Best Water Purifiers for Older Homes in the USA
Older American homes can have different drinking-water concerns from newer construction.
The issue is not necessarily the age of the water supply itself. In many cases, the concern is what happens to the water after it enters the property. Older plumbing may contain materials such as lead service lines, lead solder, older brass fixtures, galvanized components, or other plumbing materials that can affect drinking water quality.
EPA identifies lead service lines, lead-containing faucets and fixtures, and lead solder as important potential sources of lead in drinking water. Lead service lines are more likely to occur in older cities and homes built before 1986.
That does not mean every older home needs a reverse osmosis system.
For many older homes, a properly certified point-of-use filter at the kitchen tap can be a more targeted and practical solution.
The right choice depends on:
- The age and plumbing materials of the home
- Whether the property has a lead service line
- The local water supply
- Your Consumer Confidence Report
- Results from a tap-water test
- The contaminants you actually need to reduce
- Whether you need drinking-water treatment or whole-house treatment
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Water Purifier for an Older Home?
| Situation | Best Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Concerned about lead at the kitchen faucet | Certified point-of-use lead filter |
| Lead detected in drinking water | Certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 system with a specific lead claim |
| Only chlorine taste or odor | Certified carbon filter |
| PFAS detected or identified as a concern | Filter certified for the specific PFAS claim |
| Nitrate detected | Appropriately certified RO or nitrate-specific treatment |
| High dissolved-solids problem | Reverse osmosis may be appropriate |
| Several contaminants in drinking water | Contaminant-specific treatment, potentially RO |
| Contamination affects multiple household fixtures | Evaluate point-of-entry treatment |
| No identified water-quality problem | Test first rather than automatically buying a purifier |
For a typical older home where the primary concern is lead from plumbing, a certified point-of-use filter is often the logical first option.
EPA provides consumer resources for identifying point-of-use and pitcher filters certified to reduce lead.
Why Older Homes Can Have Different Water-Quality Risks
Municipal water may leave a treatment plant meeting applicable requirements and still encounter different materials before reaching your glass.
Water can travel through:
- The municipal water main
- A service line connecting the street to the property
- The home’s incoming plumbing
- Branch pipes
- Faucets
- Valves and fittings
- Appliances
- Drinking-water dispensers
In an older home, some of these components may have been installed decades ago.
Consequently, the water quality at the kitchen faucet can differ from the water entering the property.
This is one reason an older home’s water should not be evaluated solely from the municipal water report. The report describes the public water system, while your tap water can also be affected by premise plumbing.
Lead Is the Main Reason to Pay Attention to Older Plumbing
Lead is one of the most important reasons to investigate drinking water in older homes.
EPA states that lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode. Common sources include lead pipes, faucets and fixtures. In homes with lead service lines, the service line can be a particularly significant source.
Other potential sources include:
- Lead service lines
- Lead solder used in older copper plumbing
- Older brass plumbing components
- Older faucets and fixtures
- Galvanized plumbing associated with lead-containing components
Lead particles can also accumulate in faucet aerators and other plumbing components.
This is why simply looking at the municipal water report is not always enough to understand what comes out of your own faucet.
How Old Does a Home Have to Be Before You Should Be Concerned?
There is no single construction year at which every house suddenly becomes unsafe.
However, construction date is useful when investigating plumbing materials.
EPA notes that lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. Older copper plumbing may also contain lead solder, while older brass and chrome-plated brass fixtures can be potential sources.
Older construction therefore deserves more attention, particularly when the home’s plumbing has not been substantially replaced.
But an older home is not automatically contaminated with lead.
Testing is more useful than guessing based solely on age.
Should You Test the Water Before Buying a Purifier?
Yes, whenever possible.
This is especially important for older properties.
Lead cannot be reliably identified by looking at, smelling or tasting water. EPA states that testing is the way to determine whether harmful amounts of lead are present in drinking water.
A useful investigation can include:
- Check your local water utility’s water-quality information.
- Determine whether the property may have a lead service line.
- Identify visible plumbing materials where practical.
- Test water from the kitchen tap.
- Investigate unusual results with a qualified professional.
- Choose treatment based on the contaminants actually identified.
Do not buy an expensive purifier simply because the house is old.
Check Your U.S. Water Quality Report
If your home receives water from a public water system, start with the utility’s water-quality information.
Your annual Consumer Confidence Report can provide useful information about contaminants detected or regulated in the public water supply.
