NLWC News

Protecting Your Tap: Choosing the Right PFAS Water Filter for Your Home

July 30, 2025

If you're concerned about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in your drinking water, filtering your water is an easy step you can take to reduce exposure. There are effective filtration options that can significantly reduce PFAS levels in your tap water.


Below, we've outlined a few types of filters that are known to reduce PFAS, along with the certification to look out for, to help you choose the right one for your needs and budget.

What to Look for: NSF Certification

When selecting a filter, the Nantucket Land & Water Council recommends using water treatment devices that are NSF certified. NSF International certification provides independent, third-party verification that a filter’s reduction claims have been validated.


Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 when searching for all drinking water filters and NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for reverse osmosis systems. These standards ensure that certified filters effectively reduce PFAS to below 20 parts per trillion.


NSF-certified filters are available in many formats, including pitchers, under-sink units, and reverse osmosis systems. You can find a searchable list of certified products on the NSF International website.

Pitcher and Countertop Filters

Best for: Renters or those looking for a low-cost, easy-to-use solution.

Pitcher-style and countertop filters are convenient first lines of defense. Many use activated carbon or ion exchange technology to reduce PFAS and other common contaminants like chlorine and lead. While these options may not be as thorough as more complex systems, several models have been tested and certified to reduce PFAS to safe levels.


The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reviewed and recommended a number of effective pitcher and countertop options. You can explore their top picks here.

Undersink and Reverse Osmosis Systems

Best for: Households looking for a more comprehensive, long-term solution.

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are among the most effective tools for removing PFAS from drinking water. These systems often include several stages of filtration, starting with sediment and activated carbon filters to remove chlorine, VOCs, and other impurities. Then, water passes through a semipermeable membrane that screens out tiny particles, including PFAS, heavy metals like arsenic, and other hard-to-remove contaminants.


When it comes to RO systems to reduce PFAS, the NLWC recommends at least a 5-stage NSF-certified filtration system. Many different systems can be found online and easily installed. It is important to remember to regularly change the filters of whichever RO system you choose regularly and to dispose of used filters properly per manufacturer guidelines.

Bottom Line

By investing in a certified filter that fits your home and budget, you can take meaningful steps to protect your household from these persistent chemicals. As always, if you have any immediate concerns about your water quality, we recommend obtaining a testing kit from the Health Department at 131 Pleasant Street.

NLWC Comments on Vineyard Wind Response Plan

June 26, 2026
As a part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Nantucket and Vineyard Wind 1 , public comments were due on the Debris Infrastructure Failure Incident Response Plan Summary on Monday June 15th. The Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) submitted a comment letter outlining the inappropriateness of providing a four page summary instead of the plan itself for the community to see, as well as deficiencies in the language provided and suggestions for improving it . That comment letter can be found here: NLWC VW1 Incident Plan Summary Comment Letter

Help Protect Nantucket's Waters: Concerns with the Mass Ready Act

June 12, 2026
The Massachusetts Senate recently passed S.3064 , known as the Mass Ready Act, a sweeping environmental bond bill that would invest over 3 billion dollars in climate resilience, water infrastructure, flood protection, PFAS remediation, conservation, and municipal environmental projects. Many of these investments align closely with priorities long championed by the Nantucket Land & Water Council, including funding for clean water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and the protection of natural resources. However, several amendments added to the bill during the Senate process have raised serious concerns among environmental organizations, municipalities, conservation commissions, and clean water advocates across Massachusetts. These provisions would weaken local municipal authority to protect wetlands and water resources and would disadvantage communities like ours that have adopted stronger environmental safeguards than just those required by state law. 

Nantucket is in a drought. What does that mean for you as a resident?

June 12, 2026
Nantucket has officially been designated as being in a Level 2 Drought Condition, triggering mandatory water conservation measures for properties served by Wannacomet Water. Although the current green lawns and foggy mornings of June may not make the island feel particularly dry right now, drought determinations are based on more than appearance alone . State officials evaluate long-term precipitation trends , groundwater conditions , and other indicators of water availability .
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