10 Best Filtered Water Bottles Reviewed

by Jay | Updated on July 31st, 2022

You never know what you’ll get from a particular water source. Even water from your tap will make you wonder about the purity of your water.

Fortunately, industries have developed an affordable and compact alternative to filtered water bottles. You can fill it with water from any source and let the water bottle filter do the rest.

Choosing the right bottle is vital; otherwise, you might end up with a leaky mess and a plastic aftertaste, as we found with some of the products we reviewed for this list.

After testing as many as possible, we compiled ten reviews below to share what we discovered. The top two are our picks, and we recommend them over the others, but you are free to conclude.

The top 10 filtered water bottles:

GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle

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The GRAYL Geopress filtered water bottle is our top choice for a one-filter-fits-all solution, and it is also our overall favorite. It eliminates heavy metals, viruses, chemicals, pesticides, microplastics, and common bacteria and protozoa.

This is remarkable for any water filter, but notably for a filtered water bottle. It does not need batteries or pumping; simply fill it, push the button, and drink. This means there is no need to wait for filtration, making filling very easy and convenient.

Although most filtered water bottles need filters to be replaced every 40 gallons, if not sooner, the GRAYL Geopress filter will last up to 65 gallons.

This is superior to most of its rivals, which is why we believe it is the best overall. It also has a capacity of 24 ounces, making it a top performer.

Of course, a premium price tag comes with a premium feature set. This is one of the more costly models we tested, but we believe it lives up to the hype.

Pros

• Holds 24 oz.
• Lasts 65 gallons
• Filters microplastics and heavy metals
• Removes bacteria, viruses, and protozoa

Cons

• Expensive.

Brita Plastic Water Filter Bottle 26 Ounce

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Although all of these bottles filter your water, the Brita goes above and beyond by keeping it cold for up to 24 hours due to its insulated design. It is made of stainless steel, which makes it both sturdy and aesthetically appealing.

It’s priced in the middle of the pack, but its success matches more expensive options. We liked the push-button lid, which leaves your mouthpiece dry, clean, and free of contaminants.

The Brita Premium filtering water bottle had one flaw: the filters needed to be replaced after 40 gallons. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it doesn’t have the same longevity as some of the other bottles we checked.

This was the only significant weakness we discovered with this filter bottle, so we believe it is the best-filtered water bottle for the money.

Pros

• Push-button cover
• The sealed design keeps drinks cold for 24 hours
• Durable stainless-steel construction

Cons

• Needs to be replaced every 40 gallons

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw

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The Go Water bottle is designed to work with the LifeStraw personal water filter, a well-known and dependable filter we already liked.

On the other hand, the bottle is more expensive than the filter, even though it does nothing but hold water.

It does, however, carry 23 ounces, which we appreciated. The bottle is BPA-free, so there are no chemicals to think about, and it is safe to clean.

While we like the LifeStraw filters, they just filter down to 0.2 microns, which isn’t quite as good as several other popular filters, which filter down to 0.1 microns.

On the other hand, this filter has a longer life than other water bottle filters.

Because the LifeStraw only needs to be replaced every 1,000 gallons, you won’t have to think about it very often.

When it comes time to replace it, the filters are widely available from retailers.

Pros

• It only needs replacing every 1,000 gallons
• It holds 23 ounces

Cons

• It only filters to 0.2 microns.

Survimate Filtered Water Bottle BPA Free with 4-StageIntegratedd Filter Straw

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The survival filtered water bottle is a decent idea with bad implementation. It is more economical than most of its closest rivals. The container is made of Tritan Copolyester, a food-grade polymer.

It’s BPA-free, FDA-approved, and extremely long-lasting. The glove, on the other hand, is a different matter. Ours was the first to leak.

The filter has a long lifetime of 1,500 liters (approximately 400 gallons). This is superior to the majority of the other filter bottles we checked.

However, after drinking the water through this filter, we did not enjoy it.

We found a strong plastic taste that did not disappear after several days of all-day use.

This put us off, and even though it’s reasonably priced, we’d rather pay a little extra for a filter that produces tasteless water that’s more enjoyable to drink.

