Water Pitcher Filters

Water pitcher filters improve taste and remove contaminants from drinking water. Pitchers hold and dispense a few cups of filtered water at a time and are ideal for living areas and bedside tables. It's a good idea to have some replacement filters ready in order to guarantee a steady supply of safe and clean drinking water for you and your family or employees. Shoppers can find a wide selection of water pitchers and water replacement filters at Staples®.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Water Pitcher Filters
Choose a water filter pitcher that is big enough to provide filtered water for the number of intended users. Small units usually hold up to 6 glasses of water while bigger units have capacities between 10 and 20 glasses. Shoppers should also look for units with solid construction and select pitchers made with BPA-free plastic. Other design features to consider include lid, handle, and filter indicator. The pitcher's lid should fit perfectly over its mouth while allowing you to pour filtered water without removing it. Find a water carafe with a comfortable non-slip handle that provides good grip. Most water filter pitchers have LED or LCD displays indicators that provide filter replacement alerts.

Before ordering a water filter, check the list of contaminants that it can remove. Match this with the potential contaminants present in the area's water supply. Doing this helps save money on filters. For example, users can opt for standard filters rather than more expensive lead-reduction filters in places with lead-free tap water. Most pitcher filters can also remove some bacteria and parasites. Certain brands that filter out pesticides are ideal for locations with large farmlands.

Pick the Right Replacement Water Pitcher Filters
A typical water filter pitcher holds enough water for two or three people. It makes tap water safer for consumption by removing sediments, toxic metals, and added chemicals. Water pitcher manufacturers usually offer specially designed filters for their products. Choose OEM filters to ensure a perfect fit and enjoy a guaranteed performance. Usually, all the filters sold by a brand are compatible with all of its water pitchers. Some provide basic and advanced filters. Basic units improve taste and eliminate odor by removing chlorine. These can also filter out particulate contaminants as well as heavy metals like zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium. High-end filters last longer than standard ones and are best for filtering lead-contaminated water. Look for a unit rated to remove 99 percent of the lead in tap water.

How Long Do Water Pitcher Filters Last?
Most filters can last through 30 to 40 gallons of water before needing replacements. For most users, this translates to 2 to 3 months of daily use. Some brands offer longer lasting filters that can filter up to 120 gallons.

Should You Look for Certified Water Pitcher Filters?
Yes. Look for filters with certification seals from WQA (Water Quality® Association) and NSF® (National Sanitation Foundation) International. These independent agencies test filters to determine that they really remove listed contaminants.

What Kind of Filters Are Water Pitcher Filters?
They are typically known as carbon filters. They use activated charcoal, a porous material, to remove impurities through the process of chemical adsorption. These filters excel at removing chlorine, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and sediments from water. Some pitcher filters have additional layers that can pull out minerals and heavy metals.