Does PUR make water taste better? A deep dive into filtration and flavor

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Consumer Reports, most water filter pitchers are quite effective at reducing unwanted flavors and odors from tap water, with some PUR models even earning 'Excellent' ratings. This confirms that a water filter can dramatically change your drinking experience. So, does PUR make water taste better? The science behind its filtration shows why it's designed to do just that.

Quick Summary

PUR filters use activated carbon and ion exchange materials to reduce taste-altering impurities such as chlorine and heavy metals. This comprehensive process yields cleaner, crisper, and more refreshing drinking water, which is particularly noticeable in areas with high tap water contamination.

Key Points

Removes Chlorine: PUR filters significantly reduce the chlorine used in municipal water treatment, eliminating the common 'swimming pool' taste and smell.
Targets Heavy Metals: The ion exchange material within PUR filters traps heavy metals like lead and copper, which are known to cause metallic flavors.
Adsorbs Organic Chemicals: Activated carbon absorbs various organic compounds, pesticides, and industrial pollutants that can negatively affect water taste and odor.
Ensures Consistency: Filtering provides a consistent taste, unlike unfiltered tap water which can vary in flavor depending on the source and treatment.
Requires Regular Replacement: Filters must be replaced on schedule to prevent trapped contaminants from re-entering your water supply and negatively impacting taste.
Backed by Certifications: Certifications from NSF and WQA confirm that PUR filters are tested to reduce specific contaminants that impact water aesthetics, including taste.

The Science of Taste: What's in Your Tap Water?

Tap water's flavor is not uniform; it's a complex profile influenced by its source, treatment process, and the pipes it travels through. Common culprits behind an unpleasant taste include:

Chlorine: Added by municipal facilities to disinfect water, chlorine can leave a distinct, swimming-pool-like odor and taste.
Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and copper can leach into water from aging plumbing, creating a metallic or bitter aftertaste.
Sediment: Rust, dirt, and other small particles can give water a gritty texture or cloudy appearance.
Organic Compounds: Decaying vegetation or agricultural runoff can introduce various organic compounds that produce earthy or foul smells.

PUR filters address these issues directly, which is the primary reason for the taste improvement. By targeting these specific impurities, they remove the compounds that cause off-tastes, leaving behind a clean, neutral flavor.

How PUR Filters Improve Water Taste

PUR's filtration systems, including pitchers and faucet attachments, rely on a combination of activated carbon and ion exchange to purify water and enhance its taste.

Activated Carbon Technology The process begins as water flows through the filter's activated carbon. This material, often made from coconut shells, has a highly porous structure that acts like a sponge, adsorbing organic compounds. Key components removed by the activated carbon include:

Chlorine: This is the most common and noticeable taste improvement, as the carbon effectively reduces chlorine levels to eliminate the harsh chemical flavor.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Activated carbon is excellent at trapping pesticides and industrial pollutants that could otherwise give water a chemical or unpleasant taste.

Ion Exchange In addition to activated carbon, PUR filters use ion exchange materials. This process is especially effective for removing certain heavy metals and other inorganic contaminants.

Heavy Metal Reduction: The ion exchange resin swaps out harmful molecules like lead, mercury, and cadmium with more benign, inert molecules. This eliminates the metallic or bitter tastes associated with these elements.
Zinc Reduction: Many PUR filters are certified by NSF to reduce zinc, which is known to cause taste and odor problems in drinking water.

The End Result The combination of these two technologies ensures that a wide array of taste-impacting contaminants are captured. What passes through the filter is significantly cleaner, leading to a much crisper, fresher, and more refreshing final product.

Taste Comparison: PUR vs. Brita

While both PUR and Brita are popular water filter brands, their approaches to filtration and the resulting taste can differ. Many users report a noticeable difference in taste between the two.