Pros

• BPA-free and FDA-approved
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Cap leaks
• Filter leaves a synthetic taste in the water

Water Bottle with Filter BOTTLED JOY 25oz

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We didn’t expect much from the BOTTLED JOY filter because it was one of the least expensive water bottle filters we checked.

We appreciate the low cost, particularly since they did not forego filtration capacity.

This filter can eliminate particles as small as 0.1 microns, comparable to much more costly alternatives. It would need to be replaced after 55 gallons.

However, this isn’t a big deal, given its cheapness.

Our main concern about this filter is its poor flow rate, making it difficult to drink.

We felt like we had to suck incredibly hard to get some water from the BOTTLED JOY filter compared to other filters we tried.

This required incredible energy and none of us enjoyed the experience. Furthermore, after use, the mouthpiece began to leak water.

If you’re not careful, this could result in a damp spot on your clothes. While it is one of the least expensive, we do not believe it is one of the best-performing options.

Pros

• Filters down to 0.1 micron
• Cheap

Cons

• The filter is uncomfortable to drink through
• The filter needs to be replaced after 55 gallons
• The mouthpiece continues to leak

Sawyer Products Select Series Water Filter and Purifier

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The Sawyer S3 water purifier system is among the most expensive bottle filters we tested. We had high expectations because we had previously enjoyed Sawyer products.

It is one of the few water bottle filters capable of removing heavy metals and viruses. It can also remove pesticides, chemicals, and microplastics.

So far, it appears to be a decent buy, despite the high price.

The foam membrane that serves as the filter is only fine for 400 uses until it needs to be replaced. This wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t more costly to replace than many other, less expensive filters.

Overall, we believe it is overpriced, especially given the small 20-ounce capacity, which restricts you from carrying more than a minimal amount of water.

Pros

• Filters viruses and heavy metals
• Removes microplastics, pesticides, and chemicals

Cons

• Just holds 20 ounces
• Expensive
• After every 400 uses, the filter must be replaced.

Astrea 20 Ounce Premium Filtering Water Bottle With Filter

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With its sleek design and high price tag, we expected the Astrea premium filtering water bottle to be a major contender.

It effectively filters, eliminating pollutants such as lead, zinc, mercury, copper, chlorine, etc. You can only carry 15 ounces of water inside the filter, which is not enough for us.

Our main complaint about this filter was that it was difficult to drink. We couldn’t get full mouthfuls of water regardless of how hard we drew on the straw.

When you’re thirsty and need to quench it, this bottle simply doesn’t have enough flow.

While we were initially drawn to the Astrea’s appearance, we were turned off by its low flow rate and limited carrying capacity.

Pros

• Removes lead, chlorine, mercury, copper, and other contaminants

Cons

• Pricey
• Just carries 15 ounces with the filter inside
• Can’t get a lot of water through the straw

DoBrass Water Bottle with Filter 22oz

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For those looking for the cheapest water bottle filtration device, the DoBrass could be an appealing candidate due to its low price.

The filter also lasts nearly 400 gallons, so you won’t have to replace it soon.

However, this bottle had several flaws that kept it from rising higher on this list. For example, it has a built-in compass that never works properly.

Worse, the lid is designed to leak. When you tilt this bottle or turn it upside down in your bag, expect the water inside to leak out and soak all around it slowly.

The filter will have a very low flow rate if the leakage isn’t enough. This makes getting a decent drink of water from this bottle challenging because you have to pull too hard on the mouthpiece to get something!

Pros

• Filter lasts about 400 gallons
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• The built-in compass is a cheap gimmick
• The design is leaky
• The flow through the filter is poor.

KOR Nava Arctic Ice 22oz

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The KOR Nava filter water bottle is another visually appealing product that falls short in efficiency.

We liked the appealing style, but there were too many issues that kept this filter bottom of our list.

To begin, the lid emits a loud and irritating high-pitched squealing sound whenever you take a drink. This attracts attention and can cause discomfort in a quiet environment.

Worse, the appealing style is returning to bite this bottle in the buttocks.

