What’s the Best Fluoride Water Filter? Get Rid of Fluoride in Your Drinking Water

I’ve lived abroad in countries with poor water quality for over seven years.

Where I live, my water has very low levels of fluoride. But many readers are concerned about high fluoride levels in their water. So, we’ve spent several days finding out which is the best fluoride water filter system.

There are plenty of options for removing fluoride. If you want to get up and running with maximum fluoride removal as quickly as possible, I recommend the Clearly Filtered Pitcher, which eliminates 99.5% of fluoride in independent tests.

The best fluoride water filters remove the right amount of fluoride for you. If you want zero fluoride, go with one of the best distillers. If you want to keep a small amount of fluoride (for dental health, for example), then a reverse osmosis water filtration system may be a better option.

Fluoride Water Filter Reviews

Here are our top seven fluoride water filter reviews. 

1. Clearly Filtered Pitcher with Affinity Filtration Technology

Best Pitcher Filter for Fluoride Removal

• Type: pitcher
• Filtration: 3-stage: woven mesh, granulated carbon, & proprietary composite shell
• Fluoride Removal: 99.5% 
• Lifespan: 100 gallons (4 months average use)
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Flow rate: 5 to 35 minutes
• Dimensions: 10.25 x 11.25 x 5x inches
• Warranty: Limited lifetime (faulty materials or manufacturing errors)

To get rid of as much fluoride as possible and as quickly and simply as possible, go for the Clearly Filtered Pitcher.

There’s no complicated installation, and you’ll quickly be able to find out if fluoride-free water is beneficial for you. 

It has a ten-cup capacity, so most small families will probably need to fill it up around twice daily. The speed at which it filters will depend greatly on your water quality. The manufacturer states 5 to 35 minutes, but from our tests and interviews with other users, around 20 minutes seems average. 

The filter looks sturdy and feels well-designed. Earlier models received complaints about cheap materials and parts like the lid breaking easily. Clearly Filtered listened to feedback and upgraded the pitcher to 100% BPA/BPS-free Tritan® materials. So now it’s stronger than before and won’t leach chemicals. 

Filters last around 100 gallons of usage, which should last most people around four months. The lifespan isn’t as long as the Epic Pure Filter (150 gallons), and replacements are a little more expensive. But we think it’s a fair trade-off as the Clearly Filtered Pitcher is much more effective at fluoride removal. 

One thing to watch out for is that this filter has a slightly more complicated setup than other pitchers. You’ll need to prime the filter by squeezing some water through it (using the included priming bag) several times. 

Some users have complained about the filter being slow to filter or not as effective as they expected. Slow filtering is often due to users skipping the priming procedure. Problems like this seem to be rare with users who follow the guidelines correctly. We’ve also been in contact with customer service, and they’re quick to assist and answer any questions and queries. 

Overall, you won’t find a filter that removes more fluoride than the Clearly Filtered Pitcher. So if you want fluoride-free water ASAP, order yours today with free shipping direct from ClearlyFiltered.com. And if you’re still unsure you can check out our full review.

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2. Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher 

Best Budget Fluoride Filter Pitcher 

• Type: pitcher
• Filtration: solid carbon block filter
• Fluoride Removal: 97.88%
• Lifespan: 150 gallons / filter
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Flow rate: around 20 minutes / pitcher
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
• Warranty: lifetime
  

The Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher is an extremely effective pitcher for removing fluoride. Tests show that it can remove up to 97.88% of fluoride from your drinking water, which is hard to beat at this price point.

This is a large-capacity water filter pitcher that has been designed to fit on refrigerator shelves. It has a large, ergonomic handle for easy pouring. The spout is also designed to be wide so that you can add ice cubes easily.

The jug can hold around 10 cups of water, and it’ll take around 20 minutes to filter the entire pitcher. The unit comes with a filter included, so all you need to do is fill up to get started.

The unit also features a countdown timer that counts down from 90 days, reminding users when the filter needs to be changed. You can customize it by setting different times or just use the automatic setting.

Filters should last for around 150 gallons of usage. This is more than three times longer than both Pur & Brita (40 gallons per filter).

In third-party tests, the Epic Pure Filter also removed over 200 other contaminants. This includes chlorine & odors, heavy metals, and organic chemicals. It’s also capable of removing trace pharmaceuticals like atenolol, carbamazepine, and, gemfibrozil (an antilipidemic). This is extremely impressive given the affordable price point that this pitcher comes in at.

