Filter Review
Does PUR Filter Remove PFAS? What the Testing Actually Shows
PUR is the best-selling faucet filter brand in the US, and its pitcher line competes directly with Brita. But if PFAS contamination is your concern, the short answer is: PUR does not hold the certification that verifies PFAS removal — and independent testing shows it falls short of health advisory levels for several key PFAS compounds.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
PUR Filter Models vs PFAS Removal
| Filter Model | PFAS Removal Claim | NSF P473 Certified? |
|---|---|---|
| PUR Classic Pitcher Filter | No significant PFAS removal | No |
| PUR PLUS Pitcher Filter | Partial reduction (manufacturer testing only) | No NSF P473 |
| PUR Faucet Filter (FM-2000B) | No PFAS removal claim | No |
| PUR PLUS Faucet Filter | Some reduction possible — not certified | No NSF P473 |
| Clearly Filtered Pitcher | 99.7% PFOA / 99.9% PFOS (independent testing) | Yes — NSF P473 |
| Reverse Osmosis (APEC, Waterdrop) | 99%+ of all PFAS compounds | Yes — NSF 58 |
What Independent Research Shows About PUR and PFAS
Two landmark studies directly tested PUR filters against PFAS — and both found the same thing: PUR provides some reduction but does not reliably bring PFAS to below health advisory thresholds.
Duke University / NC State Study (2020)
Researchers tested 10 common water filters for PFAS removal. PUR removed some short-chain PFAS poorly and some long-chain PFAS better, but results were inconsistent across PFAS compound types. The study concluded that pitcher filters — including PUR — should not be relied on as a primary defense against PFAS contamination without certification.
EWG Filter Testing
The Environmental Working Group's testing confirmed that PUR standard filters provided minimal PFAS reduction. The PUR PLUS line fared slightly better for some compounds but still did not meet the standard set by NSF P473 certified filters like Clearly Filtered, which showed 99%+ removal across a wide range of PFAS compounds.
Why activated carbon struggles with PFAS
PUR uses granular activated carbon (GAC) with ion exchange resin. GAC has pores that adsorb chlorine and some heavy metals well, but PFAS molecules — especially short-chain variants like GenX and PFBS — are harder for GAC to capture. Contact time matters: pitcher filters flow by gravity quickly, reducing contact time with the media. Under-sink and whole-house systems with slower flow allow better PFAS capture in carbon-based systems.
What to Use Instead of PUR for PFAS
If you want to replace PUR with something that actually removes PFAS, here are the two best options based on your situation:
Same form factor: Clearly Filtered pitcher ($79–$89)
Looks like a PUR pitcher. Works like a PUR pitcher. But it holds NSF P473 certification and removes 99.7% of PFOA and 99.9% of PFOS in independent testing. Filters last 100 gallons each (about 3 months of regular use). No installation needed. This is the direct upgrade from PUR for anyone concerned about PFAS.
Bigger step up: Whole-house reverse osmosis ($800–$1,500)
If budget is not the primary constraint and you want the highest level of protection, an under-sink or whole-house RO system removes 99%+ of all PFAS compounds including short-chain variants that pitcher filters miss. NSF 58 certified. Requires installation under a kitchen sink with a dedicated faucet.
Recommended Alternatives to PUR for PFAS
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
NSF P473 certified. 99.7% PFAS removal. Same pitcher form factor as PUR — easiest switch you can make.
View at Clearly FilteredWaterdrop G3P800 RO System
Under-sink reverse osmosis. 99%+ PFAS removal. Tankless design, easy install. Best step up if you want RO performance.
View on AmazonDisclosure: We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Common Questions
Does PUR remove PFAS?+
No — not reliably, and not to a verified standard. PUR uses activated carbon filtration, which can reduce some PFAS compounds at low concentrations, but PUR does not hold NSF P473 certification — the independent standard that verifies PFAS removal. Without P473, any PFAS reduction is based on PUR's own internal testing, not third-party verification. Independent research from Duke University and the Environmental Working Group found that PUR reduces some PFAS compounds but not to below health advisory levels for all compounds tested.
What does NSF P473 mean?+
NSF P473 is an independent certification specifically for PFAS removal in drinking water treatment devices. A filter that holds NSF P473 certification has been independently tested by NSF International — not just by the manufacturer — to reduce PFOA and PFOS to below health advisory levels. Filters that say 'tested to NSF standards' without the actual certification have only run internal tests using the NSF protocol. That is not the same thing. PUR does not hold NSF P473 on any of its pitcher or faucet filter models.
Does PUR PLUS filter PFAS?+
PUR PLUS is PUR's upgraded filter line and does claim some reduction of certain contaminants beyond its standard filter. However, PUR PLUS is not NSF P473 certified for PFAS removal. Like the standard PUR filter, any PFAS reduction is based on manufacturer testing rather than independent certification. For documented PFAS contamination in your water, PUR PLUS does not meet the standard that matters.
What is the best pitcher filter for PFAS?+
Clearly Filtered is the only major pitcher filter that holds NSF P473 certification for PFOA and PFOS removal. Independent testing shows it removes 99.7% of PFOA and 99.9% of PFOS. It costs more than PUR — around $80 for the pitcher, $60 per replacement filter — but it is the only widely available pitcher with independently verified PFAS removal. If budget is the primary concern, ZeroWater's 5-stage ion exchange filter showed stronger PFAS reduction than PUR or Brita in Duke University testing, though ZeroWater is also not P473 certified.
Is PUR or Brita better for PFAS?+
Neither PUR nor Brita is certified for PFAS removal. Both use activated carbon filtration. Duke University and EWG testing found that PUR and Brita perform similarly — both provide partial reduction of some PFAS compounds but neither removes PFAS to below health advisory levels consistently. ZeroWater outperformed both in independent testing due to its 5-stage ion exchange system, but for a verified solution, Clearly Filtered (NSF P473) or a reverse osmosis system are the only reliable choices.