Brita water filters are a popular choice for improving the taste and odor of tap water. They are convenient and affordable, but their effectiveness and safety depend on understanding their technology and limitations. While Brita-filtered water is generally fine for consumption when used correctly with an already safe municipal water supply, it is not a complete purification system and can pose risks if neglected.
How Brita Filters Work
Brita's pitcher filters use a two-part filtration process:
- Activated Carbon: Made from materials like coconut shells, this granulated carbon acts like a sponge, absorbing organic molecules. This is what removes chlorine and other impurities that cause bad taste and odor.
- Ion Exchange Resin: This material helps to reduce the concentration of certain heavy metals. The resin attracts positively charged ions of contaminants like lead and copper, replacing them with less harmful ions, such as potassium.
What Brita Filters Remove (and What They Don't)
Brita filters are effective at reducing a range of contaminants, but they are not universal purifiers. Their capabilities differ based on the filter model, with advanced options like the Elite or faucet filters offering broader reduction.
What Brita Filters Reduce
- Chlorine: Significantly improves the taste and smell of tap water by reducing chlorine and chloramine levels.
- Lead: Certified Longlast+ and Elite filters reduce 99% of lead.
- Heavy Metals: Reduces levels of copper, mercury, and cadmium.
- Particulates: Filters out rust, sand, and sediment, which improves water clarity.
What Brita Filters Don't Remove
- Bacteria and Viruses: Standard Brita filters are not designed or certified to remove or kill microorganisms like E. coli or Giardia.
- Dissolved Solids (TDS): These filters do not remove most minerals and salts that contribute to total dissolved solids, though they do reduce temporary water hardness.
- Nitrates and Nitrites: These common agricultural contaminants are not effectively removed.
- Fluoride: Brita filters do not remove fluoride, which is added to many municipal water supplies for dental health.
- Arsenic and Radionuclides: These are typically not removed by Brita filters.
Risks of Improper Use and Contaminant Growth
One of the most significant risks associated with Brita filters comes not from the filters themselves, but from improper maintenance. The moist environment within the filter and pitcher is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Bacterial Growth: The activated carbon in the filter absorbs chlorine, a disinfectant. Without chlorine to inhibit microbial growth, bacteria can multiply. Studies have found bacterial colony counts in poorly maintained filter pitchers to be significantly higher than in the original tap water.
- Contaminant Leaching: When a filter reaches capacity, it can no longer effectively trap contaminants. In some cases, the filter material could even begin to release previously absorbed metals back into the water, a phenomenon known as “breakthrough”.
- Microplastics: The plastic pitchers can leach microplastics into the water over time, which has been linked to various potential health issues.
Brita vs. Other Water Filtration Methods: A Comparison
To choose the right solution, it is important to compare Brita to more advanced water filtration systems like reverse osmosis (RO).
| Feature | Brita Filter Pitcher | Reverse Osmosis (RO) System |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Reduces chlorine, lead, copper, and some particulates. | Removes up to 99% of dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, nitrates, and fluoride. |
| Microbial Removal | Does not remove bacteria or viruses. | Eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. |
| Maintenance | Requires filter replacement every 2-6 months depending on model. | Requires periodic pre-filter, post-filter, and membrane replacement. |
| Cost | Low initial cost for pitcher and affordable replacement filters. | Higher initial installation cost and more expensive replacement parts. |
| Convenience | Portable and easy to use. Requires manual refilling. | Point-of-use system (e.g., under-sink). Provides continuous filtered water from a dedicated faucet. |
| Water Waste | Minimal to no water waste during filtration. | Creates wastewater during the filtration process. |
Best Practices for Brita Filter Safety
To ensure your Brita water is okay to drink, follow these best practices:
- Replace Filters on Time: Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule (e.g., Standard filters every 2 months/40 gallons, Elite every 6 months/120 gallons). If you notice a drop in flow rate, replace the filter immediately.
- Clean the Pitcher Regularly: Wash the pitcher, reservoir, and lid with warm, soapy water weekly to prevent bacterial growth. Use mild detergent and do not put the lid in the dishwasher.
- Store in the Fridge: Keeping the pitcher in the refrigerator helps slow down bacterial growth, especially after the chlorine is filtered out.
- Use Only with Safe Tap Water: Brita filters are designed for use with treated municipal tap water that is already considered safe. They are not intended for purifying microbiologically unsafe water, such as from private wells that have not been tested.
Conclusion: So, Is Brita Water Okay to Drink?
Yes, Brita water is generally okay to drink, and it provides a convenient, cost-effective way to improve the taste and quality of municipal tap water. However, it is critical to understand its limitations. A Brita filter is not a complete purification system and will not remove bacteria, viruses, or fluoride. The safety and effectiveness of your Brita-filtered water depend entirely on your diligence in replacing filters on time and maintaining a clean pitcher. For those with specific concerns about microbial contamination or a broader range of pollutants, more advanced filtration systems like reverse osmosis should be considered.
To learn more about your specific water quality, consult your local water authority or consider an independent water test.
