Top 5 Water Filters That Remove Arsenic: Smart Choices [Feb 2023]

Finding the right water filter to remove arsenic is challenging, but with expert guidance, you will find your match!

We have tested numerous water filters that remove arsenic to pick out the best 5. Know everything about them below: 

5 Best Arsenic Water Filters In 2023: Quick Cheat Sheet

Here's How We Test Products At Aquaprofessor

Top 5 Arsenic Water Filters: Detailed Analysis

Arsenic is one of the most commonly found contaminants in drinking water and can pose serious health risks upon consumption. Arsenic is a known carcinogen that also interferes with the production of red blood cells and can cause several harmful effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney failure. 

Solution? Water filters. What kind of water filters? Keep reading to get the answers.

Products	Removal Rate	Process Used+Certification	Filter Lifespan	Total Contaminants Removed
Clearly Filtered	94.3%	Mechanical + Carbon + Ion Exchange NSF 42, 53 & 401	2,000 gal.	232+
Aquasana OptimH2O	97%	Mechanical + Carbon + RO + Remineralizer NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, P473	13.32 GPD	88+
ZeroWater®		Carbon + Ion Exchange + Membrane NSF 42 and 53	40 gallons	23+
AquaTru	Arsenic 5 (>98%), Arsenic 3 (50%-80%)	Mechanical + RO + Carbon NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473	600 – 1,200 gallons	83+
Crystal Quest	99%	Carbon + Ion Exchange ISO-certified components	750,000 or 1,000,000 gallons	10+

Let’s look at all 5 arsenic water filters one by one in depth in the following sections: 

Clearly Filtered Under Sink Water Filter

Arsenic Reduction Rate

Cleared Filtered has an impressive 94.3% arsenic reduction rate. Its dedicated arsenic filter can eliminate both types of Arsenic (As III and V) from the supplied water. 

Lifespan

The lifespan of the Clearly Filtered POU filter depends on the amount of water filtered. They can last 2000 gallons of water, almost equivalent to 15 months (1.3 years). After this limit is exhausted, these filters have to be replaced by new ones to avoid leakage of impurities in drinking water. The lifespan may also vary depending on the water quality of your main supply.   

Filtration Capacity 

As indicated earlier, Clearly Filtered under-sink filters can clean upto 2000 gallons of water before needing a replacement. It has 3 filtration stages – a granulated coconut carbon filter, a special blend filter, and a dedicated filter for arsenic and fluoride removal. 

This filter can remove upto 99.5% of impurities when connected to the main water supply below the kitchen sink. So, whenever you open the faucet, you get clean water. 

Certifications

Clearly Filtered has passed the rigorous independent testing procedure to verify against NSF 43, 53, and 401 certifications to prove its efficiency at removing arsenic from drinking water. You can check the certification details on their official website before purchasing. 

Warranty 

Clearly Filtered company offers a limited lifetime warranty to all its customers. So, make sure you buy from their official website and read the terms and conditions to avail of this offer.

Clearly Filtered: Pros and Cons

Best Under-Sink RO Filter: Aquasana OptimH2O

Arsenic Reduction Rate

The arsenic reduction rate of Aquasana OptimH2O is 97% on testing. Out of the four filters present, the catalytic carbon filter and RO membrane are the two main departments responsible for this successful reduction of arsenic. 

Lifespan

The lifespan of its pre-filter and Claryum filter is – 6 months and for RO membrane and remineralizer is 1 year.

The lifespan of the water filter system may vary depending on your needs and water quality. If your water’s sediment levels are high, you may need to change the pre-filter more frequently. The quality of filtered water tells a lot about the health of your filters, so don’t ignore the signs for replacement. 

If the overall system is adequately maintained and the filters are replaced timely, it can easily last for a decade. 

Filtration Capacity

Aquasana OptimH2O can produce 13.32 gallons of clean water every day. It can reduce 95% of total dissolved solids from contaminated water. The four stages of filtration can remove more than 88 contaminants, including fluoride, lead, asbestos, chlorine, and arsenic.

