Standard Pitcher Water Filter

Name: Standard Pitcher Water Filter
Brand: Brita

PFR Grade

Fair — some plastic content or limited transparency

Brita filters remove chlorine and some contaminants but do NOT remove PFAS, heavy metals, or microplastics. The plastic pitcher leaches microplastics into filtered water. Better than unfiltered tap water but significantly inferior to Berkey or reverse osmosis.

PFR Caution

Plastic pitcher with carbon filter. Removes chlorine taste and odor but not PFAS or heavy metals.

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

Drinking water is the most direct route of chemical exposure. Tap water can contain PFAS, chlorine byproducts, heavy metals, and microplastics. The type of filter and container used dramatically affects the chemical load of the water you drink.

Synthetic Plastic Content

100%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Brita is better than nothing but the plastic pitcher leaches microplastics into filtered water and the carbon filter does not remove PFAS, heavy metals, or microplastics. A stainless steel filter system is a significantly better investment.

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:Polypropylene pitcher

Microplastics

Source

Polypropylene pitcher

Health Risk

Microplastics leach from plastic pitcher into filtered water

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone who uses a plastic water filter pitcher

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.