BEST FAUCET WATER FILTER FOR WELL WATER: UPGRADING AT THE POINT OF USE

By: Jake Gallagher | September 12, 2023

Are you tired of that unmistakable metallic tang or the earthy scent in your well water? Well, you’re not alone. Many well water users face the challenge of dealing with impurities and contaminants that affect both the taste and quality of their drinking water. 

But not everyone wants the hassle and expense of whole-house or under-sink systems. Luckily, with a faucet-mounted system, you can get clean water from your tap without the need for costly installation and technology.

So let’s embark on a journey to discover the best faucet water filter for well water, exploring a range of faucet water filter options designed specifically to tackle iron deposits, sediment, unwelcome odors, and more. I’ll evaluate the top contenders, guiding you toward cleaner, fresher, and safer water straight from your tap.

Here we go.

1. Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System: 9.5/10

  • Best faucet filter for well water
  • Price: $79.98

The Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 is the best faucet filter I’ve reviewed so far. It applies a five-stage filtration designed to remove 99% of harmful contaminants from a variety of water sources, including well water.

Pros

The Waterdrop Faucet Water Filter System includes an activated-carbon filter, a KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filter, a polyester membrane, a remineralization filter, and a final polypropylene filter, all designed to remove contaminants such as heavy metals, arsenic, fluoride, and hydrogen sulfide, as well as bad odors and tastes, from well water.

If you don’t like drinking demineralized water, this system includes a remineralization filter that adds beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium back to the filtered water. I’ve been skeptical about remineralization for a while, but I tried this filter and I’ll admit, I could taste the improvement.

The Waterdrop CTF-01 is certified by NSF International, which means it has been independently tested and verified to meet strict standards. Made of 304 food-grade stainless steel, you can expect a filter that’s durable and long lasting. The filter cartridge itself can last up to 12 months or 8000 gallons, whichever comes first.

Unlike most faucet filters that attach directly to your kitchen sink faucet, the Waterdrop CTF-01 has a lead-free and smudge-proof stainless steel faucet that attaches to the larger than normal filter housing. You only have to connect the filter to your kitchen faucet using the provided tube and mounting adapters. This makes the installation process super easy.

If you encounter any issues, Waterdrop offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship.

Cons

The Waterdrop has a flow rate of 1.6 gallons per minute, which may sound slower than your average kitchen faucet, but this is due to the five-stage filtration that removes more contaminants from the water. With most filtration systems, the better the contaminant removal, the slower the flow rate. I’d rather have clean water than fast water myself.

However, this filter system may not be effective at removing all contaminants from well water, so it’s important to test the quality of your well water before choosing a faucet filter. 

Lastly, the filter system may not fit all types of faucets, so it’s important to check the compatibility of your faucet before purchasing the filter system. Waterdrop provides a compatibility list on its website. I didn’t have any trouble fitting it to my basic faucet.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Waterdrop CTF-01 is a highly efficient faucet filter that actively removes contaminants and leaves your well water tasting fresh and free of any unpleasant odors or tastes.

Overall

Overall, the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System is a good option for those who want a durable and efficient filter system that removes harmful contaminants from the water and is certified by a third party. 

The addition of a natural mineralization filter material is also a plus for those who want to add beneficial minerals to their drinking water. The filter system is effective at filtering most contaminants from well water, and it’s easy to install and maintain.

If you need a long lasting faucet filter solution for your well water that is tried and tested, check out the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 today.

2. PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System: 9/10

  • Most popular faucet filter for well water
  • Price: $29.85

The PUR Plus FM2500V Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is a great option for those who want an affordable filter that removes harmful contaminants and improves the taste of their water. The integrated Mineral Core technology adds beneficial minerals and the easy-to-change filter makes maintenance a breeze.

Pros

The PUR Plus FM2500V Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is a versatile and affordable choice for improving the quality of tap water directly from your kitchen faucet. One of its standout features is its superior contaminant removal capability. 

Equipped with a two-stage filtration process, the system effectively reduces common well water impurities:

  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Sediment
  • Industrial pollutants
  • Unpleasant tastes and odors 

It’s also one of the few filters on the market with a WQA (Water Quality Association) and NSF certification to remove these chemical and physical contaminants. 

The PUR Plus incorporates PUR’s Mineral Core technology in its filtration process. This mineral filter helps balance the water’s pH and enhances the overall taste by adding essential minerals, creating a refreshing and satisfying drinking experience. 