However, remember that a utility report describes the regulated water system and does not necessarily tell you exactly what is happening inside your home’s plumbing.
This distinction is particularly important for older houses.
See How to Choose a Water Purifier Based on Your U.S. Water Quality Report.
Best Type of Filter for Lead in an Older Home
If lead is the main concern, start by looking for a filter specifically certified for lead reduction.
Available formats include:
- Water filter pitchers
- Faucet-mounted filters
- Under-sink filters
- Countertop filters
- Refrigerator filters
- Reverse osmosis systems
The important point is that the format is less important than the verified contaminant claim.
A product can have multiple certifications while still lacking a certification for lead reduction. Always check the exact model and the exact contaminant claim.
Why NSF/ANSI 53 Matters for Older Homes
NSF/ANSI 53 is a key standard when evaluating filters for health-related contaminant claims.
Lead is one of the contaminants for which products can carry an NSF/ANSI 53 reduction claim.
But do not stop at seeing the words “NSF 53.”
You need to confirm that lead reduction is specifically listed for the product you are buying.
NSF certification is not a ranking system and does not mean that a product removes every contaminant.
See NSF 42 vs NSF 53: Which Water Filter Certification Do You Need?
Should You Buy RO for an Older Home?
Not automatically.
Reverse osmosis can be an excellent option when you need reduction of multiple dissolved contaminants, but an older house by itself is not a reason to install RO.
For example, if testing shows lead but no other significant dissolved-contaminant problem, a certified lead-reduction filter may be a simpler solution.
RO becomes more attractive when the water-quality problem also includes contaminants for which RO provides appropriate certified reduction.
NSF/ANSI 58 applies specifically to reverse osmosis drinking-water treatment systems and includes multiple optional contaminant claims.
Lead Filter vs RO for an Older Home
| Feature | Certified Lead Filter | Reverse Osmosis |
|---|---|---|
| Lead reduction | Yes, when specifically certified | Yes, when specifically certified |
| TDS reduction | Usually little or none | Substantial reduction capability |
| Installation | Usually simpler | More complicated |
| Water waste | Generally no RO reject stream | Produces reject water |
| Maintenance | Usually simpler | More components |
| Best use | Targeted drinking-water treatment | Broader dissolved-contaminant treatment |
If lead is the only identified issue, the simpler system may be the better choice.
Best Water Purifiers for Older Homes
The following products are selected for different older-home situations. Certification claims should always be checked against the current manufacturer performance data and certifier listing before purchase.
1. Aquasana AQ-5300+ Claryum 3-Stage — Best Overall
The AQ-5300+ is our best overall choice for an older home where the main concern is drinking-water contamination from aging plumbing rather than a need for whole-house treatment or broad dissolved-solids removal.
Why We Selected It
It combines point-of-use installation with certified reduction claims covering health-related contaminants, including lead, while avoiding the complexity and reject-water production of RO. That makes it particularly attractive when the goal is protecting drinking and cooking water at the kitchen sink.
Relevant Certification
Aquasana states that the AQ-5300+ is WQA tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 for specified contaminant-reduction claims. The relevant older-home feature is its specific NSF/ANSI 53 lead-reduction claim.
Important Limitations
- It is a point-of-use system rather than whole-house filtration.
- It does not repair a lead service line or replace contaminated plumbing.
- It is not designed to solve every dissolved-contaminant problem.
- Performance depends on following the cartridge replacement schedule.
Who Should Buy It
Homeowners who primarily need safer drinking and cooking water and want a certified lead-reduction filter without installing RO.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Homeowners who need treatment at every fixture or whose testing indicates contaminants requiring reverse osmosis or specialized treatment.
Replacement Filter Considerations
Replacement cartridges are proprietary. Check current cartridge availability and long-term replacement cost before purchase. Do not assume that an aftermarket cartridge has the same certification merely because it fits the housing.
Retailer Link
Check retailer availability for Aquasana AQ-5300+
2. Aquasana OptimH2O — Best Whole-House Option for Older Homes
The OptimH2O is an unusual whole-house option because its current certification specifically addresses lead reduction.
Why We Selected It
Older homes can have water-quality concerns at multiple fixtures. A whole-house system can treat incoming water before it reaches those fixtures, making it relevant when the homeowner wants broader protection rather than kitchen-only treatment.
