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One of the easiest ways to filter your own water is using a water filter pitcher. The good news is, these units are also available for people on well water. Depending on your water conditions, they just need to be a bit more powerful.
Once you’ve found your perfect well filter pitcher, simply fill it up and wait for the water to trickle into the bottom reservoir.
Besides improving how your water tastes and smells, a water filtration pitcher can also eliminate dangerous contaminants commonly found in well water supplies, making it safe to drink – if you choose the right one.
More benefits: Affordable price, compact size and easy cleaning.
So, here is our collection of the 8 best water filter pitchers for well water in 2023. Enjoy!
Contents
- 1 Best Water Filter Pitchers for Well Water – Top Picks
- 2 Best Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water Reviews
- 2.1 1. Best Overall: Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
- 2.2 2. Best for Microorganisms: Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
- 2.3 3. Best for Large Families: Epic Nano Water Filter Dispenser
- 2.4 4. Best for PFAS: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
- 2.5 5. Best for TDS: ZeroWater 7 Cup Ready-Pour Water Filter Pitcher
- 2.6 6. Best Looks: Nakii Water Filter Pitcher
- 2.7 7. Best for Lower Budgets: Brita Water Filter Pitchers
- 2.8 8. Best for Lowest Maintenance Cost: PUR Water Filter Pitchers
- 3 Best Pitcher Filter for Well Water Comparison Chart
- 4 Buyer’s Guide – How to Buy a Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water (+ How We Tested)
- 5 What is a Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water?
- 6 Who Needs a Water Filter Pitcher for Hard/Well Water?
- 7 Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Water Filter Pitchers for Well Water
- 8 How Often Do I Have to Replace My Pitcher Filter?
- 9 How to Replace
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 11 Conclusion
Best Water Filter Pitchers for Well Water – Top Picks
| Filter Pitchers | Specs & Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher ★★★★★ |
| Coupon Code (15% Off): WM15 |
#1 for Microorganisms
Epic Nano ★★★★ ☆ |
| Coupon Code (15% Off): MASTERZ |
#1 Filter Dispenser
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser ★★★★★ |
| Coupon Code (15% Off): MASTERZ |
Best Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water Reviews
The order of the following water filter pitcher for well water reviews is deliberate. Our favorite products are at the top.
1. Best Overall: Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
Coupon Code (15% Off): WM15
The best water filter pitcher for well water that you can buy in 2023 is, without a doubt, the Clearly Filtered.
The Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher is scientifically tested and proven to eliminate over 365 different types of contaminant from drinking water (the highest amount of any current available pitcher).
These contaminants are often found in water, and include:
- Radioactive elements
- Viruses, bacteria and cysts
- Organic chemicals (e.g. pesticides[1])
- Nitrite and nitrate
- Fluoride
- Chlorine
- Lead, arsenic, chromium 6 and other heavy metals
- And much more.
Clearly Filtered advises that their water pitcher filter is used on well water that has been disinfected for best results.
Along with all removal of the above contaminants, the refreshing, crisp taste of the odor free drinking water is what makes this our best well water filter pitcher in 2023!
See More Product Images at clearlyfiltered.com
Main Specs
- Price: $$$
- Storage volume: 10 cups
- Filtration capacity: 100 gallons or 4 months
- Estimated yearly cost for filter replacement: $150
- NSF testing: 42, 53, 244, 401, P473
- Best for: The Clearly Filtered Pitcher is best for overall well water filtration.
Pros
- This model is made in the USA.
- The Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher makes use of Affinity Filtration Technology – this takes a variety of filter media and incorporates it with granular activated carbon to deliver an outstanding quick filtration performance.
- As mentioned, the water filter pitcher has been scientifically tested in laboratories by third party and independent groups, meaning it is guaranteed to deliver its promised results. It meets NSF and ANSI standards 42, 53, 244, 401 and protocol P473, removing contaminants like chlorine which leads to an improvement in water taste.
- It won’t remove any essential minerals.
- Perfect for family use, as the jug holds enough water for 10 cups.
- To make refilling easier, the lid is able to be fully removed.
- The tritan plastic is guaranteed to be free of BPA!
- Simple to assemble and put together.
- Every filter cartridge will last for 4 months or 100 gallons of water.
- This is more than twice the average for most pitcher filters, and accumulates a yearly cost of $150.
- If you buy in bulk, you’ll get a discount which means it’ll be even cheaper!
- There is a satisfaction guarantee that allows you to get a refund if you aren’t satisfied with the product after 30 days.
- There is a lifetime warranty with the product!
Cons
- It is quite pricey; other pitcher filters will be cheaper.
- Although we personally have had no issues, some people have complained about filters being slow or clogging.
- The filter pitcher is only tested but not certified against NSF standards.
Or read our complete CF Water Pitcher review
2. Best for Microorganisms: Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Coupon Code (15% Off): MASTERZ
If you’re looking for an alternative choice instead of the Clearly Filtered, then the Epic Nano filter is the choice for you.
Over 200 water impurities will be removed from your well water, with a primary focus on bacteria, viruses and cysts.
Along with that, the high standard of water quality that filters through the Epic Nano water filter pitcher is what makes it the second best water filter pitcher for well water!
See More Product Images at epicwaterfilters.com
Main Specs
- Price: $$$
- Storage volume: 8 cups (filtered)
- Filtration capacity: 150 gals or up to 6 months
- Estimated yearly cost for replacement filters: $100
- NSF testing: 42, 53, 401, P231, P473
- Best for: The Epic Nano is ideal for well water with bacteria, cysts and viruses.
Pros
- Filter water pitcher comes in a choice of colors – black or navy.
- Epic Water has had their Nano pitcher tested by labs that are EPA accredited[2]. This means the water filter pitcher reaches NSF standards 42, 53, 401, and P473, as it reduces many water impurities such as PFAS, heavy metals, salts, mercury, chlorine and chloramine, VOC’s, disinfection and pharmaceutical byproducts, pesticides and herbicides, and more.
- A block of granular activated carbon made out of coconut shell is used in this filtration process.
- 999% bacteria such as salmonella, hepatitis A and E. coli are trapped by the sub-micron filter, as well as cysts and viruses.
- With the water filter pitcher being verified with NSF protocol P231[3], you know you are consuming clean, great tasting drinking water!
- Removes chlorine taste.
- Well water often contains hard scale that leads to filters clogging. The Epic pitcher is resistant to this which avoids rapid clogging.
- Other beneficial elements (such as calcium and magnesium) are not removed by the filter pitcher.
- Drinking water can be poured from the filter pitcher even when all of it hasn’t been fully purified. The 15-cup storage seems to be adequate.
- It conveniently fits inside the majority of refrigerators.
- It’s made of tritan plastic which is free of BPA.
- The filter cartridges have a life of 2 to 6 months or 150 gallons of water, which is more than even the Clearly Filtered pitcher can produce!
- All filters are produced in the USA and are 100% recyclable.
- Epic water filters also incentivize this – if you send 4 cartridges back to the company for recycling, you’ll be rewarded with a new one for free!
- An electronic reminder lets you know when it’s time to switch out the filter.
- Discounts are also available to anyone with the following occupations: non-profit organization owners and employees, medical staff, first responders, military personnel, students, teachers and senior citizens.
- Epic Water’s products have a lifetime warranty and a convenient returns policy.
Cons
- There have been some complaints that after a cartridge is used for a couple of weeks, the filtration rate can decrease.
- The top of the lid can sometimes fall off when pouring water, or just stick altogether.
- We don’t consider a timer to be the most accurate way of tracking filter life.
3. Best for Large Families: Epic Nano Water Filter Dispenser
Coupon Code (15% Off): MASTERZ
The Epic Nano water filter dispenser is one of the best methods of well water filtration. It can use the same two types of filter cartridges as the Nano pitcher and is ideal for ridding well water sources of waterborne microorganisms like bacteria (99.999%), viruses (99.95%) and cysts (99.999%), which will improve drinking water quality.