One big advantage of this filter is that it filters out the bad stuff but keeps the good stuff. This is known as selective filtration. Unlike other pitchers that remove beneficial minerals like calcium, Epic Pure leaves them in your water. So you’ll still be getting enough calcium, potassium, and magnesium for your body’s needs.

The main downsides of these filters are the cost of replacement filters is a little high, and some people find the filters last less than the expected 150 gallons.

While the cost is high, under normal conditions the filter will last over three times longer than competitors – so you’ll save in the long run.

As for reduced lifespan, this can happen if you have extremely contaminated water. Check this by getting your water tested. If this is the problem then consider using other water filtration methods (for example, by using a sediment pre-filter if you have well water) to treat water before it gets to the jug.

To recap, the Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher is effective and convenient. It’s a great way to remove fluoride from your water. This filter will last longer than competitors. And even though the replacement filters are expensive, they should save you money in the long run.

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3. AquaTru – Countertop Water Filtration Purification System

Best Reverse Osmosis Fluoride Filter 

• Type: countertop
• Filtration: reverse osmosis
• Fluoride Removal: 93.5%
• Lifespan: 600 – 1200 gallons (per membrane)
• Capacity: 1.75 gallons (total)
• Flow rate: 1 gallon / 15 mins
• Dimensions: 14” x 14” x 12′
• Warranty: 1-year limited

The AquaTRU countertop water filter system is the best countertop RO system for removing fluoride. This system will remove up to 93.5% of fluoride from your water, as well as removing chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates. If you still want to leave some fluoride for its dental health benefits then AquaTru is a great option.

What makes this system so good, is that there are three extra stages in addition to the reverse osmosis filter.

First, there’s a sediment pre-filter and a carbon filter that removes sediment, dust, and chlorine. This expands the RO membrane’s lifespan considerably. The water then passes through the reverse osmosis stage, and finally into a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) filter. This last stage protects you from trace pharmaceuticals and other ‘forever chemicals’.

Another great advantage of this system is that there’s zero-install, and you change the filters with a simple twist-and-lock system. No plumbers, no mess!

As with all reverse osmosis systems, you’ll need to wait to fill up a whole jug. The AquaTru speed is comparable to other RO systems and can produce around three liters in around 12 to 15 minutes.

We love AquaTru’s ‘the best water you’ve ever tasted or your money back guarantee’. They’re confident in their product, and will let you return within 30 days, no questions asked.

In addition, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty. So your system will be protected against defects or manufacturing failures for one full year from the date of purchase.

So if you want one of the best RO systems for removing fluoride from your drinking water, then AquaTru is a great option. It has three additional stages in addition to RO filtration, which allows it to remove up to 93.5% of fluoride and other harmful contaminants.

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4. Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System with 2 Black Berkey Elements and 2 Fluoride Filters

Best Countertop Gravity Fluoride Filter

• Type: countertop gravity filter
• Filtration: carbon composite coconut shell
• Fluoride Removal: 95%
• Lifespan: fluoride filter (1000 gallons) / black Berkey (3,000 gallons)
• Capacity: 2.25 gallons
• Flow rate: 7 gallons / hour
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 19.25 inches
• Warranty: 1 Year (Stainless Steel Canister Only)

Big Berkey filters are one of the best-known water filters on the market. And that’s because they do a great job of filtering water in amounts large enough for medium-sized families. But what most people don’t realize is that Big Berkey’s can also filter 95% of fluoride by adding two fluoride filters.

The fluoride filters sit in the lower chamber. They add an additional filtration stage by removing 95% of fluoride from your drinking water. This is great for areas that have public fluoridated water like Austin, Texas or Portland, Oregon.

The Black Berkey filters are now standard in Berkey countertop models and they do the main bulk of the filtering. They’re more powerful than the traditional ceramic filters. They’re made from carbon composite carbon coconut shells and use activated alumina and ion exchange technology. In tests, they’ve been shown to remove 100% of harmful pathogens including bacteria, protozoa, cryptosporidium, giardia, and viruses. This allows them to be classed as ‘purifiers’ rather than just filters. This is great if you want to make sure that the water coming out of your Berkey is completely safe.

