Water filters for lead: what actually works
A filter removes lead only if it is certified to. Look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction, the standard the City of Hamilton names.[1] Health Canada calls a tap filter a temporary step until lead pipes are replaced, and says it must be installed and maintained properly to work.[2]
Not sure you need one? Our free check shows what public data says about homes in your area.
On this page
What filter removes lead from water?
One that is certified for lead reduction. For lead, Ontario lists three NSF standards: 53, 58 and 62.[3] The filter or its packaging should list lead as one of the things it reduces.
The City of Hamilton tells residents to look for “NSF/ANSI-53 for lead removal” on the label, with the NSF logo.[1]
| Filter type | Standard to look for | NSF’s name for that standard |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher, tap-mounted or under-sink filter | NSF/ANSI 53, with lead listed | Drinking Water Treatment Units: Health Effects |
| Reverse osmosis system | NSF/ANSI 58, with lead listed | Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems |
| Distiller | NSF/ANSI 62, with lead listed | Drinking Water Distillation Systems |
A filter certified only to NSF/ANSI 42 is certified for aesthetic effects such as taste and odour. That is a different standard from the ones above.
Health Canada also recommends a filter tested to NSF/ANSI 42 for particulate reduction (Class I), since some particles can contain lead, and a certification mark with a letter C in its lower left corner, which shows the certifier is accredited in Canada.[4]
More on each type: under-sink filters, reverse osmosis, all water filters.
How to check a filter yourself
Don’t rely on a box that says “reduces lead”. Check the exact model:
Tap a label to find it on the box.
- Go to NSF’s certified drinking water treatment units search.
- Choose “Drinking Water Treatment Units: Health Effects (NSF 53)”, or NSF 58 for reverse osmosis.
- Search by brand or model, and check that lead is on the list of what it reduces.
The City of Hamilton gives the same steps, or you can call NSF at 1-800-673-6275.[1]
Does a Brita filter remove lead?
It depends on the model. Some pitcher filters are certified for lead and some are not. Check the exact model and cartridge on NSF’s search. The City of Hamilton’s own filter kits are a pitcher with filters certified to NSF/ANSI-53.[5]
Keep it working
- Change the cartridge when the maker says. The City of Hamilton says to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and change the filter on schedule.[1]
- Health Canada says the filter must be installed and maintained properly, and suggests testing your water before you install a filter and while you use it, to confirm it is working.[2]
- Filter cold water only. Health Canada says hot water draws more lead from plumbing.
- The City of Hamilton says to use a filter only on water that is free of bacteria, which City of Hamilton water is. On a private well, test for bacteria first (well water testing).
Who should use a filter now?
The City of Hamilton advises that children six years of age and under, pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI-53 for lead, or bottled water, for drinking and for making food, juice, coffee or tea.[1] This applies to homes with a lead service pipe.
Babies and formula
The City of Toronto advises, for homes with a lead service pipe:[6]
- If you are breastfeeding, keep breastfeeding. Toronto says the amount of lead in breast milk is much lower than in tap water from a lead pipe.
- If you use formula, make it with cold, filtered tap water.
- Until you have a filter, use bottled water to make formula, or ready-to-feed formula.
The City of Hamilton’s advice for children six and under is the same idea: a certified filter or bottled water for drinking and preparing food.[1] If you have questions about feeding your baby, ask your doctor or public health unit.
During and after a pipe replacement
Both cities hand out filters around replacement time. The City of Hamilton gives its filter kits to contractors when a permit to replace a lead service line is issued, and the City of Toronto gives homeowners a free faucet filter whenever it replaces its part of a lead service line.[5][6] Health Canada says replacing only part of a lead line has been shown to raise lead levels.[7] If only part of your line has been replaced, Health Canada’s advice for homes with lead pipes still applies: a certified filter at the tap.[2]
On a well with lead?
In rural Hamilton above the Niagara Escarpment, some drilled wells have lead from the bedrock. If the lead comes from the groundwater, the City of Hamilton says flushing will not get rid of it, and lists these options:[8]
- bottled water, or water from a known safe supplier
- a reverse osmosis system (look for NSF/ANSI 58 with lead listed)
- a distiller (NSF/ANSI 62 with lead listed)
- a filter labelled “NSF/ANSI-53 for lead removal”
Test your well before you choose a treatment.[8] See how to test your water for lead and well water testing.
How to remove lead from water
Day to day, a certified filter. For good, replace the lead pipe. Health Canada says replacing the lead service line is the best permanent solution.[2] See lead pipes and, in Hamilton, the City’s inspection and loan.
Boiling does not remove lead.[1][9]
Free or discounted filters from your city
| City | What it offers | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | Filter kits certified to NSF/ANSI-53: a pitcher and three filters | Homeowners who ask, and contractors when a lead service replacement permit is issued. Call 905-546-2489. |
| Toronto | Free faucet filter | Homeowners, whenever the City replaces its part of a lead service line |
| Toronto | Free filters | Participants in Toronto Public Health’s Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program |
| Toronto | Rebate toward an NSF-053 filter or replacement cartridges | Homes with lead pipes that meet all of: a child under six or a pregnant woman in the home; a single family home, duplex or triplex; household income under $50,000 |
| Ottawa | A reusable pitcher and about a year of NSF-53 filters | Residents waiting for lead pipe replacement who either had a City staff test show lead at or above the City’s threshold, or are taking part in a full (City and private) replacement |
| Other cities | Ask | Call your city or water utility. |
Sources: City of Hamilton, Corrosion Control Report 2025[5]; City of Toronto, Lead in drinking water[6]; City of Ottawa, Lead Pipe Replacement Program FAQ.[10]
Not sure how much lead you have?
A filter lowers lead. A test tells you how much is there. See how to test your water for lead.
Sources
- City of Hamilton, Lead Water Service Replacement. Checked . ↩︎
- Health Canada, Drinking water: what about lead? Checked . ↩︎
- Government of Ontario, Flushing and sampling for lead. Checked . ↩︎
- Health Canada, Infographic: Finding a drinking water filter. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Hamilton, Corrosion Control Report 2025. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Toronto, Lead in drinking water. Checked . ↩︎
- Health Canada, Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document, Lead. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Hamilton, Naturally Occurring Lead in Bedrock. Checked . ↩︎
- Middlesex-London Health Unit, Lead and Drinking Water. Checked . ↩︎
- City of Ottawa, Lead Pipe Replacement Program FAQ. Checked . ↩︎
- NSF, Listing Category Search. Checked 2026-11-01.