Not all water filters are created equal—and not all water problems require the same solution. If you're looking for a water filter in Minnesota, the first step is understanding what contaminants you're actually trying to remove. Our state's three main water quality concerns are lead, nitrate, and PFAS—and each requires a different filtration approach.
Quick Filter Selection Guide
Check your city's water quality to see which contaminants you should filter for.
Step 1: Know What's in Your Water
Before buying any filter, you need to know what you're filtering. Buying a random filter off Amazon might give you peace of mind, but it won't necessarily address the specific contaminants in your water.
Use our free water quality tool to see exactly what contaminants have been detected in your city's water supply. You'll get a breakdown of lead levels, nitrate concentrations, PFAS detection status, and any EPA violations.
Common Scenarios in Minnesota
High water quality score (90+)
You may not need a filter at all. If you want one for taste or extra assurance, a basic carbon pitcher is fine.
Lead concerns (older home or elevated levels)
Get an NSF 53 certified filter. Consider an under-sink filter for better flow and capacity.
PFAS detected in your area
Need NSF P473 certified filter or reverse osmosis system.
Nitrate concerns (rural areas, agricultural regions)
Reverse osmosis is required—carbon filters do NOT remove nitrates.
Filter Types Compared
Water filters come in several formats, each with trade-offs between cost, convenience, and effectiveness. Here's what you need to know about each type:
1. Pitcher Filters
Cost
$20-40
Filter Replacement
Every 2-3 months
Best For
Lead, chlorine, taste
Pros: Affordable, no installation, portable
Cons: Slow filtering, limited capacity, frequent filter changes
Lead certified options: Brita Elite, ZeroWater, PUR Lead Reduction
Pitcher filters are the most accessible option, but they have limitations. Standard filters only improve taste and reduce chlorine. For lead removal, you need a filter specifically certified to NSF 53 standard. For PFAS, most pitchers fall short—ZeroWater is one of the few pitcher brands with PFAS reduction claims, though dedicated PFAS filters are more effective.
2. Faucet-Mounted Filters
Cost
$20-50
Filter Replacement
Every 3-4 months
Best For
Lead, convenience
Pros: Easy installation, on-demand filtered water, bypass option
Cons: Can reduce water pressure, doesn't fit all faucets
Popular options: PUR, Brita, Culligan
Faucet filters are a step up from pitchers, offering filtered water on demand without refilling. They attach directly to your faucet and let you switch between filtered and unfiltered water. Most are certified for lead reduction, making them a solid choice for that specific concern.
3. Under-Sink Filters
Cost
$100-300
Filter Replacement
Every 6-12 months
Best For
Lead, PFAS, higher capacity
Pros: Higher capacity, less frequent filter changes, out of sight
Cons: Requires installation, takes up cabinet space
Recommended: Aquasana, Clearly Filtered, Waterdrop
Under-sink filters offer better filtration capacity and longer filter life than countertop options. Many are available with NSF P473 certification for PFAS removal, making them a good choice if PFAS is a concern in your area. Installation usually requires basic plumbing skills or a plumber.
4. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Cost
$200-500
Membrane Replacement
Every 2-3 years
Best For
Lead, PFAS, nitrate, comprehensive
Pros: Most comprehensive filtration, removes nitrates, highest contaminant reduction
Cons: Higher cost, wastes some water (3:1 ratio typically), requires installation
Top-rated: APEC, iSpring, Home Master
Reverse osmosis is the gold standard for home water filtration. RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks most contaminants, including lead, PFAS, nitrate, and many others. If you have multiple contaminant concerns or want the most comprehensive protection, RO is the way to go.
Important: Nitrate Requires RO
If your water has elevated nitrate levels—common in rural Minnesota and agricultural areas—carbon filters will NOT help. Only reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or distillation can effectively remove nitrates. This is critical for households with infants.
5. Whole-House Filters
Cost
$1,000-3,000+
Maintenance
Annual professional service
Best For
Whole-home protection
Pros: Filters all water in home, protects appliances and showers
Cons: Expensive, requires professional installation, higher maintenance costs
Whole-house systems filter all water entering your home, including showers, laundry, and outdoor spigots. They're the most comprehensive but also the most expensive option. For most households, a point-of-use filter (like an under-sink RO) for drinking water is more practical and cost-effective.
Understanding Certifications
When shopping for water filters, certifications matter more than marketing claims. Look for these NSF/ANSI certifications:
| Certification | What It Means | Minnesota Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| NSF 42 | Reduces chlorine, taste, odor | Basic standard, nice to have |
| NSF 53 | Reduces lead and other contaminants | Essential for lead concerns |
| NSF P473 | Reduces PFOA and PFOS | Essential for PFAS concerns |
| NSF 58 | Reverse osmosis systems | Comprehensive filtration |
| NSF 401 | Emerging contaminants | Additional protection |
Our Recommendations by Contaminant
For Lead Removal
- Budget: Brita Elite Pitcher ($30) or PUR Faucet Filter ($25)
- Better: Clearly Filtered Pitcher ($80) or Aquasana Under-Sink ($150)
- Best: Under-sink RO system like APEC RO-90 ($200)
For PFAS Removal
- Budget: ZeroWater Pitcher ($35)—one of few pitchers with PFAS claims
- Better: Clearly Filtered Under-Sink ($250)—NSF P473 certified
- Best: Under-sink RO system with carbon post-filter ($300+)
For Nitrate Removal
- Only option: Reverse osmosis system ($200-500 for under-sink)
- Alternative: Countertop distiller (slow, but effective)
- Note: Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrates
For Comprehensive Protection
- Recommended: Under-sink reverse osmosis system
- Top picks: APEC RO-90, iSpring RCC7AK, Home Master TMAFC-ERP
- Investment: $200-400 initial cost, $50-100/year for filters
Maintenance Tips
A water filter only works if you maintain it. Here are key maintenance guidelines:
Filter Replacement Schedule
- Pitcher filters: Every 40 gallons or 2 months (whichever comes first)
- Faucet filters: Every 100 gallons or 3-4 months
- Under-sink carbon: Every 6-12 months depending on usage
- RO pre/post filters: Every 6-12 months
- RO membrane: Every 2-3 years
Pro tip: Set calendar reminders for filter changes. An old, saturated filter can actually release contaminants back into your water, making it worse than unfiltered tap water.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right water filter starts with understanding what's in your water. Check your city's water quality first, then match your filter to your specific contaminant concerns.
For most Minnesota households with typical concerns, an under-sink reverse osmosis system offers the best comprehensive protection. If you're only worried about lead, a certified pitcher or faucet filter may be sufficient. And if nitrates are a concern—particularly if you have infants—RO is your only effective option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What water filter is best for Minnesota tap water?
The best filter depends on your specific contaminant concerns. For lead, look for NSF 53 certified filters. For PFAS, you need NSF P473 certification. Reverse osmosis systems are most comprehensive but more expensive. Check your local water quality first to determine what you need to filter.
Do Brita filters remove lead and PFAS?
Standard Brita filters are NOT designed to remove lead or PFAS. However, Brita does make specific filters (like the Brita Elite) that are certified to reduce lead. For PFAS removal, you need a filter with NSF P473 certification—most pitcher filters don't have this.
How much does a water filter cost in Minnesota?
Pitcher filters cost $20-40 plus $5-10 per filter replacement every 2 months. Faucet-mounted filters run $20-50. Under-sink filters cost $100-300 plus installation. Reverse osmosis systems range from $200-500 for under-sink to $1,500+ for whole-house.
Can I filter nitrates from my water?
Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrates. You need a reverse osmosis (RO) system, ion exchange filter, or distillation system to effectively remove nitrates. This is especially important for households with infants under 6 months.
How often should I replace my water filter?
It varies by filter type: pitcher filters every 2-3 months, faucet-mounted every 3-4 months, under-sink carbon filters every 6-12 months, and RO membranes every 2-3 years. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific filter.
What Filter Do You Need?
Check your city's water quality to see which contaminants you should filter for
Check Your Water Quality