Living in a home with well water means lower utility bills, but how can you ensure that your well water is safe to drink? One way is to test your water, but thanks to advanced filtering tech, you can use a water filter pitcher to have safe drinking water at the ready.
In addition to testing, you should filter it before drinking or cooking. But what is the best water filter pitcher for well water, and what should you look for in the different models available?
That’s what I’ll go over in this buyer guide.
Reviewer: Andrew Miles
Andrew is a State Licensed Plumber with over 30 years of plumbing experience. Andrew has authored many water filtering and troubleshooting guides for us and has been in the water purification space for decades.
Well Water Filter Pitcher Comparison Table
| Epic Nano | ClearlyFiltered | Brita Longlast Everyday | |
| TDS | 250ppm | 217ppm | 147ppm |
| Tank capacity | 10 cups | 10 cups | 10 cups |
| Filter speed/cup | 7 minutes | 6 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Taste test | 94% | 96% | 65% |
| Filter lifespan | 150 gallons / 6 months | 150 gallons / 6 months | 120 gallons / 6 months |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $ |
| Popular Model | Check on Amazon | Check Current Price | Check on Amazon |
🥇 Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water Reviews
1. ClearlyFiltered Water Filter Pitcher
The ClearlyFiltered water filter pitcher is designed for use with tap water. However, the number of contaminants removed makes it an excellent choice for well water households as well.
A faster filtration speed compared to Epic Nano (which I reviewed below) give it some brownie points. However, the pitcher is more expensive, and its cartridges have a shorter lifespan. Mainly because it filters more containments and offers the most pure water drinking experience there is in a pitcher.
Filtration performance
The ClearlyFiltered filter removes as many contaminants as Epic Nano, and you can still use it for purifying contaminated water. The list of contaminants removed includes:
- Bacteria and cysts (this pitcher doesn’t remove viruses)
- Heavy metals
- Organic chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Heavy metals
- Microplastics
- Chlorine and fluoride
Filtration speed
This water filter pitcher has a good filtration speed, around the same if not a bit faster than the Brita. You can expect a cup of water every 6 minutes or so.
ClearlyFiltered still removes more contaminants than Brita and is a good choice for households with moderately contaminated well water.
Water Tasting and pH
Like Epic Nano, ClearlyFiltered improves the water’s taste and smell and alkalinizes its pH. The filter removes some minerals, though, so you may lose some benefit from that. But the bad it removes outweighs the good it removes.
Hard to tell from looking at the picture below, but there is a difference in the look of tap water and the filtered water. The taste is simply clean, smooth water.
Maintenance and cartridge costs
Like Epic Nano, ClearlyFiltered water pitcher is easy to clean and needs little to no maintenance. All you have to do is change the cartridge every 100 gallons or every four months.
The cartridges are expensive, with one replacement filter costing around $60. You can save a buck by stocking up replacement filters during the sales periods.
Who is ClearlyFiltered for?
ClearlyFiltered water filter pitcher is best for households with moderately contaminated well water. The pitcher size is ideal for 2-3 people daily. Remember the time it takes to fill the pitcher, which is around 15 minutes. So if you want to offer filtered water to parties, you will need to consider this.
2. Epic Nano: Best Drinking Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water
Epic Nano is the best water filter pitcher for well water if you’re concerned about contaminants. A multi-stage filtration system performs as an under-the-sink system and removes all kinds of contaminants from your well water.
The pitcher has a compact size and ergonomic handle, but you must pay attention when pouring water into your glass due to a design failure.
Filtration performance
Epic Nano is the most performing water filter pitcher on the market. It is the wisest choice if you haven’t tested your private well water or if it is full of contaminants. This water filter pitcher removes:
- Microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses
- Fluoride
- Heavy metals
- Organic chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Solid particulate
- Chlorine
- Herbicides
- Odor
Filtration speed
The main drawback of this pitcher for well water is its slow filtration speed. You can expect a rate of roughly one cup every ten minutes.
However, drinking clean water is more important than speedy filtration – refill the pitcher as soon as you’ve emptied it to have clean water at hand at all times. You might want to buy two pitchers if you have a big family.
Water Tasting and pH
In addition to outstanding water filtration, Epic Nano improves water taste and stabilizes its pH. This pitcher is right for you if you want to enjoy alkaline water benefits.
