From matcha powders to mineral waters, wellness today extends far beyond the gym. What we drink has become as much a part of daily health routines as what we eat. Yet one essential part of that conversation — the water that flows straight from the tap — often receives far less scrutiny.
With growing headlines about so-called “forever chemicals,” microplastics, and the taste and odour of chlorine in municipal supplies, many households are reconsidering how they filter their drinking water. At the same time, the market for domestic water filters has become crowded, with manufacturers frequently advertising reductions of “up to 99 per cent” across a wide range of contaminants. For consumers, the challenge is working out which of these claims are meaningful, and which are largely marketing.
Why independent testing matters
A common issue in the water-filter industry is transparency. Many brands promote headline numbers but provide little detail about how those figures were obtained. In some cases, laboratory names are not disclosed at all. In others, reports exist but are difficult to find, buried deep within company websites and written in highly technical language. This makes it difficult for buyers to judge whether results are comparable, independently verified, or tested under recognised standards.
Independent laboratory testing does not guarantee that a filter is “perfect,” but it does allow consumers to see how a product performs under controlled conditions, using established methods. For that reason, filters that publish traceable results from named laboratories offer a clearer basis for comparison than those that rely solely on marketing claims.
A closer look at published lab results
Against this backdrop, one example often cited is a UK-based gravity water filter sold under the Klar brand. The product underwent laboratory testing conducted by IAPMO R&T and QFT Laboratory, both internationally recognised testing facilities that routinely work to NSF standards — the benchmark protocols commonly used for evaluating drinking water treatment products.
The testing focused on substances that have become central to public and regulatory discussion around drinking water quality. Among these were per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” which have been detected in water sources worldwide and are associated with long environmental persistence. Other substances assessed included chlorine, which affects taste and odour; fluoride, which is deliberately added in some regions; pharmaceutical residues; and heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and copper.
Reported performance under laboratory conditions
Under controlled laboratory conditions, the Klar filter showed measurable reductions across the tested categories:
- Chlorine: 99 per cent reduction
- PFOAs (forever chemicals): 99 per cent reduction
- Pharmaceutical residues: 99 per cent reduction
- Heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, copper): 96 per cent reduction
- Fluoride: 90 per cent reduction
These figures reflect performance in a laboratory setting, using defined water chemistry and test parameters aligned with NSF methodologies.
Interpreting the results realistically
It is important to note that laboratory testing cannot replicate every household environment. Water chemistry varies significantly by region, pipework, and treatment method, and usage patterns differ from one home to another. No gravity-fed filter removes every possible contaminant under all conditions, and real-world results may vary.
That said, the publication of named laboratory results allows consumers to assess performance on a like-for-like basis and to understand what was tested, how it was tested, and to what standard. In a market where many products provide little or no verifiable data, that level of disclosure remains relatively uncommon.
The broader context
As interest in home wellness continues to grow, so does the desire to understand what is actually present in everyday drinking water. While filtration is only one part of a broader approach to health, clarity around testing and performance helps consumers make informed choices based on evidence rather than slogans.
Independent laboratory testing may not be the most eye-catching aspect of a water filter, but it is one of the most informative. For buyers willing to look beyond headline claims, published test results provide a practical starting point for evaluating how a filter performs and whether it aligns with their priorities.
More information: klarwater.com