The system comes equipped with filter replacement indicator lights, ensuring you know precisely when it’s time for a new filter cartridge. This feature helps users maintain the system’s efficiency without guesswork or unnecessary replacements.

Each replacement water filter provides 100 gallons of clean water and is easy to change. The flow rate of the filter is 0.5 gallons per minute, which is slower than some other faucet filters on the market, including the Waterdrop.

This is one of the most popular faucet filters on Amazon, with over 10,000 5 star ratings from satisfied customers. And it’s not hard to see why. This filter is easy to attach to your kitchen faucet and includes an on-and-off lever that lets you switch between filtered and unfiltered water.

The PUR Plus FM2500V Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is available with a two-year warranty.

Cons

Like all faucet-mounted filters, the PUR Plus FM2500V has a limited filter lifespan, and replacement cartridges are an ongoing expense. Compared to the Waterdrop filter (which has a capacity of 8,000 gallons), this system filters through 100 gallons of water before it needs a filter replacement.

Depending on your water usage and the quality of your well water, you may find yourself replacing cartridges relatively frequently. This cost should be factored into your long-term budget for using the system. You may also need a pre-filter option if you have highly contaminated water. That may not be a feasible option for renters though.

Some users have reported the filter clogs easily and needs to be replaced frequently. A few others have reported that the filter leaks or falls off the faucet. It should be mentioned that this faucet filter may not fit all types of faucets, so it’s important to check the compatibility of your faucet before purchasing the filter system.

Overall

The PUR Plus FM2500V Faucet Mount Water Filtration System offers an affordable and user-friendly solution for improving tap water quality. However, its effectiveness is limited to addressing common contaminants, and users with more complex water quality concerns may need to explore alternative filtration options.

If you have low drinking water needs and you’re looking for an affordable faucet water filtration system to be the last line of defense against harmful contaminants in your well water, check out the PUR FM2500V Faucet Mount Water Filtration System today.

3. Brita Complete Faucet Water Filter System: 8.6/10

  • Best budget faucet water filter
  • Price: $20.79

The Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System is an affordable way to improve the quality of your tap water directly from your kitchen faucet. Brita is a well-known brand in the water filtration industry, and its faucet filter systems are designed to remove impurities and enhance the taste of your drinking water.

Pros

The Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System is a decently effective filter system, removing 99% of lead and reducing bad taste and odor. 

The filter uses advanced Brita carbon-block technology to reduce a number of harmful and irritating pollutants

  • Unpleasant taste and odor brought about by hydrogen sulfide
  • Lead
  • Asbestos
  • Benzene
  • Class I particulates
  • Trichlorobenzene
  • Select pharmaceuticals
  • Pesticides/ herbicides
  • Trihalomethanes
  • Atrazine
  • Turbidity

That’s a pretty long list. With a maximum flow rate of 0.58 gallons per minute, each filter provides up to 100 gallons of filtered water, and the system includes two filters upon purchase.

The Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System is easy to install and does not require any tools. It attaches directly to your existing faucet, and no special tools or plumbing modifications are required. The package even includes adapters to fit different faucet types. 

The Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System is certified by NSF International, which means it has been independently tested and verified to meet strict standards. 

Cons

Despite its many advantages, the Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System has some limitations to consider. While it excels at addressing common water issues found in well water, such as benzene and herbicides, it may not be suitable for removing more complex contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, or certain chemicals. 

Another consideration is the ongoing cost of replacement filters. While the initial purchase price is reasonable and includes two filter cartridges, you will need to budget for replacement filters every four months (or after 100 gallons). And for particularly contaminated well water, you may get fewer than 100 gallons out of it.

Some users have reported that the filter may not be well made and may break quickly. Others claim that the water lever switch may become very hard to turn after just a little use. Brita doesn’t also offer a manufacturer’s warranty after purchase. But there is, however, a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re dissatisfied with your purchase.

Regardless of these issues, the Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon from satisfied customers. 

Overall

The Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System is a reliable and user-friendly option for enhancing the quality and taste of your tap water. It’s suitable for households looking to address common water issues, and it’s pretty darn affordable. 

However, for more complex water quality concerns, such as well water with specific contaminants, you may need to explore a more advanced filtration system, such as the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01.

If you need to learn more about this Brita system, check it out here.

4. Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter

The Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter is a popular and well-regarded faucet-mounted water filtration system. Culligan is a trusted brand in the water treatment industry, known for producing effective and reliable water filtration products.

