WaterFilterComparisons’ Review

Not all tap water is created equal. Depending on where you live, there may be contaminants in your water that cannot be seen by the naked eye, yet can affect your health and well-being. If you’re looking for a solution that’s easy to use and won’t break your budget, you can try a portable water filter to start saving money and the environment. In this review, we break down the PUR Ultimate Pitcher Filtration System with Lead Reduction (PPT711W) to help you decide if it’s the right system for your household.

Product Specs

• Size: 10 x 3.25 x 8.25 inches; 1 Pound
• Capacity: 7 cups or 1656 ml of water
• Filtration Technology: MAXION filter that purifies water through activated carbon and ion exchange
• Water Type Filtered: Public tap water
• Contaminants Addressed: Lead, mercury, chloramines, pesticides and herbicides, pharmaceuticals, chlorine
• Certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
• Flow Rate: 0 gpm
• Installation: Simply insert the filter into the pitcher lid, fill the jug with tap water, and pour out water until it runs clear
• Warranty: 90-day limited warranty

Performance

The PUR Ultimate Pitcher with Lead Reduction removes impurities from your tap water in two ways through a single filter:

• Activated Carbon: When water passes through the activated carbon, contaminants are attracted and bond to the surface of the carbon particles.
• Ion Exchange: This part of the filter targets heavy metals like lead and mercury by swapping harmful ions in the water with harmless ones.

Together, these filtration stages remove or reduce the following contaminants:

• Lead
• Chloramines
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chlorine
• Mercury

Certifications

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provide a third-party stamp of approval on water filtration products that perform well, helping customers accurately assess product quality. Both organizations gave the PUR Ultimate Pitcher with Lead Reduction two certifications:

• NSF/ANSI 42: This benchmark certifies water filters that enhance water’s taste and smell while reducing chlorine content.
• NSF/ANSI 53: This standard certifies water filters that cut down on particular health-related impurities like lead, microbial cysts, and harmful organic compounds.

Flow Rate

Since the PUR Ultimate with Lead Reduction filters water within its reservoir and is not attached to any plumbing fixtures, there is no flow rate. This filter and many other pitcher water filters rely on gravity-based filtration, which means water has to slowly trickle from the top of the pitcher down and through the filter from the force of gravity before it can be used. This means each time you refill the pitcher, you’ll need to wait a few minutes which can be inconvenient to do several times throughout the day.

Limitations

The PUR Ultimate Pitcher with Lead Reduction offers numerous benefits for treating tap water, but like other filtration pitchers, it comes with some limitations. While it’s designed to reduce many common contaminants, including lead, it may not effectively address every pollutant in tap water. Users should consult the product’s specific certifications to ensure it covers every contaminant they’re concerned about.

This pitcher is also designed for treated tap water and isn’t suitable for purifying untreated sources like wells, rivers, or lakes. Though it offers a convenient solution, its capacity might require frequent refills for households with high water consumption and you’ll also need to wait a few minutes after each refill because of the system’s slow flow from a reliance on gravity-based filtration. Additionally, while this pitcher excels at contaminant reduction, it doesn’t function as a water softener, so homes with hard water issues might still observe mineral buildup.

There are also user reviews who’ve noted design flaws, including issues with the spout and lid that make it prone to spilling while trying to pour water. Additionally, many users have noted the indicator light stopped working after a few months or following a filter change.

Installation and Maintenance

As opposed to more complex water filtration systems, the PUR Ultimate Pitcher can be set up for use in just a few steps:

1. Wash the pitcher, lid, and reservoir with warm, soapy water before first use. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges that could scratch the plastic.
2. Soak the filter in cold water for 15 minutes. Then, take it out and let it drain for 10 seconds.
3. Insert the filter into the pour tray and lock it into place.
4. Fill the pour tray with cold water and let it filter through into the reservoir. It should now be ready for drinking.

This pitcher has a use capacity of 40 gallons per filter, meaning you’ll have to replace the filter every 1-2 months. Due to its simplicity, maintenance should be relatively easy.

Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons you should consider before buying PUR Ultimate Pitcher for your home.

Pros

• Simple and quick setup
• Effective filtration system that enhances the quality and taste of water
• Easily movable, making it easy to use anywhere and on the go

Cons

• The unit may require frequent refilling because of its relatively small size
• Slow flowing from reliance on gravity-based filtration
• Susceptible to contamination when the container is open
• Prone to spilling while pouring, as users have pointed out design flaws with the spout and lid of the pitcher
• Many users have reported issues with the indicator light not working
• The cost of replacing filters can add up
• Doesn’t treat all contaminants like PFOA/PFOS and VOCs among others

FAQs

Does this system remove lead?

The PUR Ultimate Pitcher with Lead Reduction is WQA certified to reduce 99% of lead, among other contaminants.

How often does the filter need to be replaced?

As mentioned, each filter has a use capacity of 40 gallons, lasting around 1-2 months, depending on how much water your household consumes. The Filter Change Light may indicate that you replace the filter sooner based on local water quality and frequency of use.

What’s the warranty for PUR water filtration systems?

PUR offers a 90-day warranty for the pitcher filtration system and a 30-day warranty for the filter cartridge.

Summary

If your household is in need of a simple and easy-to-use filtration system that’s also cost-effective, the PUR Ultimate Pitcher Filtration System is a great choice. However, it’s always wise to explore other alternatives that might better suit your current and future needs, like the Aquasana Clean Water Machine. It’s capable of filtering 78 contaminants including lead and PFAS, and requires no installation. We also recommend exploring other countertop systems that may suit your needs and budget.