov/watersense/point-use-reverse-osmosis-systems

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