Relevant Certification
Aquasana states that the OptimH2O is IAPMO tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for reduction of soluble and particulate lead and cysts, with an NSF P473/PFOA-PFOS claim and specified chlorine/chloramine reduction.
Important Limitations
- It does not replace a lead service line.
- Installation is considerably more involved than an under-sink filter.
- It may be unnecessary if the only concern is drinking water at one faucet.
- Whole-house filtration does not eliminate the need to investigate the actual source of lead.
Who Should Buy It
Homeowners who want whole-house treatment and specifically want a system with a certified lead-reduction claim.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Renters, homeowners who only need kitchen drinking-water treatment, or households that have not identified a reason for whole-house filtration.
Replacement Filter Considerations
Aquasana lists the main OptimH2O replacement filter for up to 100,000 gallons or 12 months under its specified conditions. Actual replacement needs depend on water quality and usage.
Retailer Link
Check retailer availability for Aquasana OptimH2O
3. Multipure Aquaperform — Best Premium Carbon-Block Option
The Multipure Aquaperform is a premium point-of-use carbon-block system for homeowners who want broad certified filtration without moving to reverse osmosis.
Why We Selected It
Its NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 certification makes it relevant to older-home concerns involving both aesthetic contaminants and health-related contaminants. Multipure specifically lists lead among the contaminants addressed under its NSF/ANSI 53 certification.
Relevant Certification
Multipure lists the Aquaperform as certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401.
Important Limitations
- It is a point-of-use system rather than whole-house treatment.
- It is significantly more expensive than basic faucet filters.
- It does not repair old plumbing.
- It should not be selected merely because it has a long contaminant list.
Who Should Buy It
Homeowners who want a premium carbon-block system with multiple third-party certification standards and do not need RO.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Budget-focused renters or homeowners who need whole-house treatment or have a contaminant that requires another treatment technology.
Replacement Filter Considerations
Multipure lists the Aquaperform at a 600-gallon capacity. Compare the replacement-filter cost with your actual household consumption before purchasing.
Retailer Link
Check retailer availability for Multipure Aquaperform
4. iSpring RCC7AK — Best for Older Homes That Need RO
The iSpring RCC7AK makes more sense when the older home has a broader dissolved-contaminant problem rather than simply a lead-from-plumbing concern.
Why We Selected It
It combines NSF/ANSI 58 certification with conventional tank-based reverse osmosis and remineralization. That makes it appropriate when testing indicates several dissolved contaminants that justify RO.
Relevant Certification
iSpring states that the RCC7AK is NSF/ANSI 58 certified for specified reductions including lead, fluoride, copper, barium, cadmium, chromium, selenium, asbestos and TDS.
Important Limitations
- It requires more maintenance than a simple carbon filter.
- It requires a drain connection and storage tank.
- It produces reject water.
- It is unnecessary if lead is the only identified concern and a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter is sufficient.
Who Should Buy It
Owners of older homes whose testing identifies multiple dissolved contaminants for which certified RO treatment is appropriate.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Anyone who only wants chlorine and lead reduction and prefers a simpler point-of-use filter.
Replacement Filter Considerations
The system has several replacement stages. iSpring provides different replacement intervals for the prefilters, membrane and other components. Actual life depends on feed-water quality and usage.
Retailer Link
Check retailer availability for iSpring RCC7AK
5. PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System — Best for Renters
A faucet-mounted filter can be particularly practical for renters living in older homes or apartments where permanent plumbing modifications are not desirable.
Why We Selected It
It provides a low-complexity point-of-use option for households that want certified contaminant reduction without installing an under-sink system.
Relevant Certification
PUR states that its PLUS faucet filtration systems have third-party certification for specified contaminant-reduction claims, including lead. Always verify the current certification for the specific replacement cartridge.
Important Limitations
- It treats only the faucet where it is installed.
- It does not provide whole-house protection.
- It is not suitable for every faucet configuration.
- It does not replace investigation of a lead service line.
Who Should Buy It
Renters and homeowners who need a simple kitchen-faucet solution and cannot install an under-sink system.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Large households requiring high-volume filtration or homes needing whole-house treatment.
Replacement Filter Considerations
PUR recommends replacing the relevant faucet filter according to its rated capacity and replacement schedule. Using an expired cartridge can compromise performance.
Retailer Link
Check retailer availability for PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System
Do You Need a Whole-House Water Purifier?
You should first determine where the contaminant enters the water and where you actually need treated water.
If the concern is lead in drinking water, a point-of-use system at the kitchen faucet can target water used for:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Making beverages
- Making ice
Whole-house treatment may make more sense when the water problem affects multiple fixtures or when treatment is needed throughout the home.
Importantly, the availability of whole-house lead-certified systems has changed. Aquasana’s OptimH2O is currently marketed with IAPMO certification to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction. Therefore, older statements claiming that no whole-house lead-certified system exists should not be treated as current.
Even when a whole-house system carries an appropriate lead claim, it should not be considered a substitute for identifying and addressing a lead service line.
Why Point-of-Use Filtration Often Makes Sense
Point-of-use treatment means treating water at the location where it is consumed.
For an older home, this can be an efficient strategy when the main concern is drinking-water exposure rather than water used for bathing or laundry.
Common POU options include:
- Pitcher filters
- Faucet filters
- Under-sink filters
- Dedicated drinking-water systems
- RO systems
EPA specifically provides resources for identifying POU and pitcher filters certified to reduce lead.
Why an Under-Sink Filter Is Often the Best Choice
For many older homes, an under-sink system offers a useful balance between protection and convenience.
It can provide treated water through a dedicated faucet without requiring filtration of every gallon entering the house.
Advantages include:
- Dedicated drinking-water treatment
- Higher capacity than many pitchers
- Less countertop clutter
- No repeated pitcher refilling
- Potentially higher flow
- Easy integration into the kitchen
If lead is the concern, choose a model with a specific certified lead-reduction claim.
Are Water Filter Pitchers Good for Older Homes?
They can be.
A pitcher can be an inexpensive and simple point-of-use solution, particularly for renters or households that do not want plumbing modifications.
However, not every pitcher reduces lead.
If lead is your concern, verify that the specific pitcher and cartridge are certified for lead reduction.
Are Faucet-Mounted Filters Suitable for Older Homes?
Faucet-mounted filters can be convenient because they require relatively little installation.
They may be appropriate when:
- You rent the home
- You cannot install an under-sink system
- You need a simple POU solution
- You only need filtered water at one faucet
However, check compatibility with your faucet and verify the exact contaminant certification.
A faucet filter marketed as a “water purifier” should not automatically be assumed to reduce lead.
What About the Refrigerator Water Filter?
A refrigerator filter can improve water delivered through the refrigerator dispenser and ice maker.
But it may not treat water from the kitchen faucet.
Therefore, if the concern is lead from household plumbing, a refrigerator filter alone may not address all drinking-water use.
Check the filter’s exact certification and determine which water outlets it actually treats.
What If the Older Home Only Has a Chlorine Taste?
If testing and water-quality information do not indicate a health-related contaminant problem, carbon filtration may be enough.
NSF/ANSI 42 covers aesthetic claims such as chlorine and taste/odor.
In this situation, installing an RO system simply because the house is old may add unnecessary:
- Cost
- Maintenance
- Complexity
- Cabinet space requirements
- Reject-water production
See Best Water Filters for Chlorine and Chloramine in the USA.
What If the Older Home Has PFAS Concerns?
Home age does not itself cause PFAS contamination.
PFAS concerns depend primarily on the water source and local contamination conditions.
If PFAS is identified as a concern, select a system with an appropriate PFAS-reduction certification rather than choosing a product merely because it is advertised as a “purifier.”
What If Nitrate Is the Problem?
Nitrate is not primarily an “old house plumbing” problem.
It is more commonly associated with source-water and environmental conditions.
If nitrate is detected, ordinary carbon filtration should not be assumed to solve the problem.
An appropriately certified RO system or nitrate-specific treatment may be more appropriate.
This illustrates why water testing is important: different contaminants require different treatment technologies.
What About Galvanized Pipes?
Older homes may contain galvanized steel plumbing.
Galvanized pipes can develop corrosion and internal deposits as they age. Lead particles can also attach to galvanized plumbing and later enter drinking water.
Therefore, seeing galvanized pipe should prompt further investigation rather than automatically determining which filter you need.
Look at:
- The entire plumbing path
- Service-line material
- Faucet materials
- Water-test results
- Age and history of plumbing repairs
What About Older Copper Pipes?
Copper itself is not automatically a reason to install a purifier.
The bigger concern in some older copper plumbing systems is lead-containing solder or fittings.
EPA identifies solder used in older plumbing systems as a potential source of lead.
If you have an older copper plumbing system, testing can help determine whether treatment is necessary.
Don’t Forget the Faucet
The home’s pipes are not the only possible source of lead.
EPA identifies faucets and fixtures as potential sources of lead entering drinking water.
This is particularly important because a home can have relatively modern internal pipes while retaining an older faucet or fixture.
If testing shows elevated lead at a particular tap, investigate the entire fixture and plumbing assembly rather than assuming the municipal supply is responsible.
What Is a Lead Service Line?
A service line is the pipe connecting a property to the public water main.
If that line contains lead, water can come into contact with lead before it even reaches the home’s internal plumbing.
EPA estimates that approximately four million lead service lines serve properties in communities across the United States.
Older communities deserve particular attention because lead service lines are associated with older infrastructure.
If you suspect your property has a lead service line, check with your water utility and use available local service-line inventory information.
A Water Filter Does Not Fix the Plumbing Problem
This distinction is extremely important.
A drinking-water filter can reduce exposure at the point of use, but it does not remove a lead service line from the ground or replace contaminated plumbing.
Long-term solutions can include:
- Identifying the source
- Replacing lead-containing plumbing
- Replacing problematic fixtures
- Lead service-line replacement
- Corrosion-control measures where appropriate
- Using certified POU filtration as an exposure-reduction measure
EPA identifies replacement of lead service lines as an important long-term strategy for removing this source of exposure.
Does Boiling Water Remove Lead?
No.
Boiling water does not remove lead.
If lead is a concern, use an appropriately certified treatment method rather than relying on boiling.
Should You Filter Hot Water?
No.
For lead concerns, EPA recommends using only cold water for drinking, cooking and preparing infant formula. Hot or warm water can contain higher levels of lead because increased temperature can increase leaching from plumbing.
Do not run hot water through a drinking-water filter unless the manufacturer specifically states that the system is designed for it.
Should You Flush the Pipes Before Drinking?
Flushing can reduce water that has been sitting in household plumbing.
EPA recommends running water before drinking or cooking when water has been sitting in the plumbing, but the appropriate flushing time depends on the home’s plumbing configuration, whether a lead service line is present, and the length of the service line.
Therefore, do not rely on a universal “run the faucet for exactly X minutes” rule.
Ask your local water utility for its recommended flushing procedure, particularly if your property has a lead service line.
Clean Your Faucet Aerator
Older faucets can accumulate particles and sediment in the aerator.
EPA identifies faucet aerators as a place where lead particles can collect.
Regularly cleaning the aerator can therefore be a useful part of reducing exposure, particularly in homes where lead-containing plumbing is suspected.
Cleaning the aerator, however, is not a substitute for testing or certified filtration.
How to Choose a Water Purifier for an Older Home
- Find out when the house was built. This gives you a starting point for investigating plumbing materials.
- Check your service line. Contact the water utility or a qualified plumber if you do not know what material connects your home to the water main.
- Review your Consumer Confidence Report.
- Test the water when necessary.
- Identify the specific contaminant.
- Check the exact certification.
- Choose the treatment location.
- Calculate replacement costs.
- Consider the source problem. A filter should not be used as an excuse to ignore a lead service line or failing plumbing.
Older-Home Water Purifier Comparison
| System | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasana AQ-5300+ | Most older homes | Certified POU filtration with lead claim | Kitchen-focused |
| Aquasana OptimH2O | Whole-house treatment | Certified whole-house lead reduction | Higher installation commitment |
| Multipure Aquaperform | Premium POU filtration | 42/53/401 certification | High purchase cost |
| iSpring RCC7AK | Multiple dissolved contaminants | NSF/ANSI 58 RO | More maintenance and reject water |
| PUR PLUS | Renters | Simple faucet installation | Only treats one faucet |
Older Home Water Purifier Buying Checklist
| Question | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Do I have lead concerns? | Specific NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 lead-reduction claim |
| Do I have copper concerns? | A specific certified copper-reduction claim |
| Do I only need drinking-water protection? | Faucet, pitcher or under-sink system |
| Do I need whole-home treatment? | Appropriately certified point-of-entry system |
| Do I need dissolved-contaminant removal? | Consider certified RO |
| Can I install plumbing? | Check renter/homeowner restrictions |
| Are replacement filters easy to obtain? | Verify availability before purchasing |
| Does certification apply to my exact model? | Check the certifier’s listing |
Common Water Filter Mistakes in Older Homes
- Assuming an old house automatically has contaminated water. Investigate and test instead.
- Buying a filter because it says “NSF.” Check the standard and contaminant-specific claim.
- Assuming NSF 42 removes lead. Look for a specific lead-reduction claim.
- Assuming every product from a brand has identical certification. Certification applies to specific products and claims.
- Using an uncertified replacement cartridge. Physical compatibility does not guarantee certified performance.
- Using a filter as a substitute for plumbing replacement.
- Buying RO without identifying the reason for using it.
- Ignoring filter replacement. EPA specifically advises replacing certified lead filters according to their instructions.
- Running hot water through a lead filter. Use cold water for drinking-water applications unless the manufacturer explicitly permits otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best water purifier for an older home?
For many older homes, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is a strong overall point-of-use choice because it combines NSF/ANSI 53 lead reduction with broader filtration without requiring reverse osmosis. The correct choice still depends on the home’s actual water-quality problem.
Should older homes use an NSF/ANSI 53 water filter?
If lead or another NSF/ANSI 53 health-related contaminant is a concern, an appropriately certified NSF/ANSI 53 system can be a good choice. Confirm that the exact model carries the specific contaminant claim you need.
Does a water filter fix lead pipes?
No. A filter treats the water; it does not repair or replace a lead service line or aging plumbing.
Can old copper pipes contaminate drinking water?
Copper can enter drinking water under certain conditions, while older copper plumbing can also contain lead solder or fittings. If copper or lead is a concern, test the water and select a system with the appropriate certified claim.
Is reverse osmosis better than a carbon filter for an old house?
Not necessarily. RO can address a broader range of dissolved contaminants, but a certified carbon filter may be the better choice when the main concern is lead, chlorine, VOCs or similar contaminants.
Should renters buy a whole-house filter?
Usually not. A faucet-mounted, countertop or under-sink system may be much more practical unless the landlord permits permanent plumbing modifications.
Can I use a pitcher filter in an older home?
Yes, provided the specific filter has the contaminant certification you need. Not every pitcher is certified for lead reduction.
Does boiling water make lead-contaminated water safe?
No. Boiling does not remove lead.
How do I know whether my home has a lead service line?
Start with your water utility and any available local service-line inventory. If the material cannot be established from utility records, a qualified professional may be able to help identify it.
Do I need a water filter if my city’s water is safe?
Not necessarily. Public-water compliance does not mean every older home’s plumbing is identical, but neither does an older home automatically require filtration. Investigate the plumbing and test the water when appropriate.
Final Verdict
The best water purifier for an older American home is not necessarily the system with the most filtration stages. It is the system whose certified capabilities match the contaminants that can actually enter your home’s water.
For most homeowners: the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is our best overall point-of-use choice.
For whole-house treatment: the Aquasana OptimH2O is a particularly interesting option because its current certification includes lead reduction.
For premium carbon-block filtration: the Multipure Aquaperform is worth considering.
For homes with multiple dissolved contaminants: consider an NSF/ANSI 58 reverse-osmosis system such as the iSpring RCC7AK.
For renters: the PUR PLUS faucet system offers a much simpler installation path.
Most importantly, do not treat a water filter as a substitute for investigating an old home’s plumbing. If you suspect a lead service line, lead solder, galvanized plumbing or contaminated fixtures, identify the source and address it while using an appropriately certified filter to reduce exposure.
About the Author
ManBearPig is a part-man, part-bear, part-pig creature and a full-time expert on global warming—mostly because he has personally experienced the consequences of being extremely, extremely, super cereal.
When he isn’t roaming the wilderness, terrorizing unsuspecting humans, or demanding that people take climate change seriously, ManBearPig studies rising temperatures, melting ice, extreme weather, carbon emissions, and other inconvenient signs that the planet may not be particularly happy with us.
His research philosophy is simple:
“I’m super cereal.”
ManBearPig believes climate change is too important to discuss without facts—and too ridiculous to discuss without a little humor. Through this website, he explores global warming, climate science, environmental changes, energy, and the strange ways humans respond when their own planet starts sending them warning signals.
He has no university degree, no laboratory, and absolutely no intention of becoming a respectable academic.
But he does have hooves, claws, a snout, and an unusually strong opinion about melting ice.