We all have heard about fluoride in daily life. In safe amounts, fluoride is used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and food supplements. However, it is also found in water because it is a naturally occurring element found in soil, plants, rocks, and air (trace amounts). Fluoride in water, above the safe limits, can be harmful for you and especially children. This guide will discuss the safe level of fluoride in drinking water, its health effects, and how fluoride can get in drinking water. We will also explore how you can test the presence of fluoride in water and what’s the best way to get rid of it. We will list the best filters available online to remove fluoride and a buying guide to help you select the best fluoride water filter.
Let’s get started!
What is the safe level of fluoride in drinking water?
EPA lists the safe level of fluoride as 4.0 mg/L. It means that in 1 liter of water, a maximum of 4mg fluoride is safe for your health. Above this limit, fluoride can be harmful for you and your family’s health. For children, the maximum level of fluoride is defined as 2.0 mg/L. Above this limit, fluoride is potentially dangerous for your child’s oral health.
Health Impacts
As we have already discussed the safe limits of fluoride in water, it is time that we look at the health effects of excessive fluoride in drinking water. Please keep in mind that all the effects listed below manifest them after prolonged exposure to fluoride. Exposure for a short time is usually harmless and may not cause any trouble.
Research has shown that fluoride can cause the following severe health problems
- Dental fluorosis
- Bone fractures
- Skeletal fractures
- Low IQ scores in children
- Kidney problems
- Arthritis
- Thyroid problems
- Neurological issues
Dental problems are more common in children as compared to adults. The reason is that children’s teeth are developing until their teenage. Adults have fully developed tooth structures, and fluoride is not likely to impact them. Research shows that children under are most susceptible to fluoride. On the other hand, adults can suffer from bone fractures, bone pain, and tenderness, if exposed to high levels of fluoride for a long time.
How fluoride gets in the water
Fluoride gets in drinking water due to natural geological changes in the composition of soils and bedrocks. Some areas in the US have naturally occurring high levels of fluoride. Fluoride can enter the water as it moves through rocks and aquifers. Fluoride is also added to tap water as a measure to reduce the cavities and enhance the oral health of the particular area. It can also get into your system through water additives, which promote strong teeth, erosion of natural deposits, and discharge from aluminum and fertilizer factories. If you are living near such factories, there is a high chance that you are facing a high-fluoride problem in your water.
How to find out the presence of fluoride in your drinking water?
You can use the following tools to know about the presence of fluoride in your drinking water
CDC Tool – CDC has developed a tool that can tell you whether the water in your area has been fluoridated or not. The tool can be used to enter your state, select your county, and then look for the municipal system which supplies you water. The tool’s problem is that it only tells you whether fluoride has been added in your water or not. It doesn’t tell you about the amount of fluoride in your water, or is it safe to drink or not.
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) – EPA issues annual reports on the quality of tap water in the country. It will help you evaluate the water quality in your area and what contaminants are present in your water. All the details regarding this report are available on EPA’s website.
Water Testing – The most common method majority of Americans use to know about fluoride is to get their water tested. You can get your water tested at home or hire the services of a professional lab. While home testing gives instant results and it is cheap, it is, however, not reliable. Lab testing, on the contrary, is a bit costly but gives reliable and true results. Make sure you look for a certified lab to get your water tested. Please keep in mind that fluoride is colorless and odorless, you cannot estimate its presence in the water. Therefore, the only way to know about its exact amount is a water test.
What’s the best way to get rid of excessive fluoride in water?
If we were to remove sediments, chlorine smell, and taste, heavy metals from water, we could do it by running down water for a few minutes. We can get rid of certain smells from water by using cold water. For fluoride, we cannot use any such remedies. We have to rely on water filters.