Because of the form, it will be difficult to find cup holders that will suit. But don’t try to chuck it into the seat beside you!

The KOR Nava leaks from the top; no matter what we did, we couldn’t stop it.

Finally, we recommend using a different filter that prioritizes feature over form and won’t drip over your belongings.

Pros

• Impressive design

Cons

• Does not fit in cup holders
• Squeals while drinking
• Leaks from the top.

SGODDE Water Filter Bottles 22oz

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The SGODDE water filter bottle is another reasonably priced product that falls short.

Some of these bottles are marketed as backcountry tools; therefore, they have tools that are meant to be useful in such circumstances.

For example, this bottle has a built-in compass. Like most similar products we tried, this compass is a clever gimmick we wouldn’t trust to navigate with.

We always expect leak-free results from our bottles to ensure they are backpack secure. Unfortunately, the SGODDE water filter bottle leaks from the top when not sitting straight.

Worse, the water that passed through its filter did not taste clean. It left a chemical aftertaste that was less than pleasant even after many days.

Overall, it’s not the worst water bottle filter on the market, but it’s not one we’d recommend.

Pros

• Reasonably priced

Cons

• When tilted or tipped, the lid leaks
• The filter imparts a chemical taste
• The built-in compass is a cheap gimmick.

What is a filtered water bottle?

A filtered water bottle, also known as a water purifier bottle, provides a portable way to enjoy safe, pure drinking water when on the go.

It looks like a regular, hard-edge water bottle, but it includes a filter that removes contaminants and impurities from water.

Water bottles with built-in filters are available in various designs, colors, and material properties, so if water bottle looks are important to you, you won’t be disappointed.

There has been some debate about the quality of some bottled water types, with concerns about free radicals and contaminants present in water at higher levels than permitted.

Bottled water also adds significantly to annual plastic pollution, while a self-filtering water bottle is intended to last at least a few years.

Types of filtered water bottles

That is essential information for every customer before making a final buying decision. So, here’s a rundown of the various types of filters available on the market.

The straw filter

It is a highly compact, lightweight, portable filter with a straw inside a protective casing that filters the water as you suck it up through the straw.

Since the straw has a filter, you can easily draw water from a shallow puddle or a flowing stream.

It does, however, present some difficulties. To suck or draw water, one must exert effort or go down to the puddle level.

The gravity filter

Gravity is used to operate these filters. A reservoir is filled with dirty water and held above the clean water tank. Gravity causes the water to flow through the filter and into the tank below.

It is equally useful for solo use for a group of hikers or travelers.

The only disadvantage of this design is its slowness. As a result, you will be unable to filter when on the move.

The squeeze filter

They work similarly to gravity water filters, except that the mechanical strength of your muscles substitutes gravity. You must pinch the water reservoir to force the water through the filter, as the name implies.

Though some filters come with their own (small) reservoir, they can also be attached to a disposable water bottle.

The pump filter

This water filter eliminates pollutants from the source by manual pump action. Consider tiny hand pumps with filters that eliminate pollutants as water flows via them.

Although they are flexible in filtration, the pumping action can sometimes be tedious.

How do filtered water bottles work?

You might expect filtered water bottles to be heavy and bulky when you first hear about them.

On the other hand, filtered water bottles were designed to be taken everywhere and come in various sizes based on volume.

Each bottle contains a filtration device. The filter determines the system used by the individual bottles.

Some water bottles filter the water as you fill them, while others filter the water as you drink it. Since each method is successful, it is a matter of personal choice.

Filtered water bottles extract toxins and impurities from water. Some filters will also strip odors from the water, leaving you with clean, fresh water. The filter determines the bottle removes the pollutants.

Activated carbon is the most common filter and usually uses three filtration stages. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Stage #1: activated carbon

Some of the most widely used filters are activated carbon filters. They remove particles ranging from 0.5 to 50 microns and are extremely effective.

Chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors can all be removed by activated carbon filters. You can find tiny black specks at the bottom of inactivated carbon-filtered water bottles.

The specks are completely harmless and are nothing but escaped carbon.

