If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my non-toxic living journey, it’s this: clean water should be a given, but unfortunately, it’s not. Most tap water in the U.S. is filled with things we don’t want in our bodies, like:
Chlorine byproducts
PFAS (aka forever chemicals)
Heavy metals
Pharmaceutical residues
Fluoride
VOCs
Pesticides/herbicides
We’re not just talking about what you drink, this includes the water you cook with and shower in, too. Over time, these hidden toxins can have a real impact on your health, from immune system disruption to skin issues.
When I first started learning about what’s actually in our water, I was shocked. I thought I was doing everything right, eating healthy, swapping beauty products, yet I wasn’t thinking about the water I was using every single day. Switching to filtered water ended up being one of the most impactful changes I’ve made on my non-toxic journey. It’s a simple swap that supports your health immediately and it’s something I use constantly. I rely on my water filter for everything: staying hydrated, cooking, washing produce, and yes, I even have a shower filter. Once you make the switch, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it (truly!).
CHECK YOUR WATER
I recommend that you start by checking your local water report using the EWG Tap Water Database. Then, find a filter that’s tested to remove the specific contaminants in your area. It’s one of those changes that feels small, but makes a big difference.
🚨GIVEAWAY — CLOSED🚨
I know finding the right filter can feel overwhelming, which is why I’m teaming up with one of my favorite water filter brands, AquaTru, to give one away to the GWE community! When you subscribe to the paid version of the Non-Toxic Living Substack below, you’ll be entered into the giveaway to receive AquaTru’s classic Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter, which is one of my holy grail non-toxic products and is valued at $495. This giveaway is a win-win: you get even more information on non-toxic living in your inbox for just $5/month or $50/year, and you get entered into the giveaway! This Substack is intended to be truly educational and continuous, and for $50 a year, you can transform your approach to non-toxic living. Winners will be chosen and notified by email one week after this post is live, on June 15th. And if you’re ready to shop now, I’ve rounded up my top water filter picks that check all the boxes - performance, contaminant removal, and quality.
How I vet water filters
So many water filter brands are not worth the money and are not transparent. So much of what they are selling is marketing without the reporting to back it up! When it comes to water filters that I recommend and that are GWE approved, we’re looking for brands that actually share third party test results to ensure that the contaminants they’re claiming to remove *actually* are removed.
BEST NON-TOXIC WATER FILTERS
🧪 AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier: This is one of the best countertop systems I’ve tested. It uses a four-stage reverse osmosis filtration process that removes over 83 contaminants, including PFAS, lead, chlorine, and nitrates. One of the best things about this filter is that it doesn’t require plumbing to install, which is amazing for the quality of the filter. Plus, it looks sleek on your counter and is easy to clean. We’re so excited for one lucky winner to get one for their home!
💧 AquaTru Carafe Countertop Water Purifier: The AquaTru Carafe model offers the same powerful filtration as the countertop version in a smaller, glass carafe design that’s great for individual households. It’s compact, stylish, and removes the same contaminants as the Classic. This is my recommendation if you want the benefits of reverse osmosis without a larger system taking up too much space or if you have smaller countertops.
🌱 Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher: I love that I can fit this pitcher in my fridge for cold, filtered water! This Clearly Filtered pitcher makes the water taste amazing, likely because it targets over 365 contaminants. It also has a sturdy handle, so it’s easy to transfer between the fridge and the countertop, and the pitcher is made from 100% BPA and phthalate free materials. Our link gets you 10% off!
🚰 Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher: This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to upgrade your water filter if you’re looking for a quick swap. It removes 200+ contaminants, including PFAS, chlorine, lead, and microplastics far more than your average pitcher filter. I love that it’s made in the USA, has a built-in digital filter life countdown, and uses 100% recyclable materials with a fun wood handle, which is so great considering the low price point. This is the perfect filter for renters, students, or anyone just starting their non-toxic journey or with smaller space on your counters or refrigerator. Get 15% off your first order - including filters - with the code GIRLSWHOEAT!
💦AquaTru Shower Filter: I’m obviously a huge fan of all things AquaTru. Their shower filter is launching this summer, and I’m so excited! Filtered shower heads are important for ensuring that harmful toxins from the tap don’t damage your skin and hair. I used to love the shower filter from ProOne, but it’s been discontinued. In the meantime, I will be stalking their website for launch!
🌧️Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System: This is the perfect swap if you’re a homeowner and you’re looking to make a more permanent change for your water filtration system. Clearly Filtered’s under-sink system filters chlorine, fluoride, lead, & PFAS, and the system itself is 100% BPA-free. Making this shift means you’ll have access to filtered drinking water every single time you turn on your tap—plus, it’s compact and hidden away! Our link gets you 10% off!
🚨 One swap I get asked about a lot is a bathtub filter. It’s still a swap I am searching for!
Choosing a new water filter is an important swap - and it’s one of those big one-and-done changes that can change your health for the better, but worth getting one that is actually worth the money.
🔔 Subscribe to the paid version of Non-Toxic Made Simple (only $5/month or $50 for the entire year!) to enter the giveaway for an AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter of your own! Winners will be notified by email one week after this post is live, on June 15th. It’s a product I personally swear by, and I can’t wait for one of you to have a chance to try it out.
If you’re loving Non-Toxic Made Simple so far, be sure to share with anyone you know using the referral button below. We’re always looking to grow the Girls Who Eat community! Be sure to tune in next Sunday for our first-ever, highly requested brand deep dive.
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How do you know if/when you need to add minerals back into your filtered water?
Woow. This giveaway is amazing!! Excited