Best Water Filters for Fluoride Reviews
| Top 8 Water Filters for Fluoride (Comparison) | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceiSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Water Filter
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Water Filter
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | iSpring RCC7 High Capacity Under Sink Water Filter
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Santevia Gravity Water System
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Woder WD-FRM-8K-DC Water Filter
| LATEST PRICE → |
 | Home Master TMJRF2-BK Water Filter System
| LATEST PRICE → |
There are tens of water filters available in the market which claim to remove fluoride and other contaminants from your tap water. The problem is that they are not reliable and consistent. To solve this problem for you and help you select the best water filter, we have selected some fluoride water filters, researched them, asked the people who use them, and then included only the best in our list. Keeping in view your needs, we have included reverse osmosis systems, under sink systems, countertop, and filter pitchers on our list.
Reverse Osmosis Systems to Remove Fluoride
1. iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH, White
- Type: RO Undersink Water Filter
- Filtration: 75 gallons/day
- Best for: bacteria, bad taste and odor, chlorine, sediments, and other harmful contaminants
More Features: This 6-Stage water filter system maintains the natural pH level of water by the remineralization process.
Filtration Capabilities:iSpring is one of the leading companies to manufacture reverse osmosis filtration systems. It is best for large families and offices. It comes with a 6 stage filtration set up to provide you with pure and healthy drinking water. The first filter is a sediment filter that removes sediment, dust, sand, and other suspended particles from your water. It has a rating of 5 microns. The sediment filter does two things; it ensures that your water does not have suspended particles. Secondly, it enhances the life and working of the next filters by keeping them safe from sediments. The 2nd filter is a granular activated carbon, and it removes chlorine taste and odors, and cloudiness from your water. Next up is the CTO filter, which works against the VOCs, chemicals, chloramines, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, and other harmful dissolved pollutants.
The 4th stage is the RO membrane. It is the heart of the system and has a rating of 0.0001 microns. It is so small that it allows only water molecules to pass through. Everything else in the water, like fluoride (up to 99%), lead, iron, and heavy metals, total dissolved solids are removed at this stage. If you take a water sample after passing from iSpring’s RO membrane, it will be like commercially purified water. The 5th stage is the post-carbon filter, and it removes any residual odors and tastes from the water. The final stage is the pH filter stage. This stage increases water alkalinity slightly, adds back the healthy minerals lost during the RO stage, and makes the water fit for drinking. Overall the filter can remove over 1000 contaminants from the water. The RO membrane is capable of catching microorganisms as well.
Filtration Capacity and Filter Replacement: The filter can provide you with 75 gallons of water daily. It is enough for a large family, a big office, or a small restaurant. It comes with 3.2 gallons pressurized tank with a 2.5 gallons holding capacity. It means that you can use a maximum of 2.5 gallons of water at one point without experiencing any decrease in water pressure. It comes with 5 different filters; all of them need maintenance and replacement. The first 3 filters, sediment, GAC, and CTO, have a life of 6-12 months. The RO membrane can last for 2-3 years, the post-carbon, and the pH filter for 6-12 months. It is an estimated life of the filters; the actual life depends on the quality and quantity of water filtered from the system.
Installation: It comes with easy installation. You do not need to hire the services of a professional for installation. All the things needed to install the filter are included in the box, along with detailed instructions explained with the help of images. You just have to make sure that you have ample space under your sink. The whole installation process will just take a couple of hours. Make sure you waste 2-3 gallons of water after installing a new filter. Remember to push the tubing at least ½ inches deep for a leak-proof installation. Its feed water adapter can fit on both ½ and 3/8 inch pipes. The 4 color tubing makes the installation process easy. This system must be installed at a safe place away from hot/cold weather and direct sunlight.
Technical Details: The system can handle an incoming pressure of 45-70 PSI. Below this pressure, you may notice a decrease in its working speed. It has an operating water temperature range of 40 – 100 °F and can handle a maximum TDS of 750 PPM.
Warranty: It comes with 30-days money-back guarantee, and a 1-year manufacture warranty, which does not apply to replacement cartridges. You also get a lifetime customer support service upon purchasing this filter.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is an excellent water filter for large families to remove fluoride and other contaminants from the water. When you buy an RO system, there is always a concern about water wastage. iSpring has the lowest water wastage as compared to other RO systems. It wastes 2 gallons of water for 1 gallon of filtered water. If you are careful, you can use this water for other purposes like gardening, washing in the home, etc.
2. APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Top Tier 5-Stage Certified Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
- Type: 5-Stage RO Water Filter
- Filtration: 50 gallons/day
- Best for: chlorine, taste, odor, cloudiness, VOCs, and other chemicals
More Features: It comes with easy installation and it contains high-quality and leak-proof fittings.
Filtration Capabilities: It has 5 stages of filtration. The 1st stage removes dust, sand, rust particles, and any other suspended particles. The 2nd and 3rd stages use a high premium quality carbon block filter to remove chlorine, taste, odor, cloudiness, VOCs, and other chemicals. These 3 stages ensure that nothing harmful is passed on to the 4th stage. The RO membrane works against all the contaminants and does not allow anything other than water to pass. It is effective against 99% of the contaminants found in tap water like fluoride, lead, arsenic, heavy metals. The last stage uses a coconut carbon filter, which removes any leftover taste and smells from water. When the water leaves the 5th stage, it is pure and fit for drinking. Unlike the above filter, this one does not have a re-mineralization stage. You don’t need to worry about it as most of these minerals are available in our regular diet in abundance.
Filtration Capacity and Filter Replacement: The life of the filters is the same as the one listed above. The sediment and carbon filters have a life of 6-9 months, and the RO membrane can work for 1-2 years. It can provide you 50 gallons of water daily. It is enough to meet the needs of a large family. It comes with a 4-gallon pressurized water tank; you can get around 3.5 gallons of water in one go. The life of filters also depends upon the quality and quantity of water filtered from them.
Installation: All the things you need to install the system are included in the package. You get a drain saddle, colored tubing, a feed water adapter, a housing wrench, a lead-free brushed nickel faucet, and a tank ball valve. The installation is easy, and you would just need a couple of hours for it. The fittings are high-quality and leak-proof. With Apec, you won’t have to worry about water leakage ever.
Technical Details: The system can handle a maximum of 2000 ppm total dissolved solids and can operate at a feed pressure of 40-85 PSI. The optimum temperature and pH are 40 – 100 F and 2-11, respectively.
Warranty: It comes with a 1-year warranty on materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty does not cover the used filter cartridges.
Certifications: The filter bags a WQA 58 standard certification against structural integrity, material, and parts safety and filtration performance. It means that Apec has made sure that this system is up to the latest industry standards. All the quality and performance measurements have been ensured.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
The system lacks a re-mineralization stage, but it is not an essential thing. It wastes slightly more water as compared to iSpring while filtering one gallon of water. You can use this filter without any worries.
3. iSpring RCC7 High Capacity Under Sink 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Filtration System and Ultimate Water Softener, White
- Type: 5-Stage RO Water Filter
- Filtration: 75 gallons/filter
- Best for: chlorine taste, odor, cloudiness, turbidity, chloramines, VOCs, insecticides, and others
More Features: This water filter system comes with an ultimate water softener. Moreover, it comes with a 3.5 gallons pressurized water tank.
Filtration Capabilities: It is an innovative and versatile system that can make your water soft as well. It can work as a water softener for people who have a low percentage of calcium and magnesium in water. However, it will only soften the water at one point of use. The system has 5 filters that can remove sediment, dust, sand, and other suspended particles from the water. The next 2 filters work against chlorine taste and odor, cloudiness, turbidity, chloramines, VOCs, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals in the water. The RO membrane removes fluoride, lead, chromium, and everything else than water in the next stage. It has a micron rating of 0.0001 microns. The final stage is the post-carbon stage. It polishes your water by removing any residual taste and odor.
Filtration Capacity and Filter Replacement: It has 75 gallons of water filtration capacity in a day. You can use this filter for a large family, a small restaurant, or an office. It comes with a 3.2 gallons pressurized tank. The first three filters work for 6-12 months, RO membrane for 1-2 years, and the last filter for 6-12 months. The life of filters is impacted by the quality and quantity of water you filter from them.