Certifications

The performance of the OptimH2O has been tested and certified by NSF to standards 42, 53, 58, and 401. These certifications prove that this filter can remove substances like chlorine, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, bad taste, and odors. In addition, the filter elements are also upto to the safety standards.  

Warranty 

OptimH2O offers a 2-year warranty and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee for all purchases from their official website. Read the terms and conditions to avail full benefits.

Note that the warranty gets null and void if you install the system yourself. 

Aquasana OptimH2O: Pros and Cons

Portable Water Filter: ZeroWater® ZD-013-D

Arsenic Reduction Rate

ZeroWater pitchers have an excellent arsenic reduction rate of 99.7%, which outperforms various large filtration systems through its combined multi-stage filter cartridge.

Lifespan

A filter cartridge of ZeroWater usually serves up to 40 gallons of clean filtered water before it requires replacement. However, how quickly you will exhaust 40 gallons of water depends on your usage and the number of consumers that use the filter (approx. 1 month). Thus, you may need to change the filter accordingly. 

Filtration Capacity 

Don’t get fooled by the size, as this small water pitcher filter has a 5-stage filtration process to supply clean and healthy drinking water. It can remove upto 99.7% of arsenic and dissolved solids. 

Certifications

ZeroWater has been independently tested and certified by NSF for standards 42 (chlorine, taste, and odor) and 53 (lead, chromium, and mercury). Additionally, it is one of the few water pitcher filters that can remove PFOA and PFOS from water. 

Warranty

ZeroWater offers a limited warranty on the filter cartridge and pitcher parts. In case of manufacturing defects, you get a 90-day warranty on the dispenser, pitcher, travel bottle, or TDS meter. Plus, 30 days warranty is given from the date of purchase on defective filter cartridges. So, ensure that you inform the company in time to get the replacements. 

Zerowater Pitcher: Pros and Cons

Countertop Water Filters That Remove Arsenic: Aquatru RO

Arsenic Reduction Rate

AquaTru countertop RO filters are good at eliminating arsenic of both types from your water, but the reduction rates differ. For example, it can reduce Arsenic V (As5+) by 98% and Arsenic III (As3+) by 50 to 80%. That’s because Arsenic III is usually harder to remove than Arsenic V from water.

Lifespan

AquaTru contains a pre-filter, reverse osmosis filter membrane, and carbon filter, which you must replace once their lifespan is over. By over, we mean worn-out and unfit for filtration anymore. 

It’s best to replace pre-filters every 6 months, RO (semi-permeable) membrane every 2 years, and the activated carbon filter every year. You should record the filter change dates, as these replacements are necessary to maintain good-quality water. 

Filtration Capacity 

Due to its compact size and no attachment to the main water pipeline, the AquaTru countertop RO filter has a limited filtration capacity of 1 gallon at a time. It means that it filters water batch-wise.

So you have to fill it with 1 gallon of water, which, when filtered and consumed, can be filled up again with contaminated water and switched on. It hardly takes 15 minutes to filter a full water holding tank. 

Water undergoes a 4-stage filtration process in an AquaTru filter before it is available for drinking. The pre-filter, coconut-shell carbon block filter and reverse osmosis technology remove maximum contaminants from your dirty water, including arsenic.  

Certifications

You can rest assured about the filtration efficiency of this AquaTru filter as it is independently tested to NSF standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473. NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) issues these certificates to water filter manufacturers for public safety and to ensure that the filter does what it claims to do. 

Warranty 

The warranty period offered by AquaTru is 1 year. Plus, it gives a 30-day money-back guarantee on all direct purchases from the official website. Read the manual thoroughly to check the terms and conditions for replacement. 

AquaTru Countertop: Pros and Cons

Whole House Arsenic Water Filter: Crystal Quest

Arsenic Reduction Rate

This whole-house filter is for you if your main water source has high arsenic content. It can remove upto 99% arsenic from your water and 10+ other contaminants. 

