Water Filter Matcher
Enter your ZIP code to see what's in your water and get personalized filter recommendations.
- Contaminants detected in your water system (past 5 years)
- Filter type matched to each contaminant with cost estimates
- Top product picks with NSF certification details
How It Works
- Enter your ZIP code — we look up EPA violation data for your water system.
- See detected contaminants — only health-based violations are shown.
- Get filter recommendations — matched to the specific contaminants in your water, with cost estimates and NSF certifications.
Why Filter Recommendations Matter
Not all water filters remove the same contaminants. A basic carbon pitcher filter can reduce chlorine taste but won't touch nitrates or arsenic. Choosing the wrong filter gives a false sense of security.
Our matcher cross-references your water system's actual EPA violation data with NSF-certified filter technologies — so you get recommendations that address the specific risks in your area.
Which Filters Remove Which Contaminants?
| Contaminant | Activated Carbon | Reverse Osmosis | UV | Distillation | Ion Exchange |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 🟡 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Chlorine | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| PFAS | 🟡 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Arsenic | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nitrate | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bacteria | ❌ | 🟡 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sediment | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | 🟡 | ❌ |
Green = removes effectively. Yellow = partial removal. Red = does not remove. Based on NSF/ANSI certification standards.
Filter Cost Comparison
Bar width proportional to midpoint cost. Excludes installation. Prices reflect 2024-2026 retail averages.
Want professional help choosing a water treatment system?
Explore Your OptionsFree tool — no phone call required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need a water filter?
It depends on your water system. If your utility has had health-based EPA violations for contaminants like lead, arsenic, or nitrates, a filter certified to remove those specific contaminants is recommended. If your water has no violations, a basic carbon filter for taste and chlorine is usually sufficient.
Which type of filter removes lead?
NSF/ANSI 53-certified filters remove lead. These include many under-sink systems and some pitcher filters (like PUR or ZeroWater). Reverse osmosis systems also remove lead effectively. Basic carbon-only pitchers (e.g., standard Brita) do not remove lead.
How often should I replace my water filter?
It varies by type. Pitcher filters: every 2-3 months. Under-sink carbon filters: every 6-12 months. Reverse osmosis membranes: every 2-3 years, with pre-filters replaced every 6-12 months. Always follow the manufacturer schedule, as an expired filter can harbor bacteria.
Pitcher filter vs. under-sink: which is better?
Pitchers are inexpensive ($20-40) and easy to use but only treat small volumes and have limited contaminant removal. Under-sink systems ($100-300) filter all water from one faucet and remove a wider range of contaminants including lead, cysts, and VOCs. For serious contamination, under-sink or reverse osmosis is more effective.
Does this tool work for well water?
This tool uses EPA public water system data, so it does not cover private wells. If you have well water, the EPA recommends annual testing for bacteria, nitrates, and pH at minimum. Your local health department can advise on additional tests based on regional geology.
Data Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- EPA SDWIS — Health-based violations for all U.S. public water systems
- NSF International — Filter certification standards (NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, P473)
- EPA Lead and Copper Rule — 90th percentile lead/copper tap testing
Methodology
We match EPA violation codes to specific contaminant categories, then cross-reference each contaminant with NSF-certified filter technologies proven to remove it. Cost estimates reflect retail pricing for residential units as of the last update.