Well water is generally regarded as a healthy source of drinking water, but groundwater can pick up many harmful elements. These elements range from surface-level run-off contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, industrial pollutants, heavy materials, fluoride, bacteria, and household waste.
If you don’t have a high-end filtration system to remove such contaminants, your family’s health is at risk due to poor water quality. The best way to check contaminants in well water is to test it regularly. EPA recommends annual testing for well water as it is not maintained by government authorities.
A filter pitcher is best for you if you don’t have an RO system or a whole-house filter installed on your property. Filter pitchers for well water are also recommended for vacation homes, cabins, and lake houses.
This article reviews the 6 best filter pitchers for well water. The selection is based on the views of various private well users, so you don’t need to worry. All the filters reviewed in this article work perfectly with well water. It also covers a detailed buying guide and some FAQs to make selection easy for you.
Best Water Filter Pitchers for Well Water – Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Brita Water Filter Pitcher
- Best for Virus & Bacteria: Epic Nano – Water Filter Pitchers for Drinking Water
- Best Budget Pick: ZeroWater 6-Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher
- Best for Large Families: Brita XL Water Filter Dispenser
- Best Mid-Size: LifeStraw – Water Filter Dispenser
- Best Small Size Pitcher: Hydros – 40oz Water Filter Pitcher – Glass Style
Best Water Filters for Well Water – Quick Comparison
Filter | Image | Filtration Capacity | Filter Life | Material | Dimensions | Warranty | Price |
Brita 10-Cup |  | 10 cups | 120 gallons | Polystyrene | 10.95 x 10.83 x 6.06 inches | 1-year | |
Epic Nano |  | 10 cups | 150 gallons | Nanofiber | 10 x 8 x 10 inches | 1-year | |
ZeroWater |  | 6 cups | 40 gallons | BPA-free plastic | 11.5 x 5.75 x 10.25 inches | 3 months | |
Brita XL Water Filter Dispenser |  | 27 cups | 120 gallons | BPA-free plastic | 14.37 x 5.67 x 10.47 inches | 1-year | |
LifeStraw |  | 18 cups | 264 gallons & 40 gallons | BPA-free plastic | 14.4 x 6.44 x 9.56 inches | 3 years | |
Hydros |  | 5 cups | 40 gallons | Glass | 10.5 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches | - |
Buying Guide: Factors to Evaluate Before Buying a Filter Pitcher for Well Water
Filtration Capabilities
Many private well owners are tempted to buy a filter that removes the maximum number of contaminants. This is wrong; you must buy the filter pitcher that removes contaminants in your well water.
You can check this by testing your well water at home or from a certified lab. Once you have the results with you, compare them with the filter’s contaminant removed list and then decide.
Type of Filter
Most pitchers use carbon filters because they are best for gravity-based filtration. The slow water flow maximizes the contact time and gives better results.
Some filters use a combination of carbon filters, membrane filters, and ion exchange filters to enhance filtration capabilities.
Filtration Capacity
You need to consider 2 things when it comes to filtration capacity.
- One-time filtration capacity: It is usually measured in cups and ranges from 5 to 30 cups. This is the amount of water you can get with one refill.
- Filter life capacity: The filter life means how much water the cartridge or filter in the pitcher can treat before you need to replace it. It is usually measured in gallons and ranges from 50 to 200 gallons. Pitchers with large-capacity filters are usually more costly than those with small capacity.
Filtration Time
The filtration time means how quickly the pitcher filters water. Most pitchers take 20-30 minutes to filter 10-15 cups of water. This is a lot of time if you have a large family and everyone needs to drink water.
Most brands don’t disclose the filtration times unless their pitcher works quickly. This could be a big problem, and you can check this in the user reviews and feedback section before buying the pitcher.
The filtration time depends on pitcher size, contaminants found in well water, and the age of the cartridge.
Material
The construction material matters a lot. The filter pitchers are usually available in plastic and glass. Make sure you select a BPA-free material and look for safe materials for your family.
Certifications
Filter pitchers with certifications from NSF/ANSI are better than those without these certifications. These certifications give you peace of mind and add value to your purchase. Look for certifications like NSF 53 (lead removal), NSF 244 (bacteria, virus, and cyst), NSF 401, and NSF P473 (PFOA & PFOS).
Some brands can’t afford NSF testing and certification because it is expensive. They go for third-party testing. Third-party testing is equally good; you can buy this filter without worries.
Shape & Size
The shape and size of the filter are not only aesthetic features; they dominate how you’ll use it in the long run. A sleek pitcher is easier to place inside a refrigerator and occupies less space. However, a sleek pitcher can easily fall if unbalanced.
Make sure you look for a pitcher with an ergonomic design with a user-friendly handle and lid for easy pouring and refilling.
Extra features
Look for extra features like filter replacement reminders and TDS meters. Such features don’t impact the filtration capabilities but make it easier to replace the filter timely and avoid drinking unhealthy water.
Warranty
Most pitchers come with a 1-year warranty. Some even offer up to 3 years warranty. A warranty isn’t always compulsory but helps you deal with repairs or problems.
Some pitchers come with a 30-90 day money-back guarantee that you can use to return the filter if it doesn’t work as advertised.
Price
Consider the initial price and replacement filter cost before buying a filter. Look for a pitcher with affordable replacement filters, which will impact the overall cost in the long run.
Review of Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Brita Water Filter Pitcher
Features
- Capacity: 10 cups
- Filter Life: 120 gallons
- Material: Polystyrene
- Warranty: 1-year
- Dimensions: 10.95 x 10.83 x 6.06 inches
The Brita filter pitcher is exactly what you need if you are an average American family desiring to drink pure well water. It helps you retain the goodness of well water and filter the contaminants that may be present in your water.
The pitcher has smart light filter change technology to remind you of timely filter replacement. It is made from BPA-free materials and is 100% fridge friendly. You can fill it with well water and simply keep it in the fridge to satisfy your thirst with pure and refreshing water. Its flip-lid design makes refilling and cleaning a breeze.
The 10-cup capacity is enough to fill three 24-ounce standard bottles for convenience. The filter removes 99% of lead, chlorine, and heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and benzene. It also filters herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers that may find their way into your well. Its advanced carbon core technology ensures better filtration results than other pitchers.
People who used Brita Elite to filter well water are extremely satisfied with its performance. They say that the water is now tasteless and smooth. Users also mention that it removes all smells coming from well water. Some users also mention that it removes hardness from water, and they use this water to make coffee, which tastes much better than unfiltered well water.
Overall, it is a must-have filter for well water if you don’t have a reliable drinking water system installed at your home.
Pros
- Improves water taste and smell
- Easy to change filter
- Filter replacement light
- Removes hardness
Cons
- A bit expensive
Best for Virus & Bacteria: Epic Nano – Water Filter Pitchers for Drinking Water
Features
- Capacity: 10 cups
- Filter Life: 150 gallons
- Material: Nanofiber
- Warranty: 1-year
- Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 10 inches
Epic Nano is another top-of-the-line filter pitcher for well water. Its 10-cup capacity and sleek design make it ideal for an average American family. The overall filtration capacity is 150 gallons, giving it an edge over Brita Elite.
The unit is made with BPA-free nanofiber to ensure your health and safety. It is also certified against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401, P231, and P473. The pitcher comes with a LED timer to remind you of filter changes.
The filter removes chlorine smell & taste, lead, PFAS, insecticide, pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial and agricultural waste materials.
The stand-out feature of this pitcher is its capability to remove bacteria like E.coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium,
People who use this pitcher for well water are happy with its performance. They mention that it removes iron from well water. Some users even prefer it over RO water systems. Many people using community wells with a treatment system use it to ensure 100% healthy water.
Some people don’t find it too good for well water as it fails to effectively remove TDS from well water.
Pros
- Large filtration capacity
- Flexibility with filters
- It takes only 15 minutes to filter
Cons
- Not too good with TDS
Best Budget Pick: ZeroWater 6-Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher
Features
- Capacity: 6 cup
- Filter Life: 40 gallons
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Warranty: 3 months
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.75 x 10.25 inches
ZeroWater’s filer pitcher for well water is your best budget pick. It offers excellent value for money. The only downside of a lower price tag is a small filtration capacity. Made with BPA-free plastic, it uses high-quality materials to ensure safety and durability.
You can filter 6 cups in one go and up to 40 gallons before replacing the cartridge. The system has a TDS meter as a reminder to change the filter. The manufacturer recommends changing the filter when the TDS meter reads 6.
The filter is NSF certified to remove lead, chromium, PFOA/PFOS, and many other contaminants. This pitcher is often touted as a TDS specialist filter pitcher for well water. Its filtration capabilities are powered by a 5-stage ion-exchange filtration process that gives excellent results and drastically improves the water quality.
The pitcher is easy to refill, clean, and wash. Its sleek design is best for small fridges, bedrooms, and study tables.
The buyer feedback puts this pitcher as the best filter to remove high concentrations of TDS in well water. It reduces TDS by up to 70%. It is not better than an RO, but it does the job for the price. The buyers also mention an improvement in water and taste.
However, some users have highlighted construction issues like leakage or flimsy plastic.
Pros
- Best for TDS reduction
- Makes hard well water soft
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Durability concerns
- Small capacity
Best for Large Families: Brita XL Water Filter Dispenser
Features
- Capacity: 27 cups
- Filter Life: 120 gallons
- Material: BPA-free Plastic
- Warranty: 1-year
- Dimensions: 14.37 x 5.67 x 10.47 inches
This filter pitcher for well water from Brita is best for large households or people who like to keep a larger reserve of filter water handy. The filter is made from BPA-free plastic and comes with a high-quality, durable spigot to pour water.
The filter’s capacity of 27 cups or six 24-ounce water bottles makes it long-lasting and hassle-free. Despite having a large filtration capacity, the dispenser can be placed in a standard-size refrigerator. It is pertinent to highlight that out of 27 cups, 9 stay in the reservoir, and 18 are ready for drinking.
The filter removes 99% lead, chlorine, cadmium, mercury, benzene, asbestos, and other contaminants commonly found in well water. The pitcher comes with an electronic filter change indicator that makes it convenient to replace the filter. The unit’s design is user-friendly, making it easier to refill and pour water.
Private well owners are extremely happy with its performance. Users mention that well water tastes better and doesn’t smell after filtering in this pitcher. One user mentioned that he started using this pitcher after the doctor told him about kidney stones.
Some users are not happy with its performance with well water. They mention issues like failure to remove iron and smells from water.
Best Filters to Remove Iron from Well Water: Top 10 Picks Compared
Pros
- Large capacity
- Sleek design: fits in the fridge
- Electronic filter change reminder
Cons
- Not too effective against iron
- Spigot leaks occasionally
Best Mid-Size: LifeStraw – Water Filter Dispenser
Features
- Capacity: 18 cups
- Filter Life: Membrane microfilter: 264 gallons; activated carbon + ion exchange filter: 40 gallons
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimensions: 14.4 x 6.44 x 9.56 inches
This pitcher from LifeStraw is best for an average family who drink a lot of water. Its 18-cup capacity makes it a better option than Brita and Epic Nano, with 10-cup capacities.
The pitcher uses a membrane microfilter, activated carbon, and ion exchange filter to deliver pure and healthy water for your household. The system can reduce lead, mercury, PFAS, chlorine, herbicides, insecticides, dirt, sand, and many other contaminants found in water. It also effectively removes bacteria and viruses from water to give you peace of mind while drinking water.
The membrane filter lasts 264 gallons (1 year for an average family); the carbon and ion exchange filter lasts 40 gallons. The carbon filter needs to be replaced every two months. This may be a hassle for some people.
Its sleek design lets you keep the pitcher inside the refrigerator without occupying too much space. The unit is made with BPA-free plastic and tested rigorously to ensure safety and durability.
The users are satisfied with its performance on well water. It removes smell and taste from well water and makes it taste better. One user suggests removing the secondary filter for chlorine, increasing the filter’s speed and enhancing water quality.
Pros
- Extended warranty
- Rounded edges make it easier to clean and keep in the fridge
- 2 filters improve water quality
Cons
- Slow speed dispensing
- The button is not user-friendly
Best Small Size Pitcher: Hydros – 40oz Water Filter Pitcher – Glass Style
Features
- Capacity: 5 cups
- Filter Life: 40 gallons
- Material: Glass
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches
The last filter pitcher for well water in our review is a bottle-style filter that is best for individual use. It is made with glass and requires special care to be handled.
