Science shows that drinking water can contain PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, and VOCs. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems effectively remove all PFAS, including short-chain compounds. Microfiltration membranes achieve 78-100% removal of microplastics. Activated carbon and ion exchange components reduce lead, other heavy metals, and many VOCs.
This is HIGH PRIORITY because drinking water is the most direct route of ingestion for many contaminants, and unfiltered tap water can contain measurable levels of PFAS and heavy metals.
Laurel recommends multi-stage or reverse osmosis (RO) water filters with NSF/ANSI certifications that specifically cover contaminants like heavy metals and PFAS. Under-sink and countertop filters are both fine.
Laurel avoids filters that lack third-party certification or don't specify which contaminants they remove. Improperly maintained filters can actually increase contaminant levels.
Tip: Changing filters on schedule is critical! Some filters show removal efficiency dropping below 50% by the end of cartridge life.
Water
Science showsdrinking water can contain PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, and VOCs. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems effectively remove all PFAS, including short-chain compounds. Microfiltration membranes achieve 78-100% removal of microplastics. Activated carbon and ion exchange components reduce lead, other heavy metals, and many VOCs.
Laurel recommendsmulti-stage or reverse osmosis (RO) water filters with NSF/ANSI certifications that specifically cover contaminants like heavy metals and PFAS. Under-sink and countertop filters are both fine.
Laurel avoids filters that lack third-party certification or don't specify which contaminants they remove. Improperly maintained filters can actually increase contaminant levels.
Tip: Changing filters on schedule is critical! Some filters show removal efficiency dropping below 50% by the end of cartridge life.