Standard Water Filter Pitcher

Name: Standard Water Filter Pitcher
Brand: Brita

PFR Grade

Fair — some plastic content or limited transparency

Brita's standard filter removes chlorine and some heavy metals but does NOT remove PFAS, microplastics, or many other contaminants. The plastic pitcher itself may leach BPA substitutes. Limited filtration capability for the most concerning contaminants.

PFR Caution

The most popular water filter pitcher in the US. Removes chlorine taste and odor. Does not remove PFAS or microplastics.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$35See Safer Alternatives in Water

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Tap water in the US contains detectable PFAS in over 45% of systems tested by the USGS. Plastic water bottles leach BPA, BPS, and microplastics — especially when heated. The average American gets a significant portion of their total plastic exposure from drinking water and beverage containers.

Synthetic Plastic Content

90%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Brita is better than unfiltered tap water for chlorine, but it provides false security for PFAS and microplastics — the most concerning modern water contaminants. The plastic pitcher itself is a potential BPA substitute leaching source. Consider upgrading to a PFAS-removing filter.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Plastic pitcher (BPA-free but may contain BPS/BPF)

BPA

Source

Plastic pitcher body

Health Risk

BPA substitutes (BPS, BPF) may have similar endocrine-disrupting effects

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone using the pitcher, especially pregnant women

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.