The filter has a capacity of 5 cups and a 40-gallon capacity before it requires a filter change. The best thing about this filter is its superfast filtration. The unit works 5 times faster than other filters and ensures 100% results.
The filter removes chlorine and sediment from water. This makes it unfit for well water with TDS or other contaminants that require advanced filtration. The pitcher’s sleek design ensures easy storage in the refrigerator.
The filters are made with 100% coconut shell carbon casing to reduce environmental impact. Private well owners are happy with its performance. Most people use it as a water bottle for study tables, office, or nighttime. It improves the overall taste and odor of the water.
Pros
- Best for individual use
- Durable and sturdy
Cons
- Limited filtration capabilities
- Long bottle; may not fit in all refrigerators
Common Well Water Contaminants
Your well water may be host to various contaminants. The contaminants may enter your well due to underground contaminants or surface-level run-off waste. The common contaminants highlighted by EPA include
- Microorganisms
- Nitrates and nitrites
- Heavy metals
- Organic chemicals
- Fluoride
- Radionuclides
Benefits Filter Pitchers for Well Water
- Convenience: You don’t need to install the filter or designate a permanent space. The filter pitchers are easy to set up and require arranging a few parts.
- Minimum Maintenance: Filter pitchers require minimum washing, filter replacement, and cleaning maintenance.
- Cost-Effective: Filter pitchers are cheap to buy initially, and their replacement filters are pocket-friendly. You can find a high-quality filter pitcher for well water for as low as $100.
- Best for Emergencies: They are handy for emergencies like power outages, earthquakes, or local flooding. These pitchers are a lifesaver if your home’s filtration system goes out of order or you turn it off for maintenance.
Drawbacks of Using Filter Pitchers to Treat Well Water
- Small Volume of Water: They can filter a limited volume of water. Most filters have a filtration capacity of 10-20 cups at a time. A few can filter up to 30 cups, which is still insufficient for a large household.
- Slow Filtration Rate: Most filters use gravity to filter water. It takes time to filter water. Large household filters are electricity-powered and filter large amounts of water quickly.
- Limited Filtration Capability: These filters have limited filtration capability in terms of hardness, bacteria, and TDS. Moreover, they are only limited to drinking water. Your home’s plumbing and appliances are in grave danger if you have hard water at home. You can use an under-sink filter for a more enhanced filtration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best filter pitcher for well water?
It depends on the contaminants found in the water. You can test the water and decide the best pitcher for your home. However, according to user feedback, Brita Elite and Epic Nano are best for well water
Can I use Brita filter pitchers for well water?
Yes. You can use Brita to remove taste and smell from well water. Contrary to popular belief, Brita does a great job filtering well water. Many private well owners use Brita to treat well water, and their satisfaction is evident from 100s of positive reviews about Brita.
How does a water filter pitcher work?
A filter pitcher works by using a gravity-based filtration technique. The well water is poured at the top, and the filter removes the contaminants as it passes through its surface. The treated water is gathered at the bottom of the pitcher. You can pour the water using the spigot or the opening in the lid.
What is the difference between an RO filter and a filter pitcher?
A filter pitcher doesn’t remove healthy minerals from well water; it only removes harmful contaminants. An RO filter removes every element in water, including healthy and harmless. Many RO filters come with a remineralization stage. You don’t need a filter pitcher if you have an RO system with a remineralization stage installed at your home.
How long does the filter last in a pitcher?
Most filters last for 40-200 gallons before they need to be replaced. The exact time depends on filter life, water quality, and usage frequency. You may need to replace the filter every 2-6 months.
How can I know when to change the filter in the pitcher?
Some filters come with filter change reminders that change colors when it is time to replace the filter. Some have indication lights or beeps to remind you of filter changes. A few also offer TDS meters to indicate filter change time.
Do water filter pitchers remove bacteria?
Some filter pitchers can remove bacteria. Epic Nano is one of the filters to remove bacteria from water. However, most filter pitchers don’t remove bacteria. So, it is better to check before buying.
How to clean a filter pitcher?
It is a good idea to clean your pitcher with every filter replacement. It helps prevent mold growth and mineral buildup. Some pitchers are dishwasher safe, while some are not. The best way to get instructions on washing your pitcher is to refer to user manuals. You can sanitize your pitcher with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Don’t forget to rinse it properly before filtering water.
