Which water filter jug should you buy?

A jug is only as good as its listing. We sort jugs by what an NSF, WQA or IAPMO listing for the exact model names, and ignore wording on the box.

“When choosing a filter for this purpose ensure it contains activated carbon and change the filter cartridge in line with the manufacturer’s instructions or it will cease to be effective and may leach other chemicals or bacteria.”

Source: Drinking Water Inspectorate, Domestic water filters and softeners ↗

Some jug cartridges reduce carbonate hardness. BRITA says of MAXTRA PRO: “Its ion exchange resin reduces both carbonate hardness (limescale)”. This is the manufacturer's explanation of that cartridge, not a certified hardness claim for our LifeStraw pick. BRITA cartridge FAQ ↗

A jug only treats the water poured through it. For an under-sink system, DWI says reverse osmosis removes most dissolved solids and softens the water; that treatment is confined to its connected outlet. For a whole-house softener, DWI describes the process as: “Softeners involve an ion exchange process that replaces calcium and magnesium (hardness) with sodium.” It advises keeping an unsoftened kitchen supply for drinking and cooking. Do you need a water softener?

Source: Drinking Water Inspectorate, Domestic water filters and softeners ↗

The cheaper alternative the inspectorate suggests: “Before decided to purchase a carbon filter, be aware that a more cost-effective solution is to store a clean, glass, covered jug of drinking water in the refrigerator.”

“For drinking and cooking, run the tap to clear any water that has been standing in the pipework for while, for example, overnight. A washing up bowl full is normally enough to clear the pipe of standing water, although if you have long service pipe you may need to run the tap for longer.”

“This short-term measure will protect you and your family, but if there are lead pipes or another source of lead present, these should be replaced as soon as possible.”

Source: Drinking Water Inspectorate, Lead in Drinking Water ↗

Do you have lead pipes?

• Water filters we'd pick
• Under-sink water filters
• Shower filters for hard water
• Do you need a water softener?
• Do you have lead pipes?
• Which water test you need

Do water filter jugs remove limescale?

Some cartridges reduce carbonate hardness: BRITA describes this for the ion-exchange resin in MAXTRA PRO. That applies to water poured through the jug, not the whole-house supply. Our LifeStraw pick's listings do not certify hardness or limescale reduction; an absent claim does not prove what it can or cannot remove. See the BRITA source and our pick's certification listings below.

Do I need a water filter jug for UK tap water?

For public supplies in England and Wales, the Drinking Water Inspectorate says there is no need to install additional treatment in the home as a health protection measure. A jug listed for taste can help with that, and one listed for lead helps while lead pipes are replaced.

How often should I change the filter?

As the manufacturer says. The inspectorate warns that a cartridge left too long stops working and can leach chemicals or bacteria back into the water.