Legal Disclaimers Update – On 9/25/2023 a Marketing Manager from Clearly Filtered sent us this email (personal info redacted). Within it they requested that we add two disclaimers to our review. Within the same email Clearly Filtered also stated:
“Please consider making these changes/additions in order to not be misrepresenting Clearly Filtered and results in legal action.“
On the advice of our lawyer, we have chosen to include the following disclaimers, which Clearly Filtered provided to us within this follow up email on 10/2/2023.
Laboratory Quality Assurance Disclaimer
“Like all water test results (indeed, all lab testing), results are subject to variabilities and inaccuracies that Tap Score works to understand, limit, and explain. More information about the most common sources of variability that Tap Score are aware of can be found here: https://mytapscore.com/blogs/tips-for-taps/tap-score-quality-assurance-and-quality-control“
100% Contaminant Removal Rates Disclaimer
“A 100% removal rate means there are no contaminant detections above the MDL (Method Detection Limit). The MDL is the lowest concentration of a given analyte for which the laboratory is confident in claiming per each contaminants detection (ie. how low the instruments can measure down to with confidence).”
Our inclusion of these disclaimers in no way reflects that we believe our review was / is inaccurate, invalid, or that we have ever misrepresented Clearly Filtered’s products.
BPA, BPS, and EA free pitcher filter
Clearly Filtered
The Clearly Filtered filters water to make it safer for drinking. We sent water samples to a 3rd party lab, which recorded an improvement in water quality compared to the unfiltered water. However, filtration performance was far from perfect. According to the lab, Clearly Filtered added molybdenum (in 1 of 2 tests), selenium, cobalt, and nitrite to the water. While also failing to remove 100% of strontium.
Pros
- Made of Tritan plastic, which is BPA, BPS, and EA free
- Filters basin in 10 minutes
- Setup and maintenance are simple and easy
Cons
- Filters are more expensive than many others on the market
- Added molybdenum (in 1 of 2 tests), selenium, cobalt, and nitrate to the water
- Failed to remove 100% of strontium, barium, and copper (in 1 of 2 tests)
Scoring
Simple Pitcher Filter
-
Design - 97%
97%
-
Performance - 70%
70%
-
Quality - 92%
92%
-
Usability - 98%
98%
-
Value - 80%
80%
Summary
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is an easy to use and maintain water pitcher. While it didn’t perform as well as some filters we’ve tested, it was able to filter its 8 cup basin in 10 minutes. It is made of Tritan plastic, which is BPA, BPS, and EA free. Filters are more expensive than many others we’ve tested, but they do offer a subscription plan to make it cheaper.
In This Review
Purification Test | Filters | Filter Speed | Filter Cost | Usability | Size | Summary
Purification Test
To test how well the Clearly Filtered works we used the 3rd party laboratory, Simple Lab. They provide a water testing service called TapScore, which they send to your home in a box. Once you get the kit, you take a sample of your water and send it back for laboratory testing.
TapScore then provides detailed reports on the water’s impact on health, aesthetic, and plumbing.
Additionally, we also tested water from our unfiltered tap water. We can compare this measurement to the Clearly Filtered results to see how it performed.
During the process of reviewing Clearly Filtered, we ran 2 separate laboratory tests using 2 brand new Clearly Filtered pitchers and 2 brand new Clearly Filtered filters.
After our 1st laboratory test we were surprised at the quality of the filtered water. In the interest of making absolutely certain that the sampling and laboratory analysis is correct we ran a 2nd laboratory test for Clearly Filtered (with the brand new pitcher and brand new filter).
All of our analysis will be based on the second set of data, however, we will include the both sets of data in the graphics and tables.
Below is an overview of how Clearly Filtered’s filtered water performed based on 3rd party laboratory analysis.
Health Risk
Average
Plumbing Risk
Low
Taste & Aesthetics
Average
The comparison of the unfiltered vs. Clearly Filtered filtered results helps us further see purification performance.
| Contaminants | Unfiltered water | Clearly Filtered water | Clearly Filtered Removed | Unfiltered water 2 | Clearly Filtered water 2 | Clearly Filtered Removed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total THMs | 3.5 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% | 42.07 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Chloroform | 3.5 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% | 12.0 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.0 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% | 13.7 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0.0 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% | 12.9 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Bromoform | 0.0 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% | 3.47 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Molybdenum | 0.0047 ppm | 0.0069 ppm | 146% (added) | 0.0054 ppm | 0.0011 ppm | 79.6% |
| Uranium | 0.0039 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% | 0.0042 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Selenium | 0.0019 ppm | 0.0041 ppm | 205% (added) | 0.001 ppm | 0.0011 ppm | 110% (added) |
| Cobalt | 0.0 ppm | 0.0035 ppm | added | 0.0 ppm | 0.0065 ppm | added |
| Copper | 0.196 ppm | 0.023 ppm | 88.2% | 0.343 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Strontium | 0.978 ppm | 0.112 ppm | 88.5% | 1.01 ppm | 0.232 ppm | 77.0% |
| Nitrate | 0.5 ppm | 1.1 ppm | 220% (added) | 0.1 ppm | 0.2 ppm | 200% (added) |
| Barium | 0.111 ppm | 0.0179 ppm | 83.8% | 0.115 ppm | 0.0063 ppm | 94.5% |
| Boron | 0.128 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% | 0.145 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Flouride | 0.3 ppm | 0.8 ppm | 266% | 0.3 ppm | 0.2 ppm | 33.3% |
Health Risk Analysis
The health risk data provided to us showed many initial concerns with the unfiltered tap water. There were multiple contaminants that could negatively impact a person’s health. It can affect:
- Kidney health
- Liver health
- Developmental outcomes
- Immune systems
- Gastrointestinal systems
- Reproductive systems
- Blood systems
- Nervous systems
- Cardiovascular health
- Skeletal health
While the Clearly Filtered water had most of the contaminants removed, there still remained amounts of molybdenum, strontium, and barium. In addition, it added selenium, cobalt, and nitrate.
These graphs compare the results from the unfiltered tap water (blue for 1st test, yellow for 2nd) and the Clearly Filtered water (red for 1st test, green for 2nd). These graphs don’t include all the information provided by TapScore, but rather the information that most impacted health.
While these materials were found in the water, it is important to remember that any effects caused by the water would come from a life-time exposure to elevated levels. Actual health risks from waterborne contaminants depend on the duration and dose of the material consumed, in addition to personal factors.
Whether in tap water or from a filter, none of these materials will have immediate impacts on your health.
You can view the complete laboratory report and analysis of the first test unfiltered water here, the second test unfiltered water here, the first test Clearly Filtered water here, and the second test Clearly Filtered water here.
Aesthetic Risk Analysis
Aesthetic is all about how the water tastes and feels. These factors won’t impact your health, but can be important based on personal preference.
These graphs show the comparison between the unfiltered tap water (blue for 1st test, yellow for 2nd) and the Clearly Filtered water (red for 1st test, green for 2nd).
TapScore provides the user with a score from 1-99 with 99 being the best score. For aesthetic performance the unfiltered water received a 45 and the Clearly Filtered water received a 35.
Both the unfiltered water and the water from the Clearly Filtered had magnesium, sodium, and sulfate, all of which can impact the taste and feel of the water. The Clearly Filtered water had higher levels of sodium and magnesium, while the unfiltered water had higher levels of sulfate
Plumbing Risk Analysis
Plumbing performance is really a non-factor in our view. Because the water coming from the Clearly Filtered pitcher is not running through the pipes in your home, it will have no impact on the condition of the plumbing.
These graphs show the differences between the unfiltered tap water (blue for 1st test, yellow for 2nd) and the Clearly Filtered water (red for 1st test, green for 2nd) in regards to plumbing.
However, if the water were to run through the pipes in your home, it would have normal levels of LSI, pH, and Alkalinity.
Like the unfiltered water, the CSMR levels were moderate and the water is considered very hard.
ClearlyFiltered vs. Zero Water vs. Brita (and 7 other filters)
We previously worked with SimpleLab to test many popular water filters for pitchers. Below is a table comparing the scores we received for those pitchers to the scores we received for Clearly Filtered.