Installation: Installing it will just take 3-4 hours of your time without any help. Everything you need to complete the installation comes with the initial purchase. All you have to do is look at the installation manual (included) and follow the simple steps. To get a leak-free installation, it is recommended that you push the tubing at least ½ inches deep.
Technical Details: It can work with 45-75 PSI pressure, 40-100 F temperature, and can handle a maximum of 750 ppm TDS (total dissolved solids).
Certification and Warranty: All filters of iSpring are certified by NSF/ANSI against standard 58. This standard is concerned with the working of an RO system. It ensures that the system performs according to the stated claims. As far as warranty is concerned, you get a 30-days money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty excluding the replaceable parts.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is an equally effective system as the one listed above. It has the added benefit of being inexpensive than both filters listed above. Don’t worry about the re-mineralization stage, as you can acquire them from your daily diet.
Fluoride Removing Pitchers
Pitchers are excellent for an individual or a couple living alone in a rented apartment. They do not need to be installed. All you have to do is just open it, add water, wait for some time, and get hydrated. Water filter pitchers are perfect to be kept in the refrigerator, dinner table, office table, and in front of guests.
4. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher – Fluoride, Lead, Chlorine, Chromium-6 Filter – BPA-Free, Clear
- Type: Water filter pitcher
- Filtration: 90-100 gallons/filter
- Best for: Fluoride, lead, chlorine, chromium and other contaminants
More Features: This water filter system contains a BPA-free and eco-friendly water pitcher that has a lifetime warranty.
This fluoride removing water pitcher comes with a total filtration capacity of 150 gallons and can provide you with 8-10 cups of water in one go. The total filtration capacity is way more than the competitors, which last for 90-100 gallons despite big claims. It can remove fluoride (90.6%), chlorine, lead, chromium up to 99%, and other harmful contaminants. It comes in a sleek design and slim shape, so you easily place it in your refrigerator. The glass body increases the aesthetic value of the area where it is placed. The plastic used in the making is BPA free, and the filter has NSF 42 and 53 certifications for contaminant reductions and structural integrity. The filter comes with a lifetime warranty. If you break the pitcher’s glass, Aquagear will replace it free of cost for you.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
Please keep in mind that it is only a pitcher and has some limitations. It will only remove the mentioned contaminants. It is highly recommended for individual use or for a small family of 2-3 people.
5. Santevia Gravity Water System – Countertop Model (with Fluoride Filter)
- Type: Countertop
- Filtration capacity: Up to 0.3-micron
- Best for: fluoride up to 98%, chlorine, sediment, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants
More Features: This 3-stage model comes with an efficient fluoride filter that maintains the level of fluoride in the driving water.
It is an excellent option for filtering fluoride up to 98%, chlorine, sediment, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants. The filter can also improve the taste and remove odors from the water. It comes with the ability to add minerals to your water and make it healthy for drinking. It carries out the filtration process in 3 steps. Firstly, it removes the sediments in water through a 0.3-micron filter. The fluoride filter then removes all the contaminants from the water. The mineral stones in the filter then put back the healthy minerals that were lost during the filtrations. The innovative tap has a magnetic energizer that aligns the water molecules for greater absorption. It also protects microplastics. There is no stated life of filter replacement.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
The performance of the system rivals that of a reverse osmosis system. It is also costly as compared to other water pitchers. If you can afford it, it is an excellent pitcher to have.
6. Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher | Guaranteed to Remove More Contaminants Than the Top 5 Leading Brands Combined | Tested to NSF Standards | 10 Cup Purifier, 1 Filter Cleans 100 Gallons of Water
- Efficiency: Removes up to 230 contaminants
- Filtration: 100 gallons/filter
- Best for: Lead, fluoride, PFAS, and PFOA
More Features: This water filter comes with a good flow rate. It provides you 10 cups of healthy and clean water in one go.
Another pitcher on our list comes from the house of clearly filtered. It can provide you with 10 cups of water in one go, and the filter has a life of 100 gallons. The filter can remove lead, fluoride, PFAS, and PFOA. The filter has been tested by third-party labs against its performance claims of removing 230 contaminants. All of these facilities have given satisfactory results. It comes with a lifetime warranty and customer support. As it is a sleek pitcher, you can place it in your refrigerator.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a complete water filtrations solution for an individual’s water need. It can remove a wide variety of contaminants from your water. You can buy this pitcher with peace of mind and confidence.
Under-sink System for Removing Fluoride
Under-sink systems are best for people who have less space under their sink. They are easy to install and maintain. Let’s look at the best under sink filter to remove fluoride.
7. Woder WD-FRM-8K-DC Fluoride Removal Water Filtration System with Direct Connect Under Sink Fittings – Made in the USA – Removes Fluoride, Chlorine, Lead, Heavy Metals and Odors
- Type: Under Sink Water Filter
- Flow rate: 1.325 GPM
- Best for: Fluoride, bacteria, bad taste and odor, chlorine, and sediments
More Features: It comes with an easy installation. Moreover, you don’t need to hire an expert to maintain the water filter system.
Filtration Capabilities: It is an excellent system to deal with the unwanted fluoride in your municipal water. Please keep in mind that you cannot connect this system to a well. Alongside fluoride, the filter can remove chlorine, lead, chromium, taste, and odors from water and other impurities. The filter is based on the selective filtration as it allows healthy minerals to stay in the water.
Filtration Capacity and Filter Replacement: The filter is a powerful one; it can last for 2 years or 8000 gallons of water. You may need to change the filter after 1 year as it depends upon the quality and quantity of water filtered through it.
Flow Rate: The filter will provide you with a flow rate of 1.325 GPM at 65 PSI pressure. If the feed pressure in your area is higher, you will get a higher flow rate. One problem with this system is that its flow rate decreases when there is a drop in water pressure. It can be irritating at times when you need fast water to refill your water bottles.
Installation: It comes with easy installation, and you don’t need the help of any professional or installing it. All you have to do is make 2 connections to the 3/9 inches direct connect hose, and you are good to go. The filter comes fully assembled and ready to be installed. You may need to drill two small holes in the cabinet under the sink to screw the mount stand.
Certifications: It has been certified by WQA against NSF standards 42 and 372 for chlorine and lead-free manufacturing.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is one of the few under sink filters that have the capacity to remove fluoride and other contaminants from water. Its installation, economical price, easy maintenance, and filter replacement features are excellent.
Countertop Filter for Fluoride
Countertop filters are best for small to medium families with moderate demand for water. It is also suitable for kitchen setups where you don’t have ample space under the sink. Let’s look at one of the best countertop filters for fluoride.
8. Home Master TMJRF2-BK Jr F2 Sinktop Water Filtration System, Black
- Type: Sinktop Water filter
- Filtration: 500 gallons/filter
- Best for: remove fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, pesticides, and VOCs
More Features: It’s a 5-stages water filter system and too sensitive to the pH of feed water. The system has 3 years warranty.
Filtration Capabilities: The filter has the power to remove fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, pesticides, and VOCs along with sediments. It may appear as a single cartridge filter, but it has all the ingredients you need to ensure that your water is pure and fit for drinking. The first stage is a 5-micron compression disk, which works like a sediment filter, then the coconut shell carbon filter removes VOCs and other dissolved contaminants. The 3rd stage is activated alumina, which is a strong defense against fluoride and arsenic. It can remove up to 93 percent of fluoride, making sure that it is well behind EPA’s safe limit.
Filtration Capacity and Filter Replacement: The filter has a life of 500 gallons or 3 months for an average American family. You would need to replace the filter once the flow rate starts to decrease. The filter replacement is easy.
Flow Rate: The flow rate of this filter concerns us. It is the slowest on the list, but it is still enough for filling up your water bottles, cooking pots, and coffee maker. It provides 1 GMP flow rate at an optimum temperature.
Installation: It comes with a pre-attached faucet, and the system is already assembled and ready to install when it gets delivered to you. All you have to do is make one single connection and waste a few gallons of water before you start to enjoy pure water.
Technical Details: The system is sensitive to the pH of feed water. If it is too acidic, it may malfunction. It can handle a pressure of 20-90 PSI. It will work great in areas with low water pressure. It can handle 2000 ppm of TDS and temperature of 40-100 F.
Warranty: You get a limited warranty of 3 years against manufacturer’s defects, faulty parts, and workmanship. Replaceable cartridges are not included in the warranty.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is an excellent option for rented homes and small families. It is compact, lightweight, and easily portable.
Buying Guide
A buying guide helps you in making the best possible purchase decision. You do not buy water filters every 6 months. You have to buy a filter that will be with you for a long time. We have included all the factors that can influence your purchase. Go through them once and then make the final purchase.
What are the contaminants in your water other than the fluoride?
The aim is not to remove fluoride only but to obtain pure water for drinking, cooking and washing the eatables. As we already stated, you need to get your water tested before buying a filter. It will help you decide the filter you need for overall protection against all the harmful contaminants. Luckily for you, the filters on our list are particularly effective against fluoride and can remove other contaminants. You don’t need to worry about the water quality after installing any of these systems.
Are you renting the property, or you own it?
If you are renting a property, you may not be able to install an under-sink system in your kitchen. If you can make such alterations, then well and good. Otherwise, you can do the needful with a water pitcher or a countertop water filter that does not need any drilling.
What are your water needs?
It all comes down to your water needs. If you are an individual or a couple, a pitcher may be enough to meet your daily water drinking needs. For families, we suggest you buy a more powerful countertop or under sink filtration system that has more capacity. For large families, the reverse osmosis system is the best.
Some other factors to look for
We have discussed the primary factors above; now look at some of the secondary factors. These factors are related to the working of the filter.
Ease of use
Your filter must be easy to use. If you are getting a pitcher, it should be easy to clean, open, refill, and close. Similarly, under the sink system or RO systems must be easy to operate. There is no need for you to adjust them daily.
Filtration Capacity and Filter Replacement
Look out for your required filtration capacity or daily water needs. Water pitchers have a shorter life as compared to other systems. Similarly, pitchers need more frequent filter cartridge replacement as compared to under sink systems. Filter replacement should also be easy. There is no need to spend hours on just replacing the cartridges.
Ease of Installation
Look for a filter that is easy to install. If you are buying an under the sink filter, make sure you have ample space for installation. RO filters are big and need a lot of space as compared to countertop or other under sink system. Another thing to keep in mind is to look out for space under your sink. We don’t want you to make alterations under your sink or return the filter. Such things create a lot of hassle.
Budget
Always keep your budget in your mind before buying the filter. Make sure that the replacement cartridges are also in your budget. You would need to replace filters every 4-6 months for most of the water filters.
Certifications
Look for a filter that comes with certifications from WQA and NSF/ANSI. These organizations are leading bodies and ensure that the manufacturers are meeting working consistency and reliability standards.
Warranty
Filters with warranty give you peace of mind for a certain period. When you know that you won’t have to pay for any issues in the next 1-5 years, you buy with confidence. It is an added benefit and increases the value of your money.
Does the fluoride filters do their job?
Yes, fluoride filter is the best way to remove fluoride from water and keep your family safe. A lot of filters just claim that they are effective against fluoride. If you buy from our list, you don’t need to worry about it as we have included only the tested and certified filters.
When do I need to replace the filter cartridge?
Most filters have a stated life. Some of them come with a light that signals you to change the light. The best way to assess that your filter’s life is over is to monitor the flow rate. If you notice a decrease in flow rate near the changing deadline, understand that it is the time to replace the filter.
Is boiling water effective against fluoride?
No, boiling your water will not remove fluoride from it. It can only be filtered from the water. Some people claim that distillation can remove fluoride from water, but we are skeptical about it. No trustworthy source has claimed that distillation can remove fluoride.
Can water softeners remove fluoride?
No, water softeners are meant to remove hardness in your water.
Conclusion
We have listed all the best fluoride filters available in the market at the moment. Buy with confidence from the list above and say goodbye to impure water. All the filters listed above are outstanding and perform excellently well. Once installed, you don’t need to worry about anything again.
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