Maintenance and cartridge costs
Another advantage of Epic Nano is the low maintenance. A long filter lifespan means you can enjoy up to 150 gallons of water before replacing the filter – sure, the more contaminated your water, the shorter the lifespan.
The cartridges have an average cost, and you’ll usually spend under $50 for each cartridge change.
Epic Nano vs. PUR: How does it perform?
PUR is the leading brand in the water filter pitchers’ world, yet it didn’t make it to our list of best water filter pitchers for well water because it can’t remove as many contaminants as Epic Nano.
Water filtered with Epic Nano also tastes better than PUR, and Epic Nano’s cartridges have a longer lifespan.
Who is Epic Nano for?
Epic Nano water filter pitcher is perfect for those who haven’t tested their well water or whose well water is heavily contaminated. Its filtration speed might frustrate you, but this pitcher is your best bet if you don’t want to spend it on an under-skin or whole-house filtering system.
- Filtered Water Pitcher for Refrigerator: This large water filtration pitcher for refrigerator is easy to pour and refill. This space efficient pitcher fits perfectly on refrigerator shelves and is great for families. Height 10″; Width 6″; Length 10″; Weight: 2.2 pounds. This Nanofiber water purifier pitcher with filter will keep your family drinking filtered water for years to come. Rigorously tested against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401, P231, and P473
- Well Water Filters: Virus Water Filter: Filter designed to remove virus, bacteria, cysts. Chlorine Water Filter: Tested to remove chlorine. Lead Water Filter: Tested to remove lead. Pfas Water Filter: Removes the Forever Chemical Pfoa Pfos Pfc. 1,4-Dioxane Water Filter: Tested for the removal of 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water. Haloacetic acids (Haas) Water Filter: Tested for the removal of Haloacetic acids. Microplastics Water Filter: Tested to remove microplastics
3. Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
Brita is a heavyweight name in the water filter pitcher market, with its Longlast Everyday holding the top spot as the most popular pitcher from the brand.
Its main advantage is the lightning-fast filtration rate, but Brita pitchers don’t remove as many contaminants as the other two pitchers on this list.
Filtration performance
Brita Standard Everyday only removes a handful of contaminants. Yet, that handful includes heavy metals, solid particulate, and chemicals.
- Heavy metals
- Chlorine
- Solid particulate
- Some organic chemicals
- Larger cysts and bacteria
Filtration speed
Brita might not be the best water purifier for well water if your water is heavily contaminated, but it brags with fast filtration. You’ll be able to enjoy a cup in about four minutes, sometimes even faster.
However, only use this pitcher if your well water has been tested and only needs light purification.
Water Tasting and pH
Brita Standard Everyday has been created to improve the taste of tap water, and it doesn’t disappoint. This pitcher produces tastier water than the three water filter pitchers we’ve reviewed.
Some may claim it has a weird taste, but it’s more delicious overall. As expected, the filter produces alkaline water, balancing its pH level.
Maintenance and cartridge costs
Of all water filter pitchers for well water, Brita is the cheapest to maintain. Its replacement filters have a long lifespan (up to 120 gallons) and are inexpensive – generally, a replacement filter will cost under $20.
Who is Brita Standard Everyday for?
Brita Everyday is suitable for people whose well water is almost safe to drink as it is. It won’t remove as many contaminants as Epic Nano or ClearlyFiltered, but it filters the water fast and is the cheapest.
If you’ve tested your water and contaminants are not really a concern, this one might be your best choice.
How do Water Filter Pitchers Make Well Water Drinkable?
Water filter pitchers for well water work by combining filtration methods to remove contaminants from the water. As you pour water into the pitcher, it passes through the filter cartridge, which typically contains activated carbon and ion exchange resin.
The activated carbon adsorbs organic compounds and chemicals, while the ion exchange resin removes heavy metals and softens the water. Some pitchers also incorporate a pre-filter to remove sediment and larger particles before the water reaches the main filter.
- Water filter pitchers use a combination of filtration methods.
- Activated carbon adsorbs organic compounds and chemicals.
- Ion exchange resin removes heavy metals and softens the water.
Why Should You Use a Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water?
Depending on where you live, well water may be as pure as bottled water or full of contaminants. The aquifer might get contaminated even if the water was pure when you drilled the well and tested it. Wastewater may also contaminate your well water during a flood.
Water filter pitchers are the simplest and most economical way of obtaining clean water from your residential well, but using a filter pitcher also has other benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Water Filter Pitchers for Well Water?