| Contaminants | Clearly Filtered | Brita | ZeroWater | Aquasana RO | Sorso RO water | AquaTru Classic | Waterdrop | EpicWater | Amazon Basics | PUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total THMs | 100% | 100% | 40.6% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Dibromochloromethane | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Bromodichloromethane | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Chloroform | 100% | 100% | 40.6% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Bromoform | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Molybdenum | 79.6% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 47.3% | 60.8% | 44.6% | 100% |
| Uranium | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Nickel | 100% | 100% | 100% | added 0.003 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Chromium | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Selenium | 110% (added) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | Added 0.0021 ppm |
| Lead | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | Added 0.0007 ppm |
| Copper | 100% | 95.6% | 95.9% | 100% | 99.6% | 100% | 92.4% | 100% | 95.8% | 95.3% |
| Strontium | 77.0% | 72.5% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 98.0% | 72.5% | 16.6% | 76.3% | 91.7% |
| Nitrate | 200% (added) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | Added 0.2 ppm | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Barium | 94.5% | 99.7% | 100% | 100% | 94.8% | 100% | 99.5% | 82.4% | 88.7% | 92.4% |
| Boron | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 3.25% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Zinc | 100% | 100% | 100% | added 0.03 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Fluoride | 33.3% | 0.0% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0.0% | 66.7% | 33.3% | 0.0% |
The Filters
The Clearly Filtered pitcher uses a 3-part filter to clean the incoming water. These include:
- Woven mesh screen
- Granulated coconut carbon
- Composite shell
The woven mesh screen is made of stainless steel and keeps larger particles from entering the filter.
Next, the granulated coconut carbon helps improve the taste of the water and removes chlorine.
Finally, the composite shell does the majority of the work. It is their proprietary filter that uses a complex structure, as well as an ionic magnet.
Filter Replacement Cost Analysis
We also wanted to provide an analysis of how much it costs per gallon of water purified compared to other filters and water solutions. These numbers are based on an estimation of consuming 600 gallons of water per year and the manufacturer’s recommendation’s on filter lifespan.
Our analysis shows that the Clearly Filtered pitcher is cheaper than some water solutions, but more expensive than most.
Please note: this is a strict comparison of the price of the filter or purified water option, and the amount of drinkable water you get from it. We do not factor in the cost of the pitcher / filtration system itself.
Filtration Speed Test
We also tested how fast the Clearly Filtered pitcher can filter water. We filled the basin up, let it filter, and timed the entire process.
The Clearly Filtered is able to filter its 8 cup basin in 10:15. This is 0.79 cups per minute.
| Water Filter | Cups per Minute |
|---|---|
| Clearly Filtered | 0.79 |
| ZeroWater | 0.80 |
| Brita | 1.05 |
| PUR | 0.80 |
Clearly Filtered’s filtration speed is similar compared to other popular brands.
Usability Tests
The Clearly Filtered Pitcher is quite simple, making it easy to setup and use.
Setup
Setup for the Clearly Filtered pitcher is quite simple. Here is what comes with the Clearly Filtered water pitcher:
- Water pitcher
- Priming bag
- Filter
Before you can drink water out of the pitcher, you will need to flush the filter a few times. This can be done with the priming bag.
- Fill the priming bag with tap water
- Screw on the filter to the priming bag
- Squeeze the priming bag over a sink to push water through the filter
- Repeat three times
Doing so will ensure the filter works as intended when you are ready to drink water from it. From there, you simply attach the filter onto the bottom of the reservoir and the Clearly Filtered pitcher is ready to use.
Maintenance
Maintenance for the Clearly Filtered water is incredibly simple. You will need to wash the pitcher occasionally and replace the filters.
Clearly Filtered states it will last on average 100 gallons, which ends up being 4 months on average.
Replacing the filters involves the same process as setup, flushing the filter before using it.
Size & Dimensions
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is a medium sized pitcher that should fit in most fridges.
- Height: 10”
- Width: 7”
- Depth: 4”
- Weight (empty): 2.63 lbs
- Top reservoir volume: 8 cups (64 oz)
- Basin volume: 10 cups (80 oz)
The pitcher is made out of Tritan plastic, which is free of BPA, BPS, and EA and has a simple clear design.
Should you buy the Clearly Filtered Pitcher?
I would recommend the Clearly Filtered Pitcher if you are looking for the following features:
- BPA, BPS, and EA free: If you are concerned with whether or not the pitcher and filter you use is made free of these chemicals, rest assured that isn’t an issue with Clearly Filtered . They assure that their products are made free of BPA, BPS, and EA.
- Quick drinking water: The Clearly Filtered pitcher can filter its basin in 10 minutes. This speed is moderately fast, assuring you a large pitcher of drinking water in a short period of time.
For more information or to buy the Clearly Filtered Pitcher, click here.