What’s nice about Big Berkey systems is that they use gravity to do their filtering. So you don’t need electricity to get fresh clean drinking water from your tap. This makes it great as a backup to other filtration systems in case of a power outage or other emergency.

It’s also worth noting that thanks to heavy construction and food-grade stainless steel construction, the Black Berkeys are extremely durable and very easy to clean.

This is a very powerful (and safe) water filter that can provide you with clean drinking water for a family of 4-6 people. It’s great if you want to make sure you have safe drinking water and don’t mind having to change the filters every six months.

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6. Waterdrop G3 800 GPD

Best Undersink FIlter for Fluoride Removal

• Type: Undersink
• Filtration: Reverse Osmosis
• Fluoride Removal: 98%
• Lifespan: CF – 6 months, CB 12 months, RO-24 months
• Flow rate: 800 GPD (fills a glass in 6 seconds)
• Dimensions: 18.06 x 5.65 x 17.75
• Warranty: 1 Year

Waterdrops G3 800 removes 98% of fluoride and is the most effective filter for fluoride we could find. It can handle 800 gallons per day, which means it fills a glass fast (under six seconds!) It’s also water-efficient compared to other reverse osmosis as it wastes very little water compared to other RO systems. 

The four-stage system consists of a carbon block pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, the RO membrane itself, and a UV light. In addition to removing 98% of fluoride, it also reduces chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. At the end of the process, UV light sterilizes the water, ensuring clean, virus- and bacteria-free water. 

The installation is relatively straightforward, with most users reporting it taking around an hour to install. If you’re not familiar with plumbing in general, it’s still advisable to hire a professional. 

As mentioned, the G3 800 can fill a glass in just six seconds which is extremely fast. This does come at a cost, however. If you’re looking to save some money consider the G400 instead. This cheaper model produces the same quality of water but comes at a much lower price. 

One downside of this system is that the water tastes pretty flat (due to it removing all minerals). Mineral removal is a general downside of reverse osmosis, though, and not the product’s fault itself. If taste is important to you, consider the Clearly Filtered Three Stage Filter instead, as it won’t filter out those essential minerals.

We can also say that Waterdrop’s customer service is excellent. We emailed them twice: first to confirm contaminant removal data and secondly with an installation issue problem. Both times they responded in less than 24 hours in a friendly and helpful manner. 

If you understand the limits of RO and are looking for almost complete fluoride removal in an under sink format, then the G3 800 makes a great purchase. 

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7. Clearly Filtered Three-Stage Under Sink 

Best non-RO Filter for Fluoride Removal

• Type: Undersink
• Filtration: Proprietary technology targeting fluoride & lead
• Fluoride Removal: 90.7%
• FIlter lifespan: 2000 gallons (around 12 months)
• Flow rate: Distills 1 gallon every 5.5 hours
• Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 13 inches
• Warranty: 1 Year

Clearly Filtered’s Three Stage Under Sink filter is a great alternative if you’re happy with 90% fluoride removal. You’ll also get better tasting water than a traditional reverse osmosis system and you won’t be wasting any water. 

The three-stage system includes a pre-filter, heavy metal & VOC filter, and a final fluoride filter. As the filter only targets harmful contaminants, beneficial minerals like magnesium and calcium don’t get removed. 

Installation should be pretty straightforward. Clearly Filtered says it’ll take only ten minutes, but we think this is a little optimistic. If you make sure you have all the tools and correctly sized connectors to hand, you should be able to do it in 30 minutes to an hour. 

You won’t notice any considerable slowdown in flow rate. So you’ll be filling a cup in less than a second in most situations. This is one of the big advantages of this system when compared to reverse osmosis. 

The main downside of this system is the cost of the system. Also, it’d be nice if Clearly Filtered offered each replacement filter separately, so you could replace each filter as needed. Despite this, the option to sign up for a subscription is highly convenient and makes sure you don’t put off replacing filters when needed. 

If you want your water to taste great, be low in fluoride and be contaminant-free, give Clearly Filtered’s three-stage under-sink system a try.

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Best Fluoride Water Filter Buyers Guide: Buying Considerations

If you are unsure what to look for in a fluoride water filter, then look no further. In this buyer’s guide, we will cover everything you need to know about buying a filter for fluoride. We will cover what fluoride is, the health risks it presents, and how a filtration system works to remove it from your tap water.

