Standard Water Filter Pitcher

Name: Standard Water Filter Pitcher
Brand: Brita

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

Plastic carafe leaches microplastics into filtered water. Filter does not remove PFAS or microplastics. Plastic waste from disposable filters.

PFR Avoid

The Brita Standard Pitcher is the most popular water filter in the US. However, its plastic carafe can leach chemicals, and the standard filter does not remove PFAS, microplastics, or lead. The disposable filters create significant plastic waste.

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

$30See 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 4, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Brita's plastic carafe can leach microplastics and BPA-alternatives into filtered water. The standard filter does not remove PFAS, microplastics, or lead.

Synthetic Plastic Content

95%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Brita filters chlorine taste — but not the chemicals most people are worried about. The plastic carafe may actually add contamination. Switch to a glass-bodied filter that removes PFAS and microplastics.

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, ABS plastic

Microplastics

Source

Plastic carafe degradation

Health Risk

Systemic inflammation, endocrine disruption

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone

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.