Finding a countertop water filter that effectively removes arsenic is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water, especially if you’re in an area with high arsenic levels in groundwater. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be harmful to human health, causing long-term effects like cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Fortunately, some countertop filters are specifically designed to remove arsenic along with other contaminants. Here are some of the best countertop water filters that are highly effective at removing arsenic.
1. Berkey Countertop Water Filter (With Arsenic and Fluoride Filters)
Overview:
The Berkey system is widely recognized for its powerful filtration capabilities. While the standard Black Berkey Filters remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals, adding the Berkey PF-2 Arsenic and Fluoride Filters further enhances its ability to remove arsenic.
Key Features:
- Arsenic Removal: The PF-2 filters reduce arsenic by up to 97%.
- Capacity: Available in various sizes (e.g., Big Berkey, Travel Berkey) to suit different household needs.
- No Electricity Required: Uses gravity for filtration, making it an energy-efficient solution.
- Durable Design: Made of stainless steel for long-lasting use.
Pros:
- Removes a broad spectrum of contaminants, including arsenic, fluoride, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.
- Long-lasting filters: Can filter up to 6,000 gallons before needing a replacement.
- Available in different sizes, making it suitable for families or solo use.
Cons:
- Larger footprint: Takes up more counter space than some other filters.
- Upfront cost: Initial cost can be high, but it’s cost-effective over time.
2. AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis System
Overview:
The AquaTru is one of the best countertop reverse osmosis (RO) systems for arsenic removal. RO technology is one of the most effective ways to remove arsenic, along with other harmful contaminants like lead, chromium, and fluoride.
Key Features:
- Reverse Osmosis Filtration: Removes up to 99% of arsenic, fluoride, lead, and other contaminants.
- 4-Stage Filtration: Includes pre-filters, carbon filters, and an RO membrane.
- Easy to Use: Just plug it in, and no installation is required.
- NSF Certified: Independently tested to remove a wide range of contaminants.
Pros:
- High efficiency: Removes a large number of contaminants, including arsenic.
- Portable and compact: Perfect for smaller kitchens or for people who rent.
- Quick filtration: Can filter a gallon of water in about 12-15 minutes.
Cons:
- Requires power: Needs electricity to operate, unlike gravity-fed systems.
- Wastewater: Produces wastewater as part of the RO process, though it’s more efficient than older RO systems.
3. iSpring CKC1 Countertop Water Filter (With Arsenic Reduction Option)
Overview:
The iSpring CKC1 is a compact countertop water filter that can be equipped with specialized filters designed to reduce arsenic, making it a great option if you’re looking for an affordable yet effective solution.
Key Features:
- Multi-Stage Filtration: Includes sediment and carbon filters for basic contaminant removal. When paired with the arsenic filter, it becomes highly effective against this specific contaminant.
- Easy Installation: No drilling or plumbing is required, making it ideal for renters.
- Compact Design: Doesn’t take up much counter space.
Pros:
- Affordable: One of the more budget-friendly options for arsenic removal.
- Easy to install: Attaches to most standard faucets with minimal effort.
- Customizable filters: Can be upgraded to include arsenic reduction cartridges.
Cons:
- Filter replacement: The arsenic reduction filters need to be replaced every 6 months, depending on water usage.
- Not as comprehensive as reverse osmosis systems in removing all contaminants.
4. Home Master TMJRF2 Countertop Water Filter
Overview:
The Home Master TMJRF2 is another countertop filter known for its 3-stage filtration system, which can be customized to target specific contaminants, including arsenic. It uses activated alumina to effectively reduce arsenic levels.
Key Features:
- Activated Alumina Filtration: Specifically targets arsenic and fluoride.
- 3-Stage Filtration: Removes sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants along with arsenic.
- No Installation Needed: It connects easily to your faucet, making it a great option for renters or those who don’t want permanent fixtures.
Pros:
- Affordable and portable: A solid choice for people who need a budget-friendly yet effective filter for arsenic.
- Easy to set up: Can be attached to your faucet without any complex installation.
- Efficient filtration: Uses multiple stages to handle contaminants beyond arsenic.
Cons:
- Limited lifespan: The arsenic filter needs replacement more often (every 3-6 months).
- Lower capacity: Might not be ideal for larger households that consume a lot of water daily.
5. ZeroWater ZP-006 Water Filter Pitcher (With Arsenic Removal)
Overview:
If you prefer a water filter pitcher that can effectively remove arsenic, ZeroWater is one of the few pitcher brands with the technology to handle it. Using ion exchange technology, it’s capable of filtering out arsenic, along with many other harmful contaminants.
Key Features:
- 5-Stage Filtration: Includes ion exchange resin and activated carbon, which can remove arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals.
- Certified Arsenic Removal: Tested to remove virtually all detectable arsenic from water.
- TDS Meter Included: Comes with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter, allowing you to measure the quality of your filtered water.
Pros:
- Portable and affordable: Perfect for smaller households and those on a budget.
- Highly effective: Removes 99% of total dissolved solids, including arsenic.
- Easy to use: No installation or setup required—just pour and filter.
Cons:
- Lower capacity: Pitchers need to be refilled more frequently, making them less ideal for larger households.
- Filter replacement frequency: Filters need to be replaced more often than in larger systems, especially if your water has high arsenic levels.
What to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Filter for Arsenic Removal
- Filter Type:
- Reverse Osmosis: Best for comprehensive filtration, including arsenic, but may produce wastewater.
- Activated Alumina: Specifically designed to remove arsenic and fluoride; often found in smaller, more affordable units.
- Ion Exchange: Found in systems like ZeroWater, which are effective in reducing arsenic.
- Filter Lifespan:
- Consider how often you’ll need to replace the filters. Systems like AquaTru and Berkey have longer filter lifespans compared to smaller systems like iSpring or ZeroWater.
- Water Output:
- For large households, opt for systems with higher daily water output (like AquaTru) to avoid constantly refilling.
- Ease of Use:
- If you don’t want to deal with installation or plumbing, consider plug-and-play models like the AquaTru or Berkey.
- Budget:
- Systems range from affordable pitchers like ZeroWater to more premium setups like Berkey. Consider both upfront costs and long-term filter replacements.
Final Thoughts
If you need a countertop water filter that effectively removes arsenic, these options provide a range of choices depending on your needs. The Berkey with arsenic filters and AquaTru Reverse Osmosis System are the top choices for their powerful, long-lasting filtration. For budget-friendly options, consider the iSpring or ZeroWater, both of which still offer great arsenic removal at a lower cost. No matter which one you choose, any of these systems will greatly improve the safety and quality of your drinking water.