Lifespan

The filter housing can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance; the filters require regular replacement. The pre-filter for sediment filtration needs replacement every 2-6 months, depending on residue levels in your water. The activated carbon filter can last upto 6-months. 

Filtration Capacity 

Crystal Quest filter tanks can clean 750,000 to 1 million gallons of water. The filtration occurs in 3 stages: a pre-filter, arsenic reducing mineral tank, and an activated carbon filter. Besides arsenic, these filters can remove various chemicals, solvents, sediments, and heavy metals in the water supply or bring them down to safe levels. 

Certifications

It uses all ISO-certified components to manufacture its filtration system. ISO (International Organization of Standardization) issues a seal of approval to companies after reviewing their manufacturing standards and checking if the company follows the internationally-set guidelines or safety protocols. 

Warranty 

Crystal Quest offers its customers a performance guarantee and 1-year warranty. You can contact their customer service and get a replacement for your filter parts in case of genuine issues or defects. 

Crystal Quest: Pros and Cons

Arsenic In Drinking Water: Types, Sources, & Health Risks

If you reside in a place with high arsenic levels or are concerned about potential exposure, take some time to learn more about this common contaminant and how you can protect yourself from it. This section will dig into the nature of arsenic, its types, where it comes from, and its implications for our health. 

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element and has been used for medicinal or chemical purposes for thousands of years. It can be found in almost all types of soils and is commonly found at high levels near mining sites and areas with natural hot springs or geothermal activity. 

Types of Arsenic Found

Two different types of arsenic are found in drinking water: Arsenic III, Arsenic V. Arsenic III also known as arsenite, is the most common form found in drinking water, while Arsenic V, also known as arsenate, is the less common and, luckily, less dangerous. 

Common Sources of Arsenic

Inorganic arsenic is found in all soils, allowing it to seep into underground water pipelines. It can also be released when arsenic-containing products are used in industries like mining, the production of pesticides, wood preservatives, and certain types of fertilizer. 

Health Risks Associated with Arsenic

According to the World Health Organization, almost all parts of the world have some level of arsenic in their drinking water. While some arsenic exposure is not harmful, prolonged exposure or exposure to high levels of arsenic may lead to serious health problems, including cancer and chronic diseases. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer. It also harms our nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system. 

The risk is especially high in people who drink water with an arsenic concentration of 10 ppb or more. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect yourself from drinking arsenic-laden water. 

How To Test For Arsenic In Water

The water treatment method greatly determines impurity levels in a locality. If you have a well water supply, you may experience a higher risk of arsenic contamination than a homeowner with municipal water. 

The first step in your journey to pure drinking water is to find out what exactly is in your supplied water. You can do this through a quality test. The federal government recommends that all homeowners get their water tested at least once every two years. Here are 3 ways to check for the presence of arsenic in your water:

1. Color-changing Strips

It’s the simplest and quickest way to test your water. Contaminant-detecting indicator strips are available in the market that shows positive or negative results by changing their color when dipped into the water to be tested. 

You may also get a color chart to compare the shade of color on the trip. Usually, lighter shade means low contamination and vice versa. 

2. At-home Test Kits.

A variety of test kits are available nowadays to detect the presence of arsenic. Ensure that you choose the most trusted kit with high detection ability. These kits work on the principle of chemistry wherein two compounds react to produce a third compound with different properties.

For example, arsenic-containing water releases arsine gas when it is reacted with acidified water and zinc powder. So, if you observe gas bubbles in the plastic bottle provided with the test kit, know that arsenic is present in your water. 

All you gotta do is buy an arsenic testing kit for water, read the instructions and carry out the test procedure carefully. Then, the results can be tallied from the manual to know whether your water is safe for drinking or not. 

3. Laboratory Tests 

It is the most accurate method to test the presence of arsenic in your water. You can physically submit your water sample in a laboratory or call the testing agency to collect the sample from your home. 

The report may be declared immediately or delivered in a few days depending on the ability of the testing machinery or equipment in that laboratory. 