In addition to purifying well water, water filter pitchers can improve its taste and remove any foul odors. Here are some of the primary benefits water filter pitchers for well water bring:
- They are affordable: Well water almost always requires some softening and filtration to make it safe for drinking and cooking. Whole-house water filtering systems, however, are expensive. That’s where water filter pitchers for well water step in. You’ll rarely spend more than $100 on a pitcher yet will get to enjoy all benefits of pure water.
- They are portable: Although you may buy a water filter pitcher to filter well water at home, you can also take the pitcher with you on your trips. This may come in handy when camping, for instance, or when visiting countries with questionable tap water quality.
- They can improve water taste: Sometimes, your well water may be clean enough to drink without filtering it, but its taste might still be slightly off. A water filter pitcher for well water can remove excess sodium or magnesium and make it palatable.
Possible Well Water Contaminants
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are six possible types of contaminants well water may contain:
- Nitrate and nitrite: Present in chemical fertilizers and sewage systems, nitrates and nitrites can contaminate wells through groundwater movement. These substances can reduce blood’s ability to carry oxygen and particularly harm infants and small children.
- Organic chemicals: Found in many household products, pharmaceuticals, paints, disinfectants, and solvents, organic chemicals can damage the circulatory, nervous, and reproductive systems. They can also cause kidney and liver damage.
- Microorganisms: This category includes viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause various illnesses. Most waterborne microorganisms are responsible for gastrointestinal disorders and infections.
- Heavy metals: Typically leaking into drinking water from plumbing systems, mining operations, and even natural mineral deposits, heavy metals can cause numerous illnesses, ranging from hepatic toxicity to cancer.
- Radionucleotides: These radioactive elements can be naturally present in groundwater or may end up in it due to mining and nuclear power production. They can contaminate private well water, increasing the risk of kidney toxicity and cancer.
- Fluoride: Typically present in municipal water, fluoride may also be found in aquifers. In small quantities, it helps prevent tooth decay. However, too much of it increases the risk of skeletal fluorosis, a condition characterized by joint and bone pain.
What Contaminants Can a Pitcher Remove?
Not all water filter pitchers can remove harmful contaminants; some are only suitable for tap water. The best water filter pitcher for well water should remove most chemicals, heavy metals, fluoride, nitrite and nitrates, and some bacteria.
While finding the perfect filter is hard, you can test your water before deciding which water filter pitcher is best for you.
FAQs
Is Brita filter good for well water?
Brita is a good water purifier for well water if the water in your private well is not heavily contaminated. This pitcher will remove some heavy metals and chemicals, but it can’t purify heavily contaminated water.
Do any water filter pitchers remove bacteria?
Yes. Epic Nano and Clearly Filtered water filter pitchers remove most bacteria and parasites. Epic Nano even removes viruses from well water.
Are water filter pitchers for well water safe to use?
Yes, water filter pitchers for well water are safe to use and effectively remove contaminants to ensure safe and clean drinking water.
Can water filter pitchers remove lead from well water?
Yes, most water filter pitchers for well water are designed to remove lead and other heavy metals, ensuring safe drinking water.
Do water filter pitchers for well water also remove fluoride?
Some water filter pitchers can remove fluoride, while others cannot. Check the product specifications for fluoride removal capabilities.
How long does it take to filter well water using a water filter pitcher?
The filtering process generally takes a few minutes, but the exact duration depends on the pitcher’s design and the filter’s flow rate.
Can I use a water filter pitcher for well water with hot water?
No, water filter pitchers are designed for use with cold water only. Using hot water can damage the filter and reduce its effectiveness.
How do I clean a water filter pitcher for well water?
Clean the pitcher by disassembling it and washing all parts, except the filter, with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry before reassembling.
Are water filter pitchers for well water BPA-free?
Most water filter pitchers are made of BPA-free plastic. Check the product specifications to ensure the pitcher you choose is BPA-free.
If I have a water softener, can I use a water filter pitcher for well water?
Yes, you can use a water filter pitcher for additional filtration after a water softener has treated water to remove any remaining contaminants.
In Conclusion
Filtering well water for drinking with a water filter pitcher is possible if you choose the right product.
If you’ve never tested your well water or if the water is full of contaminants, Epic Nano is the best water filter pitcher for well water for you.
If contamination is not a concern and you’d rather save a buck, Brita could suit your needs.