See More Product Images at epicwaterfilters.com
Main Specs
- Price: $$$
- Storage volume: 2 gallons
- Filtration capacity: 150 gals or 2-4 months
- Estimated yearly cost for replacement filters: $150-300
- NSF testing: 42, 53, 401, P231, P473
- Best for: The Epic Nano dispenser is best for larger families.
Pros
- High quality is ensured, due to being manufactured domestically.
- The Epic Nano water filter dispenser is scientifically tested and proven to eliminate over two hundred water contaminants which will lead to healthy drinking water; these include mercury, aluminum, chloramine, fluoride, pesticides, VOCs, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. A solid carbon block is primary in achieving this.
- It meets NSF testing standards 42, 53, 401 & P473.
- It is the ideal size for families – the upper reservoir holds half a gallon of water, while the bottom section holds an extra 1.5 gallons of water.
- This dispenser fits inside the shelves of most fridges.
- The materials that make up the Nano dispenser are 100% recyclable and free from BPA.
- An LED alert is built into the lid, reminding you to change the filters every ninety days.
- All cartridge filters have a life of two to four months, or 150 gallons of water. This is actually above the average for most filters!
- The Clean Water Club is a subscription service that allows you to save up to 20% on any replacement filters you may buy, which can be sent on a flexible schedule that you can amend at any time.
- If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you are entitled to return the dispenser for a complete refund.
Cons
- Slower filtration rate is currently the only complaint.
4. Best for PFAS: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
The Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher is normally used for filtering tap water, but also functions as a fantastic pitcher for purifying well water and leaving you with great tasting water that is safe to drink.
See More Product Images at goaquagear.com
Main Specs
- Price: $$$
- Storage volume: 8 cups
- Filtration capacity: 120 gallons or up to 6 months
- Estimated yearly cost for replacement filters: $120
- NSF testing: 42, 53, 401, P473
- Best for: The Aquagear is best for PFOA & PFOS removal.
Pros
- Aquagear products are made in the USA.
- Activated carbon filter media works with ion exchange resin, eliminating over 70 contaminants in the water. This leads to a reduction in: 99.9% PFOA and PFOS, 99.97% pesticides, 99.97% disinfection byproducts , 99.41% lead , >98% volatile organic compounds, 96.5% chlorine and 95% mercury among other pollutants.
- Tested against EPA and SM protocols.
- Tested against NSF 42, 53, 401 and 473.
- Any healthy minerals will remain in the filtered well water.
- 8-cup storage is good capacity.
- Every filter cartridge will last for either 5 or 6 months or for 120 gallons of water.
- Annual filter replacement will cost about $100-120.
- There is a discount of 20% if you subscribe to Aquagear for more filters.
- The filters are recyclable, and can be returned for free!
- All materials used in the pitcher filters are free from BPS and BPA.
- Discounts are also eligible for military personnel and students.
- Aquagear provides a lifetime money back guarantee with their products.
Cons
- Despite not removing as many other contaminants as other water filter pitchers, the Aquagear water filter pitcher has a higher price compared to Epic Nano’s pitcher and just as much as the Clearly Filtered.
- The Aquagear pitcher filtration system takes quite some time to filter well water.
5. Best for TDS: ZeroWater 7 Cup Ready-Pour Water Filter Pitcher
ZeroWater has several pitcher filter products, but the highest rated by far is the 7 Cup Ready-Pour.
This pitcher filter is small in size and saves plenty of room for storage, but is suited for up to 2 people. The big question is – just how well does this water filter pitcher compete with the larger models?
See More Product Images at amazon.com
Main Specs
- Price: $
- Storage volume: 7 cups
- Filtration capacity: 20 gallons or 1 months
- Estimated yearly cost for replacement filters: $120
- NSF certification: 42, 53
- Best for: The ZeroWater 7 Cup filter pitcher is best for TDS removal.
Pros
- Replacement filter costs notwithstanding, this is a water filter pitcher with a very low price tag.
- A large range of well and tap water contaminants are eliminated from well water leading to healthier, safer drinking water. These contaminants include:
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), 99% lead and manganese, 99% asbestos, 99% fluoride, 99% chlorine, 99% chromium 6, 98% arsenic 5[4], 97% cadmium and more.