On the other hand, activated carbon is less effective at removing salts, minerals, and other dissolved organic compounds.

They also do not last long until they need to be replaced. It is important to replace the water filter as needed, or else pollutants will begin to leak back into the water.

The carbon in the filter has been oxygenated. This is accomplished by physical alteration and oxidation in a furnace, resulting in highly porous carbon. To allow the next phase in the process, adsorption, the activated carbon must be porous.

Stage #2: adsorption

Adsorption is a straightforward process that traps pollutant molecules within the pores of a carbon substrate.

The filter in a filtered water bottle eliminates pollutants by binding them. Since activated carbon typically has four binding sites, it is extremely effective.

Contaminants in the water are drawn to the carbon atoms and adsorb to the activated carbon filter. This is why it is critical to replace the filter as required.

When the carbon is filled with toxins, it can no longer absorb any more through its pores.

Stage #3: Filtration

Because of its chemical attraction to fuel, activated carbon eliminates contaminants. Contaminants that are neutral or nonpolar (hydrophobic) are organic and have a high molecular weight.

As a result, the filter can easily delete these. Minerals and salts, on the other hand, can not be filtered by carbon filters.

Factors to consider when buying

After trying out so many filtered water bottles, we’ve discovered which traits make for the best water bottle filters, and we would love to share this information with you.

Although price is an important consideration, we believe certain important performance indicators should prioritize.

In this brief buyer’s guide, we’ll review everything we believe you should consider when deciding which water bottle filter is best for you.

Water holding capacity

A standard-sized water bottle has a carrying capacity of around 17 ounces. This implies that we should seek a water bottle filter that can at least equal this amount.

However, for most of us, only a small amount of water will need to be replenished regularly.

These water bottle filters don’t have huge capacities, but they vary enough to be worth noting. Also, remember that you will lose some of the bottle’s claimed holding capacity once the filter is installed.

As a result, we recommend searching for a bottle that can handle as much water as possible. Some of the largest we found could accommodate 23 or 24 ounces. If you don’t find one at least 20 ounces, you’ll have a very small capacity once the filter is in.

Filtration ability

Although some lower-end filters only eliminate particles as small as 0.2 microns, most higher-end bottles can filter down to 0.1 microns.

This should remove the bulk of the contaminants in your water. But that’s not the end of the tale. There are numerous differences even among filters with 0.1-micron filtering capability.

Although these filters are extremely effective at removing microbes, they may not be the only contaminants in your water.

Also, tap water in your home can contain zinc, chlorine, copper, and other contaminants. Fortunately, some filters are designed to filter out such contaminants and can even outperform them.

The best water bottle filters remove even heavy metals, viruses, chemicals, and microplastics on the market.

This allows you to obtain clean water from any source, regardless of how dirty it is. Assume you want to ensure that the water you’re drinking is completely toxins-free.

In that case, we recommend that you search for a filter with the highest degree of filtration ability available.

Looks

A few of these bottles are fairly plain and can blend in, which might appeal to some people. Other brands opted for elegant and appealing designs to catch the eye and draw you in.

If you want something a little less mundane and more eye-catching, go ahead and buy a bottle with a design that appeals to you.

We’d always suggest buying for results first and then for looks second. Having a nice-looking bottle that leaks anywhere and gives you bad-tasting water is pointless!

Leak-free design

Finding a bottle with a fully leak-free design is important, so we don’t have to think about water leaking all over our car seat, backpack, lap, or anywhere else.

Almost every product we reviewed was marketed as being leak-free. When the bottle was turned upside down, most leaked a small amount of water.

Granted, you’ll certainly try to avoid turning the bottle upside down anywhere you don’t want it to spill, but accidents happen, and you never know what will happen within a bag.

Another nice feature to consider is a side-fill outlet, which Hydros Bottle has.

Filter lifespan

The filter must be replaced after a certain amount of water has been filtered through it, consistent with all the bottle filters we checked. For others, this was a very small amount, maybe as little as 40 gallons.

Others have been known to last hundreds of gallons before needing to be replaced. The reliability of a long-lasting filter cannot be overemphasized. When you have to replace your filter regularly, it becomes an inconvenience and an additional cost.

If you only drink one gallon of water a day, a filter that needs replacing every 40 gallons will need to be changed nine times a year! This will increase the overall cost of your filtration device.

For your pocket and convenience, we recommend searching for a filter that will last as many gallons as possible.

Price

Although these filters serve the same basic purpose, the cost of obtaining clean water varies significantly. The models we tried were about five times more expensive than the cheapest, which is important to remember.

However, we believe that results should come first, with price as a secondary factor. If you’ve decided which filters will better fit your specific requirements, you can compare prices to see which one won’t break the bank. However, we do not suggest simply purchasing the cheapest filter available.

Some of the best overall performers were in the middle of the pack in terms of price.

Bpa-free

As previously mentioned, BPA is a hazardous chemical still used in many plastic goods today and can leach into food and water supplies that come into contact with the plastic. Being BPA-free is a good selling point, so that most products would mention it in the product description.

Easy to clean

You want your filtered water bottle to last as long as possible, meaning you should be able to clean it regularly to keep it in good shape. Some water filtration bottles are more easily cleaned than others.

For added convenience, some can be washed in a dishwasher. Before making a purchase, read the product reviews and see if anyone has reported a problem with cleaning or hygiene with the bottle itself.

Opening size

How wide is the bottle’s opening?

Is it necessary to suck the straw with force for the water to be sucked through the filter? These are crucial questions to ask when searching for a bottle with a filter.

The last thing you want is for the bottle to have a wide opening that can quickly break in a bag or while drinking from it.

Accessories

Is there a bag attachment included with the water bottle? Is there a loop where you can attach something to hold it?

If you don’t want to take your bottle anywhere and don’t have side pockets in your bag, you may want to get a bottle with an attachment. A few of the bottles on the list have keyring straps and top handles for holding and carrying the bottle.

Purpose

What is the key reason for purchasing this water bottle? Are you going to use it for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or survival?

Outdoor events include: To avoid intestinal infection, you will need a filter that eliminates bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. If you are heading to a developing country with uncertain water quality, you will need the same filter.

Water from an Indoor Tap: Most city drinking water is tainted with chlorine. You don’t need an expensive filter that filters out viruses and bacteria. A simple carbon filter would suffice.

Pros of filtered water bottles

Using a filtered water bottle has many advantages. As a result, these water bottles have become very common among active people and moms on the go.

1. Environmentally friendly

Plastic water bottles are used once or twice and then in landfills. They would pollute the environment and not degrade there. Not to mention the time, electricity, and distribution costs associated with producing plastic bottled water.

As a result, many people prefer reusable water bottles, which are enhanced when they include a filter. You can use the same bottle daily, changing the filter only when necessary.

2. Convenient

It’s very nice to have a filtered water bottle on hand. Perhaps you enjoy hiking but despise having to carry gallons of water with you. Fill the bottle easily in a stream or river along the trail.

People who travel often should be concerned about the water they drink. The filter will ensure that you have clean water to drink outside.

3. Cost

With a filtered water bottle, you won’t have to waste money on pricey, bottled water. Filling the bottle with tap water is safe since the filter can eliminate harmful pollutants.

4. Better alternative to other methods

Ultraviolet lights, disinfection tablets, hand pump filters, and boiling water are all available. All of these methods are effective, but they are not always convenient or feasible. Filtered water bottles are portable, effective, and can filter water on the spot.

5. Drinking water is safer

Another problem with single-use bottled water is that it often contains chemicals derived from plastic. The chemicals used to manufacture these bottles may leach into water over time, — particularly if the bottle has been subjected to heat.

Fortunately, you can prevent these problems by drinking from a water purifying bottle.

Most water bottles with filters are BPA-free, which means they were purposefully made without the BPA toxin in their material, eliminating the possibility of it leaching into the water.

6. Simple filtration method

Assume you’ve frequently used time-consuming water filtration or decontamination methods such as boiling water, running water through UV lights, applying disinfection tablets, or even using a filter hand pump. In this case, water filter bottles have a much more straightforward solution.

All you need to do with a water purification container is fill it with drinkable water from a faucet.

Cons of filtered water bottles

1. Slow water output

Filtered bottles are unlike normal water bottles, where the water appears to leak out when you drink. When you take a drink, the water flows through the filter before leaving the spout or straw.

As a result, the process of passing the water through the filter can be slowed. But persevere — as soon as the filter is “broken in,” the water will start to speed up.

2. Smaller capacity

The capacity of filtered water bottles can be limited due to the added filter. Most bottles contain about 20 ounces, which may be insufficient for long hikes. You do, nevertheless, have the choice of filling it along the way if you come across a lake, river, or creek.

3. Drinking from a straw

You won’t have a choice when drinking from most water purifier bottles – you’ll have to drink through a straw, which is connected to the filter and allows pollutants to be removed while you drink.

Drinking through a straw is not for everyone, and it can be inconvenient if you want to take a big gulp of water because straws limit how much water you can drink at one time.

They are also more difficult to clean due to the straw feature. There’s generally no way to disassemble a straw and properly clean its insides, leading to a buildup of nasty stuff over time.

Final thoughts

You’ve read our reviews contrasting some of the best. However, before you make the final decision, we’ll quickly summarize our top recommendations to keep them fresh in your mind.

The GRAYL Geopress was our favorite because of its excellent filtering capacity, which eliminates bacteria, protozoa and viruses, pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, and other contaminants. It has a wide capacity of 24 ounces, and the filter lasts 65 gallons before needing to be replaced.

A close second is the Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle, a more affordable option that offers excellent value for money. It’s insulated to preserve your water cold for 24 hours and made of attractive and long-lasting stainless steel. We are confident in recommending both water bottle filters because we believe you would enjoy them as much as we did.

If we were to expand this list to a top 20, we would have Nalgene and Hydros Bottle as honorable mentions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can the filter last?

Most filters can last up to 40 gallons of water, or 5,120 ounces. Depending on how much you use it, it could last you one or two months. To ensure the filter is clean, replace it before reaching the 40-gallon mark.

Consider this:

Even if you don’t use your filtered water bottle much, the filter should be replaced every two months. This ensures that you have clean, clear water to drink.

Is it safe to put filtered water bottles in the dishwasher?

The material of your filtered water bottle determines whether or not it is dishwasher safe. Titanium, stainless steel, and plastic are all common materials. Before you put your bottle in the dishwasher, check the manual to see if it’s secure.

Most dishwasher-safe bottles can be cleaned on the top shelf if the filter is removed first. We strongly advise you to use a dishwasher-safe bottle. This will be much more convenient for you, particularly if you use it regularly.

Is it safe to place my water bottle in the freezer?

No, you should avoid putting your water bottle in a freezer. When a filter freezes, the membrane is weakened, reducing its efficiency and making it inoperable.

Is it possible to make river water safe to drink by using a filtered water bottle?

It is determined by the type of filter used in the container. Some filters effectively eliminate microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses in river water. Others, on the other hand, are only efficient at eliminating chemical pollutants such as chlorine.

If you want to take a filtered water bottle on a camping or hiking trip, look for one specifically for filtering lake, river, and stream water.

There are many of these, and you’ll probably find them identified as filtered water bottles for travel. If you are uncertain, you should contact the manufacturer directly.

Will my filter dry out if I don’t use it every day?

Certainly not. The carbon filter in a water purifying bottle is intended to filter water, so it will not be damaged or “dry out” if exposed to air. It’s unnecessary to keep the filter completely submerged between uses; it won’t make much difference.

Why is there no drink coming out of my straw?

This may be due to several factors. First, make sure you’re drinking according to the directions on the bottle.

Some filtered water bottles are designed to be kept below your mouth and sucked up through a straw, rather than tilting your head back and attempting to drink with the bottle tilted upside down.

If the filter is damaged or clogged, water can pass up through your straw much slower. If you’ve had your filter for longer than a month or have used it regularly, it’s most likely time to replace it. The longer you use a filter, the slower it can filter your water.

Jay

Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."