PUR vs. Brita Filter Comparison


Feature	PUR	Brita
Contaminant Reduction	Certified to reduce more contaminants, including lead, mercury, and certain pharmaceuticals.	Filters less contaminants, with a primary focus on aesthetic chlorine.
Filtration Technology	Uses both activated carbon and ion exchange materials for comprehensive reduction.	Primarily relies on activated carbon for filtration.
Reported Taste	Often described as cleaner, fresher, and crisper, with a more neutral flavor profile.	Generally effective, but some users report a faint aftertaste, particularly as the filter ages.
Certifications	WQA and NSF certifications often cover a broader range of contaminants, including lead.	NSF certifications often focus on aesthetic issues like chlorine taste.
Flow Rate	Some filters may flow slightly slower due to more comprehensive filtration.	Often a faster flow rate, which can indicate less thorough filtration.

Maintaining Optimal Taste with Your PUR Filter

To ensure your PUR filter continues to make your water taste better, proper maintenance is crucial. A filter that is not replaced in time can become oversaturated with contaminants, which can actually re-release them into your water at higher concentrations.

Key steps for maintenance:

Follow replacement schedule: Replace your filter every 2-3 months or every 40 gallons for pitchers. Faucet filters typically last longer, up to 100 gallons.
Pay attention to indicators: Many PUR systems include electronic indicators that will alert you when it's time for a new filter.
Use genuine PUR filters: Generic or counterfeit filters may not provide the same level of filtration or taste improvement.
Shake the filter: If you notice the flow slowing down, gently shaking the filter can help redistribute the activated carbon and get it flowing again.

Conclusion

So, does PUR make water taste better? The overwhelming answer is yes. By leveraging a dual-stage filtration process that includes activated carbon and ion exchange, PUR effectively targets and removes the compounds most responsible for unpleasant tap water flavors and odors. This results in a cleaner, more neutral, and refreshing taste. While individual taste preferences and local water quality can influence the final outcome, PUR's certified and comprehensive approach to filtration provides a reliably better-tasting glass of water compared to unfiltered tap water. For those looking to upgrade their daily hydration experience, investing in a PUR filtration system is a simple and effective choice.

The Final Sip on Taste Improvement

For additional insights into how water filtration can enhance flavor, you can review expert opinions and taste comparisons at sites like Consumer Reports..

Key takeaways

Activated carbon: PUR filters use activated carbon to adsorb chlorine and other organic compounds that cause bad odors and tastes.
Ion exchange: An ion exchange resin targets heavy metals like lead, mercury, and copper, which cause metallic aftertastes.
Certified effectiveness: PUR products are certified by organizations like NSF and WQA to reduce contaminants that impact taste and odor.
Maintenance is key: A worn-out filter can release contaminants back into your water, compromising the taste. Regular replacement is essential.
Better taste encourages hydration: By making water more palatable, a PUR filter can help you and your family drink more water throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

A PUR pitcher filter typically improves water taste for about 40 gallons, or approximately two months of regular use, before it needs to be replaced. Filter life can vary based on your local water quality.

The primary reason is the filter's ability to remove chlorine, a common disinfectant in tap water that imparts a distinct taste and odor. The activated carbon in the filter effectively reduces chlorine levels.

No, PUR filters do not remove beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. They are designed to specifically target and reduce harmful contaminants, preserving these minerals which can also contribute to a pleasant water taste.

While a PUR filter can improve the taste of some well water by reducing heavy metals and organic compounds, it is not certified to treat certain well-specific issues like arsenic or bacteria. It's recommended to test your well water first to understand its composition.

The initial plastic-like taste can occur with a new pitcher or dispenser and should subside after a few uses. Ensuring the filter is properly flushed according to the instructions can help eliminate this and is a common recommendation.

Many users report a preference for the taste of PUR filtered water, often describing it as fresher and crisper than Brita. This is likely due to PUR's more comprehensive filtration, which reduces a wider range of contaminants.

If you don't change the filter on time, the trapped contaminants can become oversaturated and potentially re-enter your drinking water. This can lead to a return of unpleasant tastes and odors, and can even increase contaminant levels.