What a PFAS filter *does* do
- PFAS reduction up to 95% or more in NSF 53 systems
- Filters microplastics and heavy metals
- Removes pharmaceutical residues and chlorine
- Works directly from the tap, no waiting time
Water filter for PFAS: which filter removes PFAS from tap water?
PFAS are now ubiquitous: in rainwear, non-stick coatings, fire-fighting foam, and unfortunately, in more and more Dutch tap water. The good news is that with the right filter, you can simply remove PFAS from your drinking water. On this page, we briefly explain what PFAS are, how they end up in our water, and which filtration technique removes them most effectively. And we show how PureFilter Mineral+, an under-sink filter with NSF 53 certification, blocks PFAS and over 100 other contaminants.
Short answer: PFAS is most effectively removed by an activated carbon filter certified to NSF 53. PureFilter Mineral+ meets this standard and filters PFAS, microplastics, and other contaminants from your tap water.
What is PFAS?
PFAS is a collective term for thousands of man-made chemicals found in many products, which are now entering our environment.
What does PFAS stand for?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: more than 4,700 chemicals with strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make them extremely stable.
Why are PFAS in our water?
Industrial use in non-stick coatings, firefighting foam, rainwear, and food packaging leads to leaching into groundwater and surface water.
Forever chemicals
They do not or hardly break down in nature and accumulate in the body. What goes in, barely comes out.
Is there PFAS in Dutch tap water?
What do RIVM and KWR say?
RIVM measurement campaigns (including those around Dordrecht and the Western Scheldt) show elevated PFAS values in surface water and drinking water. KWR confirms that PFAS are present in most Dutch drinking water sources.
Which regions have higher values?
The areas around Chemours/Dordrecht, the Western Scheldt, and industrial areas in North Brabant and South Holland consistently show higher values.
Is Dutch tap water safe?
It meets current legal standards, but these lag behind scientific advice. EFSA drastically lowered the acceptable weekly intake in 2020.
Health Effects of PFAS
We base this solely on publicly available research from EFSA, RIVM, and WHO. No medical claims, only what independent bodies publish.
Which water filters remove PFAS?
Activated carbon filters
The most effective and affordable method. Granular activated carbon and carbon blocks remove PFAS through adsorption. Best price-performance ratio for PFAS reduction at home.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Very effective, but expensive to purchase, slow, and also filters out useful minerals. Overkill for most households.
Ion Exchangers
Specific approach for certain PFAS variants (especially short-chain). Often combined with carbon filters in industrial purification plants.
What filters don't do
Boiling doesn't help (it actually concentrates PFAS). A standard Brita pitcher does not remove PFAS. And a gravity filter without NSF 53 offers no verified reduction.
NSF 42 vs NSF 53: which certification applies to PFAS?
| Reference | NSF 42 | NSF 53 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Taste and Aesthetics | Health |
| Reduces | Chlorine, odor, particles | PFAS, lead, parasites |
| Independently tested | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces PFAS | No | Yes |
| Reduces heavy metals | Limited | Yes |
Focus
NSF 42
Taste and Aesthetics
NSF 53
Health
Reduces
NSF 42
Chlorine, odor, particles
NSF 53
PFAS, lead, parasites
Independently tested
NSF 42
Yes
NSF 53
Yes
Reduces PFAS
NSF 42
No
NSF 53
Yes
Reduces heavy metals
NSF 42
Limited
NSF 53
Yes
NSF 53 is the standard with independently verified PFAS reduction. Many brands claim 'PFAS filtration' without this certification, but that is a marketing claim, not external verification.
PureFilter Mineral+ as PFAS filter
PureFilter Mineral+ is a compact under-sink filter that removes PFAS, microplastics, and heavy metals, and adds minerals.
How it works
Five-stage filtration with activated carbon and a carbon block for maximum PFAS reduction via adsorption.
Certifications
NSF 42, 53, 61, and 372: four independent standards, not a marketing claim.
What it adds
Via Swedish Mineral Rock™, calcium, magnesium, and potassium are returned to the water for a fuller, softer taste.
Practical
Installation in 5 to 10 minutes. One filter per year for 1 to 3 people. €149.00 one-time, then €65.00 per replacement filter.
PureFilter Mineral+ in facts
| Component | What you get |
|---|---|
| Filtration | More than 100 contaminants including PFAS |
| Certification | NSF 42, 53, 61, 372 |
| Minerals added | Calcium, magnesium, potassium |
| Installation | 5 to 10 min, self or by installer |
| Filter replacement | 1x per year (1 to 3 people) |
| Acquisition | €149.00 one-off payment |
| Replacement filter annually | €65.00 |
What does a PFAS filter do and not do?
Setting fair expectations helps in making the right choice. Here's what a good PFAS filter does and doesn't do.
What he doesn't do
- No honest manufacturer would claim 100% removal
- Only works on drinking water, not on food or air
- Does not filter PFAS through skin contact or rain
- Does not continue to work without replacing the filter on time
Frequently Asked Questions about PFAS and water filters
Does a regular Brita jug filter PFAS?
No. Brita Maxtra+ and Maxtra Pro do not, or barely, filter PFAS. Brita itself does not claim PFAS filtration. For effective PFAS reduction, you need a filter with multi-layer activated carbon and NSF 53 certification, such as PureFilter Mineral+.
Does boiling water remove PFAS?
No, cooking actually concentrates PFAS. Water evaporates, but PFAS molecules remain, increasing their concentration in the remaining water.
How do I know if my water authority has a lot of PFAS?
Check the annual drinking water report from your drinking water company (Vitens, PWN, Dunea, Brabant Water) or the RIVM portal for PFAS measurements in surface water and drinking water per region.
Does a Quooker filter PFAS?
No. A Quooker is a boiling water tap, not a water filter. The CUBE extension also does not filter PFAS. However, you can combine a water filter with your Quooker for filtered and boiling water from one tap.
How long does a PFAS filter last?
PureFilter Mineral+ lasts up to 12 months for 1-3 people, or 6 months for families of 4 or more. Replace afterwards for consistent performance.
Can a water filter actually cause bacterial growth?
That risk exists, and it's right that attention is paid to it. An activated carbon filter captures organic material; if it stays in too long, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. That's why the replacement interval isn't a detail but the core of safe filtering. Replace annually for 1 to 3 people, every 6 months for 4 or more. A saturated filter also loses its effectiveness against PFAS, so waiting too long costs you twice.
Is filtered water truly PFAS-free?
A good certified filter removes the vast majority, often 95% or more. No honest manufacturer claims 'zero PFAS', as detection down to extremely low values is possible.
What is the difference between NSF 53 and P473?
NSF 53 is the overarching standard for the reduction of health-threatening substances (including PFAS, lead, cysts). NSF P473 is an additional protocol specifically for PFOA and PFOS. A filter with NSF 53 complies with the broader health standard.
More about water filtration
Read more about other filter options and how PureFilter fits into your kitchen.
OVERVIEWBest home water filter
A fair comparison of the most popular home filter options.
BRITAPureFilter vs. Brita
Are you still undecided about a basic filter jug? See what a Brita does and doesn't do.
QUOOKERWater filter for your Quooker
Filtered and boiling water from one tap – here’s how to combine the two.