Once you know the results, take the next step: 

5 Inexpensive & Easy Methods To Remove Arsenic From Water At Home

Once arsenic is detected in your drinking water, you can take action on a few different fronts to reduce your risk. Unfortunately, no device can completely remove arsenic from your water.

Luckily, several types of filters on the market can help you get rid of arsenic. Depending on your brand, your water filtration system may reduce the amount of arsenic in your drinking water by as much as 99%. 

1. Adsorption Filters

Alumina, iron oxide, and activated carbon block filters are the three types of arsenic water filter systems that work on the principle of adsorption. Their large surface area facilitates the entrapment of elements or bonding. As a result, they can eliminate upto 95.5% of arsenic from water. 

2. Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis systems have a semi-permeable membrane that only allows water molecules to pass through, whereas the rest of the impurities are held back. As a result, they can reduce arsenic levels by 95%. 

3. Ion-exchange Filters

Also known as water softeners, the anion exchange system can significantly reduce Arsenic V levels in the water. They have a mineral tank containing resin media where the heavy metal ions present in water are exchanged with less harmful ions like sodium, potassium, or chlorine. Thus, the water becomes safer for consumption. 

4. Oxidation Filters

Strong oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate are used to oxidize arsenic ions present in water before they are passed through another medium. However, this process usually requires the presence of iron which, when oxidized with arsenic, makes the latter precipitate out and ultimately get removed. (20:1 iron to arsenic ratio)

5. Coagulation Filters

Coagulants like ferric sulfate or ferric chloride are present in these filters to bind to elements like arsenic and accumulate to form large particles, which are then easily separated from the water.  

Bonus Method: Distillation Filters

These are effective but rarely used in daily life due to the slow mechanism. They are based on the principle of evaporation. Dirty water is boiled in a distiller and evaporated. 

The hot water vapors from boiling water are passed through a cool condenser tube when they liquefy to form water and are collected in another container. Thus, all the contaminants, including arsenic, are left behind in the distiller while pure water collects in the container. 

The Expert Buying Guide On Arsenic Removal Systems

Arsenic removal filters are one of the most important facets of a healthy home. Yet, they are also some of the most misunderstood. You are in luck as we have revealed important factors to consider while selecting the best arsenic removal system in this guide:

Type of Arsenic Present in your Water Supply

It’s important to test your water to know the type of arsenic you need to remove. While many models advertise themselves as “arsenic-only” filters, this is not always true. In fact, there are several different types of arsenic removal filters on the market, each with its own unique features and specifications. 

For example, some models will remove both Arsenic III and V, while others will only remove one of the arsenic types. 

Presence of Other Contaminants

Your water will never contain only arsenic. Other contaminants like minerals, sediments, debris, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and harmful chemicals are always dissolved in water in addition to arsenic. So, you have to choose a filter that removes all these impurities along with arsenic from your water. 

The best way to decide is to test your water and then look for filters. We would also recommend going for customizable filter systems wherein you can add or remove any filter as per your need or present water quality. 

Filtration Capacity and Flow Rate

It totally depends on your usage or family size. For 1-2 people, water pitchers will do fine. For 3-5 people, an under-sink or countertop water filter would be a good choice. For higher flow rates or plumbing issues due to scaling or corrosion, it would be wise to go for whole-house systems. 

Cost

Though arsenic removal filters may cost more upfront than standard water filters, they will last much longer and save you money in the long run due to their increased capacity and reduced replacement costs. 

Additionally, the cost of POE and POU filters vary greatly. Decide whether you want whole house water filtration to get arsenic-free water for every household work or just drinking and cooking. Choose the one that suits your budget as well as your needs. 

Since arsenic can build up over time, it’s important to consistently change your filter as recommended by the manufacturer to avoid more expenditure on the repair.

Which Water Filters That Remove Arsenic: FAQs

You have finally made it to the end of this article, and with that, we hope you have grasped as much knowledge as possible to make the right decision.

We have tried to answer all the necessary questions throughout the article regarding arsenic and its removal systems. However, in case you have some more doubts, read the following faqs or write them down in the comment section: