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How Effective are Refrigerator Water Filters?

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Pentair Water Solutions
Pentair Water Solutions

07/01/2020

Cool and refreshing water from the fridge. It may taste great, but just how effective is a fridge filter? After all, a refrigerator is designed to chill groceries, not eliminate contaminants from your water supply.

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Worried about your water? Take control with our at-home water test kit. We'll analyze your water and recommend the best filtration or softening solution for your specific needs.

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What Gets Filtered? And Do These Water Filters Remove Minerals?

The activated carbon in your filter typically comes from charcoal. What is a charcoal water filter? It's basically made of small, crushed up pieces of charcoal that work to attract and absorb a number of contaminants.
So what does a charcoal water filter remove? You'll be pleased to know it can do a good job of reducing numerous unwanted elements, including:

  • Chlorine
  • Volatile organic chemicals
  • Radon
  • Benzene
  • Other man-made chemicals

We are water Experts

Water quality is non-negotiable. To prove it, we've built state-of-the-art water quality labs and filled them with the best and brightest scientists — all so we can provide you with the best water of your life.

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The result? Water that tastes and smells better. Within the limits of their small size, built-in refrigerator filters do a fair job, but they're less effective than larger systems. Activated charcoal alone isn’t enough to remove all waterborne contaminants. Fridge filtration misses a wide range of inorganic contaminants and heavy metals, including:

  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Copper
  • Fluoride
  • Mercury
  • Nickel
  • Selenium
  • Sulfates
  • Thallium

Highly specialized activated charcoal filters can remove lead, but such filters are rarely found in refrigerator units. Instead, you might consider an upgrade to something more powerful, like a whole house water filter.

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Water 101

Unleash the secrets of your H2O! Explore where water originates and discover the various water filtration solutions that transform it into drinkable water.

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Disclaimer: The information on this website has not been reviewed by the FDA. Products offered for sale herein are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. No medical claims are being made or implied. Contaminants mentioned are not necessarily in your water.

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