Best Water Filters that Remove Arsenic

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Finding the best water filter to remove arsenic is crucial if you’re concerned about the presence of this harmful contaminant in your water supply. Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in groundwater that can cause serious health issues, including cancer and heart disease. Not all water filters are designed to remove arsenic effectively, so you need to choose the right type of filter. Below are some of the best options for removing arsenic from your water:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective filtration methods for removing arsenic from water. RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including up to 99% of arsenic.

Top RO Systems for Arsenic Removal:

AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis System

  • Type: Countertop RO system.
  • Arsenic Removal: Up to 99% of arsenic, along with fluoride, lead, chromium, and other contaminants.
  • Features: 4-stage filtration, plug-and-play design, NSF-certified.
  • Pros: No installation needed, compact, great for renters or small spaces.
  • Cons: Requires electricity, slightly pricey.

APEC ROES-50 Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System

  • Type: Under-sink RO system.
  • Arsenic Removal: Removes up to 99% of arsenic, along with many other contaminants like chlorine, lead, and fluoride.
  • Features: 5-stage filtration system, high capacity, durable filters.
  • Pros: Long filter life (up to 12 months), easy to install, great water quality.
  • Cons: Requires under-sink space and more installation effort.

2. Activated Alumina Filters

Activated alumina is highly effective at adsorbing and removing arsenic from water. These filters are often used in whole-house systems or as under-sink units and are particularly good at removing arsenic III and V.

Best Activated Alumina Filters:

iSpring AAFS Under-Sink Activated Alumina Filter

  • Type: Under-sink filter.
  • Arsenic Removal: Targets both arsenic III and V, as well as fluoride.
  • Features: Simple installation, long filter life (6 months).
  • Pros: Specifically designed for fluoride and arsenic removal.
  • Cons: Needs to be paired with other filters for broader contaminant removal.

Home Master TMAFC-ERP Reverse Osmosis System (with Activated Alumina)

  • Type: Reverse osmosis system with an activated alumina stage.
  • Arsenic Removal: Removes up to 99% of arsenic and other contaminants.
  • Features: 7-stage filtration system with a permeate pump for efficiency.
  • Pros: Extremely efficient, uses less water compared to other RO systems.
  • Cons: More expensive than standard RO systems but great for arsenic removal.

3. Gravity Filters with Arsenic-Specific Filters

Gravity water filters with specific arsenic reduction elements can be effective, especially in areas where plumbing isn’t an option or for emergency use.

Best Gravity Filters for Arsenic Removal:

Big Berkey Water Filter (with PF-2 Fluoride/Arsenic Filters)

  • Type: Gravity-fed countertop filter.
  • Arsenic Removal: Removes up to 97% of arsenic when paired with the PF-2 fluoride/arsenic filters.
  • Features: Long filter life (up to 6,000 gallons), durable stainless steel design.
  • Pros: No electricity required, highly portable, long-lasting filters.
  • Cons: Larger footprint on the countertop.

Propur Big Gravity Water Filter

  • Type: Gravity filter.
  • Arsenic Removal: Equipped with ProOne G2.0 filters that reduce up to 98% of arsenic.
  • Features: Stainless steel design, works without electricity.
  • Pros: Simple to use, long filter life, no installation.
  • Cons: Slower filtration speed compared to RO systems.

4. Water Distillers

Water distillers remove nearly all contaminants from water, including arsenic. Distillation works by heating water to produce steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form, leaving most contaminants behind.

Best Water Distillers for Arsenic Removal:

Megahome Countertop Water Distiller

  • Type: Countertop distiller.
  • Arsenic Removal: Removes 99.9% of arsenic and other contaminants like lead, fluoride, and heavy metals.
  • Features: 1-gallon capacity, stainless steel interior.
  • Pros: Incredibly thorough, no installation, removes nearly all contaminants.
  • Cons: Slow process (takes 5-6 hours to distill a gallon), requires electricity.

Pure Water Mini-Classic CT Water Distiller

  • Type: Countertop water distiller.
  • Arsenic Removal: Removes 99.9% of arsenic.
  • Features: 304 stainless steel build, long-lasting performance.
  • Pros: No installation, perfect for arsenic and other contaminants.
  • Cons: Expensive and time-consuming (4 hours per gallon).

5. Bone Char Filters

Bone char is made from the carbonized bones of animals and is particularly effective at removing fluoride and arsenic from water. These filters are typically found in gravity systems and under-sink filters.

Best Bone Char Filters for Arsenic Removal:

Crystal Quest Bone Char Filter

  • Type: Under-sink or whole-house filter.
  • Arsenic Removal: Bone char effectively removes up to 90% of arsenic.
  • Features: Long-lasting filter (up to 12 months).
  • Pros: Natural filtration, cost-effective for both fluoride and arsenic removal.
  • Cons: Not as efficient as RO or distillation for arsenic removal.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Filter for Arsenic Removal

  1. Contaminant Profile: Besides arsenic, check if your water has other contaminants like lead, bacteria, or nitrates, and select a filter that addresses all your needs.
  2. Maintenance: RO systems require regular filter changes (every 6-12 months), while gravity-fed filters may need less frequent attention.
  3. Water Usage: RO systems are great for larger households due to their higher output, while gravity-fed or distillation systems work well for small households or emergency situations.
  4. Installation Requirements: Reverse osmosis systems often require more installation (particularly under-sink units), while gravity-fed filters are portable and easy to use.
  5. Cost: RO systems and distillers tend to have a higher upfront cost but may save money long-term with their durability and low maintenance. Gravity filters are more affordable but may need frequent filter changes.

Final Thoughts

For the best arsenic removal, reverse osmosis systems like the AquaTru and APEC ROES-50 stand out due to their high efficiency and comprehensive filtration. If you prefer a gravity-fed option, the Berkey with arsenic-specific filters offers a portable and reliable solution. Water distillers, like the Megahome, provide thorough arsenic removal as well, making them a good choice for households that want nearly 100% contaminant-free water. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your water usage, budget, and installation preferences.

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