We've tested the data. These are the products we recommend based on what's actually in UK tap water.
PFAS — so-called "forever chemicals" — are now detected widely enough across UK tap water that around 79% of postcodes are affected, either by an active DWI improvement notice or by detection levels triggering our conservative PFAS cap. Standard activated-carbon jug filters do not reliably remove PFAS. Only reverse osmosis (RO), certified to NSF/ANSI 58, is consistently effective.
For households inside one of the 14 UK water companies under active DWI PFAS improvement notices — including Thames, Anglian, Affinity, Yorkshire and 10 others — a certified RO system is the only consumer-level option that reliably addresses the issue. Read the full PFAS guide →
by active PFAS enforcement or detection levels triggering our conservative cap. See which companies →
All three use the same certified 4-stage reverse-osmosis filtration. Pick the form factor that fits your kitchen.
#ad — Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Products are independently selected based on official UK water quality data.
Countertop reverse osmosis purifier. Removes PFAS, lead, nitrates, chlorine, fluoride and microplastics. No installation required. 4-stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis filtration certified to remove 84 contaminants.
#ad — affiliate link
Compact countertop RO with glass carafe. Same 4-stage filtration in a smaller footprint. Perfect for smaller households, couples, or anyone short on counter space.
#ad — affiliate link
High-capacity under-sink RO system. No counter space needed. Built-in leak detection and filter life indicator. Best for families and high-use households.
#ad — affiliate link
Pick by the concern that matters most for your supply zone. If you're unsure, the postcode lookup on the homepage will tell you which of these apply to you.
| Concern | Recommended |
|---|---|
| PFAS / forever chemicals | Reverse osmosis — AquaTru |
| Hard water (limescale) | Water softener + RO for drinking |
| Chlorine taste | Carbon jug filter or RO |
| Lead risk | RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 53 |
| Nitrate | RO system |
| General improvement | Under-sink carbon filter |
Enter your postcode to see exactly what's in your water and which filter type matches your profile.
Check my water →It depends on your postcode. Some UK supply zones have excellent water and need no treatment; others sit within active DWI PFAS improvement notices, have elevated nitrate or lead risk, or carry significant limescale. The best starting point is to check your water quality before buying anything.
Standard jug filters use activated carbon — they reduce chlorine taste and some organic compounds and improve taste, but they do not reliably remove PFAS, lead, nitrates or fluoride. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified to NSF/ANSI 58 push water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes 90–99% of dissolved contaminants, including PFAS, lead, nitrates, fluoride and microplastics. For UK households inside active PFAS improvement areas, RO is the only consumer-level technology that reliably addresses the issue.
AquaTru is a certified countertop reverse osmosis system that removes 84 contaminants including PFAS, lead, nitrates, chlorine and fluoride — without plumbing or installation. It is one of the few countertop RO systems independently certified to NSF/ANSI standards 53, 58 and 401, covering the contaminants most relevant to UK supply zones with active PFAS improvement notices. AquaTru also offers compact (Carafe) and under-sink variants for different households.
Get a personalised filter recommendation based on the actual contaminants in your supply zone.
Check My Water →