The Culligan faucet water filter reduces a number of annoying water contaminants:

  • Bad taste and odor
  • Lead
  • Lindane
  • Atrazine
  • Light sediment
  • Turbidity
  • Mercury
  • Cysts
  • VOCs (volatile organic compounds

It has a filter life of up to 200 gallons or two months, whichever comes first. This filter is easy to install and does not require any tools.

Its flow rate is 0.5 gallons per minute, which is slower than some other faucet filters on the market. The filter is highly rated by Consumer Reports, though, and has received positive reviews for its effectiveness at removing contaminants. 

This system is also covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

As is common with most faucet water filters, the Culligan FM-15A advanced faucet-mount filter has its fair share of flaws. Some users have reported that the filter tends to leak a little bit and needs to be tightened up frequently. As a result, the connection may leak, drip, or spray randomly.

Also, the installation of the unit can be challenging at times. Another user reported that the water flow dropped to 0.3 gallons per minute after a month of use.

While the system is designed to fit most standard faucets, it may not be compatible with non-standard or pull-out/pull-down faucet types. But most faucet-mounted filters aren’t.

If you are in the market for a more reliable faucet water filter system, the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 is a better solution.

5. iSpring DF2-CHR Faucet Water Filter

The iSpring DF2-CHR Faucet Water Filter is designed to remove cysts, lead, mercury, lindane, atrazine, and hydrogen sulfide. Some users have also reported that this filter is especially effective against well water with high levels of iron, but still more report disappointing filtration in general.

The filter has a long life of up to 500 gallons, which is equivalent to six months of use for an average family. The flow rate is up to 1.5 gallons per minute, which is faster than some other faucet filters on the market. That means, of course, that the contaminant removal may be inferior. 

The iSpring filter system costs $22.44, which is a reasonable price for a filter system that includes a filter that provides up to six months of clean water. 

Unlike other faucet water filters that are often made out of cheap plastic, the iSpring DF2 series faucet filter is made out of food-grade BPA-free plastic, and to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth, it is third-party tested by the NSF.

Unlike the Culligan system, this unit does not have any warranty coverage. It does, however, come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime tech support from iSpring, which you may end up appreciating. 

Common problems include leaks after a few years of use, faucet incompatibility, build quality issues, and lingering contaminants and foul tastes even after filtration. For a more robust and sturdy faucet water filter, check out the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 today.

6. Engdenton Faucet Water Filter System

The Engdenton faucet water filter system uses the most advanced activated carbon-fiber technology, highly effective at removing dirt, sand, rust, and other harmful contaminants from your well water. 

The system has one of the highest flow rates on the market at 2 gallons per minute and a filter life of up to 320 gallons, which is equivalent to three to six months of use. Just remember that the higher the flow rate, the poorer the contaminant removal.

The sturdy 304 stainless-steel faucet filter can stand against any water pressure and protect you from filter bursting and sudden water leakage. Other pros include toolless installation, compatibility with standard faucets, NSF certification, and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Despite the pros, some users have reported that the filter may clog and slow the flow of water after a few weeks of use, rather than the typical six weeks. Others have reported that the water flow rate may be too fast, causing water to come out too quickly. But most have complained about the cost of the filter. At $81.99, it’s quite a pricey unit.

Also, despite its stainless-steel construction, there are reports of cracks developing after a few years of use. Instead of paying $81.99 for a filter with questionable build quality, why not invest in a cheaper, more robust system like the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System

7. WINGSOL Faucet Water Filter System

From my research and testing, the WINGSOL faucet filter seems to be an exact clone of the Engdenton system. They have the same flow rate, the same stainless-steel design, filter life, and contaminant removal ability. 

However, for some reason, the WINGSOL filter costs $68.99, $13 less than the Engdenton filter, and no warranty information is supplied by the manufacturer.

As a word of caution, don’t be hoodwinked by these generic products. You may wonder why this filter is even on my list if I’m advising you to steer clear of it. Well, it has a 4.3 rating on Amazon, which means people are buying it. But for a quality water filtration system from a reputable manufacturer, check out the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 today.

The Bottom Line

After a long and arduous research process, I concluded that the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 is the best faucet water filter for well water on the market. 

This filter system uses a five-stage filtration design, including activated-carbon fiber, which is highly effective at removing heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful contaminants from your water. The filter has a long life of up to 8000 gallons, which is equivalent to 12 months of use for an average family. 

The Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 is easy to install and does not require any tools. It fits on any countertop and takes up minimal space. It requires only annual filter replacement and while it may not fit all types of faucets, no faucet-mounted filter fits fancy hose faucets anyway. 

You should consider the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 because it is a highly effective and affordable way to improve the quality and taste of your well water.

Methodology

Allow me to illustrate the steps I took to review these seven faucet water filters for well water.

Step 1: A big list of all available products

Since I was starting off from scratch, I needed to identify the best faucet water filter players in the industry. This entailed compiling a thorough list of recognized brands in the industry.

I also wanted to compare faucet filters to other types of filtration systems to know what I should be looking for in a faucet-mounted unit, so I also researched under-sink, countertop, whole-house, and pitcher filtration systems that included reverse osmosis, which you can’t get from a faucet filter..

I spent hours researching the best-selling brands of water filters with various filtration abilities on Amazon, Sears, and Walmart. To widen the scope of my inquiry, I also spoke with a few water treatment suppliers. In the end, I came up with a list of 25 different brands.

Step 2: Online reviews

The second step was to read consumer reviews for the most popular faucet water filters in the US. This included filters of different filtration abilities and technology, including KDF filters, activated carbon filters, and remineralization features.

Analyzing consumer sentiment is, of course, crucial if you want to know how a product performs in the market. As a result, I spent several hours perusing websites such as Consumer Reports, Amazon, and manufacturer websites, among others. Finally, I was able to narrow down the selection to 15 models.

Step 3: Product/service analysis

To have a better understanding of the attributes to look for, I needed to ask myself critical questions about the products I was analyzing. Here are some of the questions:

  • How do faucet mount filters compare to under-sink reverse osmosis filters?
  • Do faucet water filtration systems have micron ratings?
  • How easy is faucet water filter installation?
  • What contaminants can a faucet-mounted water filter reasonably remove?
  • Is tap water filtration really necessary if you own a whole-house water filtration system?
  • What is the average price for replacement filter cartridges?
  • Why does a faucet-mount filter have a switch for filtered and unfiltered water?

With questions like these, any faucet-mount water filter system that didn’t match at least 80% of the criteria on my exhaustive checklist was removed from consideration.

Step 4: Speaking with real customers

With my list of faucet water filters at hand, it was time to call customers to learn about their experiences with these filters. So, with the aid of my spouse and a few friends, we created a questionnaire survey covering a 10-mile radius of our locality. 

I also sought advice from a number of water treatment suppliers, and even plumbers. It was an expensive and time-consuming undertaking, but it paid off in the end.

Step 5: Interviews with manufacturers

I was curious whether these faucet water filters had been subjected to any third-party certifications or independent tests. As a result, I emailed each manufacturer and requested confirmation of certification for the individual models on my list. After a week, just a few of them had responded to my email. Those who did not reply had their models deleted from my list.

Step 6: Test drives

It was time to put these faucet water filters to the test based on the quality of the water they delivered. 

I called several water treatment dealers in my area and asked them if they could lend several units for testing. Despite a few discouraging answers, one dealer agreed to supply all seven systems on the condition that their technicians be present for the duration of the testing.

So I rented a warehouse for a week, hired two massive water bowsers filled with well water, and began the testing process.

Step 7: Ratings

For the final step, I needed to create a ranking list based on the following characteristics:

  • Micron filter size
  • Replacement filter availability
  • Filter material used
  • Water pressure
  • Affordability
  • Warranty period
  • After-sales service and customer support
  • Contaminant removal efficiency
  • Filter lifespan

Final Thoughts 

As a homeowner, it’s important to ensure that your well water is clean and safe to drink. The Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System CTF-01 is the best faucet water filter for well water on the market. With its five-stage filtration design, including activated carbon fiber, this filter system is highly effective at removing harmful contaminants from your well water.

Despite the annual filter replacement and the fact that it may not fit all types of faucets, the Waterdrop system offers a long filter life of up to 8000 gallons, which is equivalent to 12 months of use for an average family.

Homeowners should consider this faucet mount water filter because it is a highly effective and affordable way to improve the quality and taste of drinking water from a well water system. Don’t wait any longer, invest in the Waterdrop Countertop Faucet Water Filter System today and enjoy clean and safe drinking water for you and your family.

If you’re looking to discover different kinds of filters for your well water, we’ve got you sorted! Take a look at these reviews to find the top well water filters: