Water Filter Certifications Become Critical as PFAS Contamination Spreads Nationwide
Amsterdam, Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Independent water filter certifications are essential as nearly half of US tap water contains PFAS chemicals. With new EPA limits at 4 parts per trillion, consumers must verify NSF standards beyond marketing claims to ensure protection against forever chemicals.
Clearly Filtered Faces Certification Challenges Amid PFAS Standards Overhaul
Clearly Filtered, a Michigan-based water filtration company, is navigating a complex certification transition that highlights the evolving landscape of water filter standards. As of February 2026, the company is transferring its certifications from the Water Quality Association (WQA) to NSF International and reapplying for PFAS-filtering certification under newly revised NSF standards [1]. This transition comes after the company’s previous WQA certification for PFAS and PFOA removal under NSF/ANSI standard 53 is no longer showing up in verification databases [1]. The certification shift reflects broader industry changes as testing organizations strengthen their protocols for forever chemicals testing.
Industry Standards Create Consumer Navigation Challenges
The complexity of certification standards creates significant challenges for consumers attempting to verify filter effectiveness. NSF International, a Michigan-based nonprofit founded in 1944, develops and verifies adherence to testing standards for water filters [1]. Three main NSF/ANSI standards apply to home drinking water filters: NSF-ANSI 42 for substances affecting water taste and cosmetics, NSF/ANSI 53 for health-related contaminants, and NSF/ANSI 401 for emerging compounds including some PFAS chemicals [1][2]. However, consumers often encounter marketing claims that exceed actual certified capabilities, requiring careful verification of specific certification numbers and testing protocols.
Reverse Osmosis Systems Lead PFAS Removal Effectiveness
Independent research consistently demonstrates that reverse osmosis technology provides the most reliable PFAS removal among home filtration options. A 2020 Duke University and NC State study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that reverse osmosis systems reduced PFAS levels by 94% or more in most cases, with some two-stage RO systems achieving near-complete removal [3]. The study tested various home water filters and concluded that reverse osmosis systems were the most effective technology available [3]. This performance advantage has led to NSF/ANSI 58 standard specifically covering reverse osmosis systems, now including PFAS reduction testing protocols [3].
Market Response Reflects Growing Consumer Awareness
The water filtration industry is responding rapidly to increased consumer awareness of PFAS contamination. As of February 9, 2026, Culligan added its MaxClear model to featured water filter lists, while on November 14, 2025, Culligan ZeroWater replaced Legacy ZeroWater in product lineups [2]. The Culligan MaxClear gravity filter received an overall weighted score of 8.55 and achieved IAPMO certification for PFAS reduction, with certifications to NSF standards 42, 53, 401, and 372 [2]. Laboratory tests conducted before May 23, 2022, showed the MaxClear removed 100% of copper, uranium, molybdenum, zinc, phosphorus, and fluoride [2]. These rapid product updates reflect companies’ efforts to maintain competitive positioning as certification standards evolve.