Fluoride filtration methods

There are many ways to remove fluoride. To decide which is best for you, think about how much fluoride you want to remove (just some, or all?)

Remember that water filters will remove other beneficial minerals as well as contaminants.

Activated Carbon Filters & Carbon Block for Fluoride Removal

Carbon block filters are great for removing fluoride. In one study activated carbon removed up to 73% of all fluoride. [1] This makes it a good option

This type of water filter is most commonly found in a pitcher or installed under the kitchen sink.

Carbon filtration works as this media can adsorb various molecules, including fluoride.

The downside of carbon filtration is that the water filter cartridges often become less and less effective after filtering fifty gallons. [2]

Reverse Osmosis Water Systems for Fluoride Removal

Reverse osmosis systems are good for removing fluoride. Depending on the RO membrane used, a reverse osmosis system can remove between 80 and 95% of fluoride from your tap water. [3]

Water is pushed through a semipermeable reverse osmosis filter membrane that traps the fluoride ion. The fluoride will then be disposed of as wastewater. This system can be installed under the kitchen sink and has higher water pressure than carbon block filters.

To extend the lifespan of your reverse osmosis filter, we recommend using a sediment pre-filter filter for well water and city water, rated at least 5 microns or lower. This will remove large particulate matter like sand and silt, to protect your reverse osmosis filter.

Reverse Osmosis Membranes tend to last from six months to two years before needing replacement. But this will depend on the quality of your tap water source.

Distillation for Fluoride Removal

If you’re looking for zero fluoride in your drinking water then distillation is the best water filtration system.

This process removes the impurities through a combination of evaporation and boiling, leaving only pure water with no contaminants. [4]

The downside of distillation is that it removes all the good stuff (minerals) as well as the stuff you don’t want.

Activated Alumina for Fluoride Removal

Activated alumina is the next most effective, and can remove up to 99% of all fluoride from water. [5]

This type of filter operates by binding the fluoride to a surface with aluminum oxide, which will then be disposed of with your household wastewater. Activated alumina filters need to be replaced more often than other types and are not as effective at reducing lead levels in drinking water.

Carbonized bone char for Fluoride Removal

Carbonized bone char is great for removing fluoride, and can remove up to 90% of all fluoride [6].

Bone chars are created from animal bones that have been heated in an oxygen-free environment to create a porous surface. The surface traps the fluoride ions and prevents them from re-entering your water supply. Carbonized bone char filters need to be replaced every few months depending on use.

The Different Types (Form Factors) of Fluoride Filter

There are several different formats of water filters that can remove fluoride.

Countertop Water Filters for Fluoride Removal

Countertop water filters sit on your kitchen counter, are easy to move, and usually require zero-install.

Countertop gravity filters like the Big Berkey are made of stainless steel and use activated alumina as their main filtration method.

Reverse osmosis systems are often made for the countertop too.

Some countertop water filters have their own faucet, which you screw into your existing faucet. These usually need to sit just by the side of your kitchen sink.

The downside of a countertop filter is that they are often quite big. So if you have limited countertop space, you may want to consider a water pitcher filter. You also need to factor in regular filter changes.

And of course, if the countertop filter is not connected to your main water supply, you’ll need to remember to fill the tank at regular intervals!

Water Filter Pitchers for Fluoride Removal

Water pitcher filters are probably the easiest and most convenient way to get filtered drinking water in your home.

The most popular brands of water filter pitchers are Brita and Pur, but these don’t remove fluoride. 

A water filter pitcher doesn’t use any electricity and is easy to move, as they’re the same size as a regular jug or pitcher. They’re also a good budget option.

The downsides of water filter pitchers are that they can be quite slow to filter water through, and the filters need replacing every couple of weeks. Fortunately, replacement filters are usually quite cheap and can be bought in most supermarkets and hardware stores.

Another small inconvenience is that you need to remember to fill them up!

Undersink Water Filters for Fluoride Removal

An under-the-sink filter is a great option if you have limited countertop space.

This type of filter sits below your sink and connects to the water supply.

Undersink water filters are usually cartridge-based, but there are also Reverse Osmosis models available.

The downside is that an under-sink filter may require professional installation if you’re not experienced. You also need to factor in regular filter changes throughout its lifespan, depending on how much you use it.

Whole House Water Filters (Point of Entry) for Fluoride Removal

If you want to remove fluoride from all of your faucets, including bathrooms, showers, and kitchens, then look for a whole house water filter.