- A TDS meter will be included with the purchase. This can be used to check the condition of the filter cartridge you’re currently using, however we don’t recommend paying a lot of attention to this in regards to the overall quality of your water.
- This pitcher filter easily fits inside most refrigerators.
- You can pour water through the lid even if there is water left to be filtered at the top of the jug.
- BPA free plastic is used.
Cons
- An unfavorable quality of the ZeroWater pitcher is that each filter can only be used for about 20 gallons. This will lead to a higher cost in the long term, as a new replacement filter will have to be bought regularly.
- Alarmingly, one the most common criticisms about the pitcher filter is an unpleasant taste and odor emanating from the pitcher.
- As well as having to be refilled frequently due to its smaller capacity, the lid is also tricky to take on and off, making it more difficult to pour water.
6. Best Looks: Nakii Water Filter Pitcher
While not the best choice on the market, the Nakii water filter pitcher does have some good things going for it, like its stylish design, long lasting build and filtration capacity of one hundred and fifty gallons.
Let’s take a more in depth look at its performance!
See More Product Images at amazon.com
Main Specs
- Price: $$
- Storage volume: 10 cups
- Filtration capacity: 150 gallons
- Estimated yearly cost for replacement filters: $40
- NSF certification: 42
- Best for: The Nakii pitcher is the best looking.
Pros
- Common contaminants are effectively removed with four layers of filtration technology.
- Large sediment particles are trapped with the pre-filter.
- Any scale or heavy metals are removed through ion exchange resin.
- Eliminates chlorine and other dangerous chemicals via the activated carbon filter.
- Any so-called “leaking contaminants” are then removed by a post-filter if necessary.
- The pitcher has a capacity of 10 cups of filtered water at the maximum – an acceptable size for family use.
- When refilling, the pitcher doesn’t even need to be opened – a handy spout lets the water pour through.
- Easy to pour filtered water through the lid.
- It’s compact, meaning it fits in most fridge doors.
- Like other filters, it contains tritan plastic, so you don’t have to worry about any BPA.
- There is a warranty of 120 days.
Cons
- Although the Nakii water filter pitcher promises quick filtration and a contaminant removal rate of 44 ounces per minute, its size and price make this statistic highly doubtable – not to mention that thorough, decent water pitcher filtration requires a bit of time.
- One reviewer claimed their filtered water possessed a bleach-like quality, which isn’t very reassuring.
- Unfiltered water can sometimes be poured out when in use.
- There have been some pictures of a Nakii filter pitcher with mould growing inside them.
7. Best for Lower Budgets: Brita Water Filter Pitchers
Brita products are well known for their reputation as water filters for the mass market. One type of product offered by Brita are water pitcher filters.
The Brita Everyday pitcher is amongst the most well known of their products. Despite being an individual unit, it makes use of the two same filter cartridges as every Brita pitcher – the Brita Longlast and the Brita Standard.
☆
See More Product Images at amazon.com
Main Specs
- Price: $$
- Storage volume: 10 cups
- Filtration capacity: 40/120 gallons
- Estimated annual cost for replacement filters: $60
- NSF certifications: 42
- Best for: Brita pitchers are best for lower budgets.
Pros
- The main advantage of Brita water filter pitcher? Affordability!
- The Brita Standard cartridge will get rid of any chlorine taste and odor, and also some zinc, cadmium, copper and mercury.
- The powerful Brita Longlast cartridge locks on to heavy metals (99% lead), chemicals like chlorine (98%), and pollutants such as asbestos (99%) & benzene (93%).
- Certified ANSI/NSF standard 42.
- Because of its added power, we would recommend the use of the Brita Longlast instead of the Brita Standard. With a similar price between the two, it makes sense! (For example, the standard only has a filtration capacity of 40 gallons, while the Longlast can do 120 gallons.)
- The Brita Everyday can store 10 cups of water, making it the ideal choice for families.
- Can fit inside fridges.
- The Everyday pitcher contains a lid that simply lifts off, allowing for quick refilling in the upper reservoir.
- BPA free plastic and other BPA free material is used.
- There is a 1-year warranty covering any damage to the Brita pitcher, and also a universal 30-day guarantee that gives you your money back.
Cons
- Brita filters will provide you with basic filtration, however for a more intense, thorough water purification, you should seek the use of other filtration systems.
- Sometimes, tightly installing the filters can be tricky.
8. Best for Lowest Maintenance Cost: PUR Water Filter Pitchers
PUR offers not one, not two, but three water filter pitchers: The PUR Classic, the Basic and the Ultimate. The cartridges used for filtering are always the same – we recommend you use the PUR “Plus Lead Reducing” filter. It goes straight for the usual contaminants, such as mercury, lead, particulates, chlorine, cadmium, various herbicides and pesticides, and others that inhabit well water.
See More Product Images at amazon.com
Main Specs
- Price: $$
- Storage volume: 11 cups
- Filtration capacity: 40 gallons or 2 months
- Estimated annual cost for replacement filters: $50
- NSF certifications: 42, 53, 401
- Best for: PUR pitcher filters are best for the lowest annual cost.
Pros
- PUR filters are interchangeable, so the PUR Classic, Basic and Ultimate work with the same pitcher filters.
- A PUR filter makes use of granular activated carbon and also MAXION resin.
- The standard model eliminates a total of fourteen water contaminants, such as nasty chemicals like industrial pollutants and pharmaceuticals (no viruses, bacteria and cysts as sometimes stated incorrectly).
- The lead reducing filter removes up to twenty water contaminants, the most important being lead. It is NSF certified (certifications 42, 53 and 401.)
- The cartridges have a filter life of 2 months or 40 gallons. While not huge, it’s a decent amount when taking the low price into consideration. Discounts are available also when bought in bulk – cost effective!
- The Ultimate and Classic will remind you when to change the cartridge via a light alert!
- You can recycle the old cartridges for free at many recycling locations.
- BPA free plastic.
- There is a manufacturer warranty of 90 days.
Cons
- Within one or two weeks, clogging can reduce the speed of the filtration performance.
- PUR’s suggestion to shake or soak the filters prior to installation doesn’t always work.
- The lid is prone to issues with attachment.
- The filter timer battery isn’t replaceable.
Best Pitcher Filter for Well Water Comparison Chart
How do the best filter pitchers for well water perform when directly compared to each other?
| Water Purifier | $$$ | Storage Volume | Filter Life | Annual Cost | ANSI/NSF | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearly Filtered | $$$ | 10 Cups | 100 Gallons | $150 | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 | Best Water Pitcher for Well Water Overall | |
| Epic Nano Pitcher | $$$ | 8 Cups (Filtered) | 150 Gallons | $100 | 42, 53, 401, P231, P473 | Best for Well Water w/ Bacteria, Viruses, Cysts | |
| Epic Dispenser | $$$ | 2 Gallons (Total) | 150 Gallons | $150-300 | 42, 53, 401, P231, P473 | Best for Larger Families | |
| Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher | $$$ | 8 Cups | 120 Gallons | $120 | 42, 53, 401, P473 | Best for PFAS Removal | |
| ZeroWater 7 Cup Ready-Pour | $ | 7 Cups | 20 Gallons | $120 | 42, 53 | Best for TDS Removal | |
| Nakii | $$ | 10 Cups | 150 Gallons | $40 | 42 | Best Looking Model | |
| Brita Everyday | $$ | 10 Cups | 40/120 Gallons | $60 | 42 | Best for Lower Budgets | |
| PUR Water Filter Pitcher | $$ | 11 Cups | 40 Gallons | $50 | 42, 53, 401 | Best for Lowest Maintenance Cost |
Buyer’s Guide – How to Buy a Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water (+ How We Tested)
Here’s our buying guide with everything you need to know about how to buy the best water filter pitcher for well water.
Testing the Quality of Your Well Water + Choosing the Right Filtration Method
Firstly – the pitcher filter you buy needs to use filtration processes that match with your water’s chemistry. Simply put: the water filter pitcher you buy needs to have the capability to actually remove these contaminants from your well water supply.
Your first step, therefore, is to test the conditions of your well water!
There are many DIY testing kits you can buy for just this purpose, however they might not be entirely accurate. They will give a decent picture of what you’re dealing with, though. There are different kits that test for certain kinds of contaminants, so be sure to get the right one.
When you get the results, you can purchase what is considered the best filter pitchers for well water that meets your needs!
If you’re looking to remove a large range of contaminants, a filter pitcher that makes use of a variety of filter media is vital. An example of this is the Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher (which we reviewed earlier). This water filter pitcher uses ion exchange resin, activated carbon and others to filter out unwanted pollutants. This makes the Clearly Filtered model able to eliminate a greater amount of contaminants than any other pitcher currently on the market.
NSF/ANSI Standards
It would be a great world if we could just trust advertisers and manufacturers on their word – unfortunately, we can’t. When you’re looking to buy a high quality drinking water filter pitcher, we need to keep an eye out for NSF or ANSI certifications. These certifications mean the product has been independently tested and actually removes as many contaminants that it claims it will remove. Here’s a list of important ones:
- NSF 42 – tests for the removal of the taste and smell of chlorine, as well as specific particles.
- NSF Standard 53 – tests for the removal of the majority of contaminants that have detrimental effects on health, either organic or inorganic. These include aluminum, chromium 6, fluoride, mercury, VOCs and disinfection byproducts that inhabit well water.
- NSF 244 – tests for elimination of microorganisms that are waterborne.
- Standard 401 – tests for “emerging contaminants”, a term for relatively newer contaminants, such as herbicides, pesticides, drugs and prescription medicines.
- Protocol P473 – a specific standard that was designated for PFOS and PFOA chemicals.
Water Storage Volume
There is a difference between the size of the water filter pitcher and the amount of water it can store. Both are important, but aren’t always the same.
- The size of the jug is important to keep in mind when you have to refill the. When you pour the water, the water stored in the upper section will filter down and replace it.
- A sizeable storage of filtered water means you won’t have to wait as long for the water to be filtered. The biggest advantage of this is clean water is more likely to be available on demand!
Also remember that while many filter pitchers do the job for one or two people, others are designed for family use.
Filtering Speed
Filtration speed and rate is how quickly a filter removes harmful chemicals for the water.
You may initially think that quicker filtration would be better. However, this only really occurs when your well water supply already matches certain conditions.
Successful water filtration is a timely process. Filter media inside the filter pitcher requires adequate time to locate contaminants, trap them and let the clean well water pass through. If drinking water simply speeds through to the bottom, it probably won’t be very clean. A slow water flow can mean that the filter is doing its job. From this we can understand that fast filtration speed isn’t always a good thing!
Filtration Capacity
Filter life (AKA filtration capacity) is a big factor not only in terms of convenience, but overall cost!
A filter that lasts a long time won’t have to be replaced as much. The Clearly Filtered well water pitcher and Epic Nano’s filter pitcher are great examples of models that have long lasting filters.
Some filters will unfortunately expire after a small duration of filtering water. This leads to more work and more money to replace the filters, and is more inconvenient. For example, the ZeroWater filter lasts for a maximum of 20 gallons of water filtered.
Materials Used
Most water filter pitchers will be made from plastic. While not the most ideal material for long term contact with water, every product we have featured on our list of reviews is made of tritan plastic, and therefore free from BPA.[5]
Plastic that contains BPA makes for a useless filter, as the BPA would only infect your water supply after filtration anyway!
Cleaning
Some intricate parts of water pitcher filters are trickier to clean, which can lead to a buildup of mildew and even mould. If you do buy a water filter pitcher like this, be prepared to scrub it well!
Price Tag & Manufacturer Warranty
The price is a make or break factor when it comes to purchasing water pitcher filters. The initial price is important, but it’s not the only financial factor at play.
The cost of filter replacement is easily forgotten about. These are needed whenever the old filters run out of life. Realistically, a $60 filter that lasts for 4 months will be better value than a $30 filter that only lasts 6 weeks.
Regarding product warranty, a lifetime warranty is ideal – but one year is better than nothing. Many companies will provide a 30-day guarantee with the water filter pitcher, with a full refund ensured if you aren’t happy with it.
What is a Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water?
Most times, a water filter pitcher removes any contaminated water from private wells.
While they vary in shape, size and even filtration performance, every water filter pitcher for well water (and tap water) is designed to improve the conditions of a water supply in some way. Sometimes this can just be the aesthetics of water (e.g. smell and taste) or the elimination of harmful compounds and microorganisms to lead to safe and great tasting drinking water.
Filtration is simply when water trickles down through the upper reservoir, into the filter and down to the storage section at the bottom. The time it takes for this to occur can really vary, and usually depends on the kind of filter media that is used. Some examples include:
- KDF
- Ion exchange resin
- Carbon filter blocks
- Granular activated carbon
Who Needs a Water Filter Pitcher for Hard/Well Water?
Do I Need to Filter My Well Water?
You may be wondering if your well water requires filtration. Well, this is dependent on the conditions of the well.
It’s a fact that cleanliness varies from well to well. Wells close to industrial mining facilities often have more quantities of metals in the water. Wells near areas used for farming usually have higher amounts of pesticides present.
Natural factors are at play, too; sometimes fluoride or mercury can find their way into your well water supply through groundwater.
So, yes – you will likely need to make use of a water filter pitcher for well water!
Contaminants Found in Well Water
Harmful contaminants can pollute your well via a plethora of ways, affecting the water quality. Farming, industrial activities, runoff from storms and drains and even dumping can all find their way into the drinking water that comes from your well.
Some more contaminants that are commonly found (and their effects) are as follows:
- Heavy metals; e.g. copper, lead, mercury – Industrial and mining operations are big causes of metal like mercury entering your well water. Sometimes there are natural deposits found in groundwater, and sometimes they can come from plumbing, too. Exposure to heavy metals can cause high blood pressure, anemia, and sometimes even contribute to some cancers.
- Organic chemicals – These are now all too common. They’re present in all bodies of water, groundwater and soil. They’re intended for pharmaceutical use and dyes – not for human consumption! Even natural chemicals can cause kidney, liver and nerve system damage, and lead to problems with the reproductive organs. Besides, they can give water a bad taste.
- Microorganisms, including viruses, cysts and bacteria – These shouldn’t be too much of a problem with tap water in the US, as municipal water supplies are treated for them. Unfortunately, most wells are not. Septic tanks and animal waste are leading causes of these harmful substances spreading, and can cause all sorts of gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Radioactive particles (e.g. uranium) – Nuclear power facilities and mining operations can often lead to these pollutants getting into groundwater. Drinking water from wells that contain radioactive particulates can lead to various types of cancers and organ damage.
- Nitrate and nitrates – Animal waste and fertilizers can introduce these to a well water supply. Babies under six months hold the highest risk of consumption. Too much nitrate can damage the blood’s ability to circulate properly around a baby’s body, leading to a condition called blue baby syndrome, leaving a blue tint on a baby’s skin that can even be fatal in some cases.
- Fluoride – Fluoride is naturally occurring, this can prevent cavities in small amounts. However, too much fluoride can lead to skeletal and dental issues.
The best well water filter pitchers can remove these!
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Water Filter Pitchers for Well Water
Most water filter pitchers (as great as they are) come with both pros and cons.
Pros
Safe Drinking Water
We believe that everyone should have clean, safe drinking water available to them. Unfortunately, this is not a guarantee everywhere in our world.
However, a water filter pitcher for well water can get you better tasting water that is safer to drink.
A good well filter pitcher can use its filtration technology to reduce or eliminate the likes of pathogens, chemicals, organic compounds or any other kind of contaminant which would cause you harm, and is cheaper than buying bottled water.
Improved Taste
As a whole, untreated well water doesn’t usually have a pleasant taste.
A water filter pitcher removes all the contaminants and other harmful chemicals that would otherwise be dangerous, leaving you with great tasting water that is odor free, making water a pleasure to drink once more! Essential minerals remain.
Ease of Use
Using a water filter is highly convenient for well or tap water. No prior installation is required, and operation is as simple as filling them up and waiting for the water to filter through! Maintenance requirements are usually no more than just replacing the filter cartridge.
Affordability
While a whole house water filtration system is the optimum type of filtration system, not everyone has the money for it! Water filter pitchers are an affordable option for everyday use.
Even replacement filters (while ideally not something you want to be replacing every few weeks) are affordable and can save money.
Portability
Water filter pitchers are compact in size, which allows them to be portable! If you’re staying elsewhere or visiting someone, you can easily take it along when you’re traveling. They also fit in almost every refrigerator.
Environmentally Friendly
Using your own filtered well water instead of buying bottled water is environmentally friendly.
Fewer plastic bottles leads to less plastic in landfills, and it reduces our carbon footprint!
Cons
Substandard Filtration
The amount of contaminants that are actually removed by some water filter pitchers is about the only real concern with these kinds of water filters.
Although, lackluster contaminant removal only really happens when low-quality filters are purchased. The best well filter pitchers won’t have this issue. This is why checking your filtration system is NSF certified is so important!
The manual with the water filter pitcher should contain a list of what contaminants it removes though.
Small Storage Volume
Even the best water filtration system for hard well water will have its disadvantages. A recurring disadvantage is the space for storing purified water; it’s usually quite small. After a few glasses this can run out, meaning you have to wait longer for it to refill, which can be quite frustrating if you’re thirsty or serving many people at once.
With that said, it’s easy to work around this by either purchasing multiple water filter pitchers or just being economical with the amount of water you pour.
Slow Filtration
Sometimes water filter pitchers have a slow filtration process. If patience is something you lack, waiting for water to filter through will be a disadvantage for you.
How Often Do I Have to Replace My Pitcher Filter?
Every water filter pitcher for well water will eventually need to be replaced. How often this happens however, depends on the type and quality of the filter.
Normally the manufacturers will advertise how much life their filter pitchers have. Of course, the biggest variable is how often you use the pitcher and how dirty the well water is. The more pitchers are used (and the harder they work to filter out harmful contaminants and other impurities each time you use them) the sooner you’ll have to replace filters.
When the filtering process starts to slow down considerably or provides lackluster performance, it’s usually time to switch filters.
How to Replace
Luckily, replacing the cartridge of most pitchers is quite simple:
- Remove the outer water tank to reach the filter cartridge.
- Remove the old cartridge, either by twisting or pulling (the methods vary).
- Some filters require particular “priming” before being installed. For example, it may have to be soaked beforehand.
- Insert the new filter cartridge.
- Reattach the upper water reservoir.
- It is sometimes recommended to pour out the first couple of cups of filtered water after you change the filter, just to be sure it’s effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use a water filter pitcher on well water?
You can certainly use a water filter pitcher on well water. Just make sure that the water is microbiologically safe, or that the pitcher you use can remove whatever microorganisms are present in your water supply to provide clean drinking water.
Will a Brita filter work with well water?
A Brita pitcher filter can work with well water, but this depends on your water conditions and what you want to achieve.
What is the best way to filter well water?
There is no best way of filtering well water. It all depends on the water quality and what it is that you want to achieve: Better taste and odor? Removal of drinking water contaminants?
How often should a well water filter pitcher be changed?
How long the filter lasts depends on the pitcher you’re using. Generally speaking, you can expect that more frequent filter replacements will be required as compared to filtering tap water.
Conclusion
A water filter pitcher for well water can be a great solution for public and private wells. The best filter pitcher is the one that suits your needs. Our first choice is the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. For larger households with higher water demand we recommend Epic Nano’s dispenser.
If you have any questions about these or other well water pitchers please leave a comment below!
Further Reading
- Find the Best Water Purifier Pitcher in 2023
- Which Filter Pitcher Removes the Most Water Contaminants?
- Can You Buy a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Pitcher?
- What’s a Filter Water Pitcher?
Resources
- [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7826868/
- [2] https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcert/contact-information-certification-programs-and-certified-laboratories-drinking-water
- [3] https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/standards-water-treatment-systems
- [4] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic
- [5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331
His credo: Not a single American should have to drink unhealthy water at home.