Whole-house filters are great for families who want to make sure that they’re drinking only the best water. As well as removing fluoride, you can ‘mix and match’ filter stages to suit the quality of your water.

Some manufacturers offer heavy-duty, dedicated fluoride water filters.

Shower Filters for Fluoride Removal

If skin or hair problems are the main reasons you want to filter your water, then a fluoride shower filter may be the best option for you.

A fluoride shower filter works by trapping fluoride (and other minerals and chemicals) on the showerhead, preventing them from making contact with your skin or hair.

Your Water Quality

It’s important to test your water for fluoride levels. It may be worth investing in a water quality test kit if you are on the fence about which type of filter to choose.

Most tap waters have at least some fluoride, but it’s rare for them to exceed more than four parts per million (ppm) which is the maximum recommended amount [7]. If your tap water has over this concentration then you’ll want to consider an activated alumina or reverse osmosis system.

If the levels are much lower, then an activated carbon filter may be sufficient for your needs.

Installation

How difficult the installation will be, depends on which type of water filter you choose.

Countertop water filters usually just need to be connected with a hose.

Some whole-house filter models may require professional installation, and many under the sink types will too. It’s worth doing some research on what specific model you’re interested in before committing to buying it.

Filter Lifespan: Initial Costs vs Lifetime (Cost) Savings

The lifespan of your fluoride filter is important because they are not cheap!

You’ll also want to factor in how much money you stand to save over time by investing in one upfront – rather than paying for expensive bottled water which can have high levels of fluoride as well [8].

Flow Rate

A big consideration of any water filter is the flow rate.

Countertop and pitcher filters usually have a low flow rate, which means that it can take a while for your drink to be filtered through if you’re using them.

On the other hand, whole house or under-sink models are more powerful and will give out plenty of fresh drinking water quickly.

Reverse Osmosis also tends to be quite slow.

If you’re only using the water filter for drinking water in a small or medium-sized family, you probably don’t need to worry too much about a low flow. As long as you can fill up a jug within a couple of minutes, you should be quite happy.

If you have a larger family and require large amounts of drinking water at one time, make sure to pay more attention to the flow rate. A whole house water filter system may be a better option in this case.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil and groundwater throughout the world but it also occurs at higher concentrations in some plants and animals (like vegetables grown with fluoride-rich fertilizers or fish).

In drinking water, usually from natural causes like rainfall or underground sources of ground/surface waters that have seeped through rock that contains fluorides, there can be high levels of fluoride (>0.05 mg/L) .

This is because on average, the natural concentration of fluoride in freshwater can be between 0.01-0.03 mg/L (or parts per million).

How does fluoride get into drinking water?

Fluoride levels in drinking water come from a number of sources, including naturally occurring rock and soil deposits.

In some areas, fluoride is added during the process of water treatment for improving dental health (called ‘fluoridation’).

Fluoridation

Fluoridation is a process that involves the addition of artificial fluoride to drinking water.

Fluoridation first took place in the US in the 1950s and is now used to prevent tooth decay in many other countries, including Australia, Canada, Chile, Ireland, and Israel.

The fluoridation level is monitored by government agencies and adjusted according to need in order to maintain constant levels in the public water supply and to reduce tooth decay.

Health Risks of Fluoride

Consuming fluoride at a low level has been shown to reduce tooth decay in the population. However, according to EPA guidelines for drinking water quality, there are no health benefits from consuming a level that exceeds one part per million of fluoridated tap water.

Very high levels of fluoride (over four parts per million) may actually cause certain risks.

Dental fluorosis is a condition marked by changes to the appearance of tooth enamel that may be caused by over-exposure to fluoride. This can appear as either “very mild” or “moderate”. While dental fluorosis is not a serious dental concern, people with this issue might experience sensitivity in their teeth and notice some discoloration too.

Skeletal fluorosis is a condition that develops when someone consumes too much fluoride. This can cause pain and stiffness of the bones. It makes bones more likely to fracture – especially in older people or those with decreased bone density.

Thyroid problems are another risk. Excessive fluoride may accumulate in the thyroid gland, potentially leading to underactive or overactive thyroid function.

Neurological problems may also be an issue for younger children and unborn babies. Although there have been a limited number of studies on this.

Frequently Asked Questions