Last updated: February 2026
The Quick Answer
Yes — but only the Brita Elite filter (formerly called Longlast).
The Brita Elite is NSF 53 certified to remove 99% of lead from drinking water. The Brita Standard filter does not remove lead at all. This is the single most important distinction, and many people get it wrong.
Check your filter: If you bought a Brita pitcher, look at the filter inside. The Elite filter is white/gray and labeled "Elite" or "Longlast." The Standard filter is smaller and labeled "Standard." They look different and are not interchangeable in all pitchers. Only the Elite removes lead.
Which Brita Filter Removes Lead?
Brita makes three main filter types. Here's exactly what each one does:
| Filter | Lead | Chlorine | Mercury | Cadmium | Benzene | Filter Life | Cost/Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brita Elite (Longlast) | 99% ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 120 gal / 6 mo | ~$15 |
| Brita Standard | ✗ No | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | 40 gal / 2 mo | ~$7 |
| Brita Stream | ✗ No | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 40 gal / 2 mo | ~$8 |
The Brita Elite uses a pleated carbon + ion exchange media that's specifically designed to capture dissolved lead. The Standard filter uses basic granular activated carbon, which doesn't have this capability.
Note: Neither Brita filter removes fluoride or PFAS. For those, you need a reverse osmosis system.
Why Lead in Water Matters
Lead is arguably the most dangerous contaminant in U.S. drinking water, and here's why:
- No safe level exists. The CDC, WHO, and AAP all agree: there is no safe blood lead level, especially for children.
- It's invisible. You can't see, taste, or smell lead in water.
- It comes from your pipes, not the source. Lead enters water from lead service lines, lead solder (common in pre-1986 homes), and brass fixtures — after the water leaves the treatment plant.
- It causes permanent damage. In children, even low-level lead exposure causes IQ reduction, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. In adults, it increases risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.
💡 Who's at risk? If your home was built before 1986, there's a significant chance your plumbing contains lead solder. If your utility's Consumer Confidence Report shows lead detections, or if you live in an area with known lead service lines, testing and filtration are essential — especially with children in the home.
The EPA's "action level" for lead is 15 ppb, but this is a regulatory trigger — not a health-based standard. The actual health goal (MCLG) is zero. Many health researchers argue that even water at 5 ppb poses risks for children.
Understanding NSF Certification for Lead
When evaluating filters for lead removal, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification. This is the gold standard for lead reduction claims:
- NSF 53 (Health Effects): Certifies removal of specific health-related contaminants including lead. Filters must reduce lead from 150 ppb to below 10 ppb (the test protocol).
- NSF 42 (Aesthetic): Certifies improvement of taste, odor, and clarity. Does NOT cover lead or health contaminants.
- NSF 401 (Emerging Contaminants): Covers pharmaceuticals and some newer contaminants.
Why it matters: Any company can claim their filter "reduces lead." Only filters with NSF 53 certification have been independently tested and verified by a third-party lab. Always check for NSF 53 specifically — not just "NSF certified" (which might only be NSF 42).
Brita vs ZeroWater vs PUR: Lead Removal Compared
All three major pitcher filter brands offer lead removal — but the details differ significantly:
| Feature | Brita Elite | ZeroWater | PUR PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead removal | 99% ✓ | 99% ✓ | 99% ✓ |
| NSF 53 certified | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Filter life | 120 gallons | 15–40 gallons | 40 gallons |
| Cost per filter | ~$15 | ~$15 | ~$10 |
| Cost per gallon | $0.13 | $0.38–$1.00 | $0.25 |
| Also removes PFAS | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Also removes fluoride | ✗ | Partial (41-65%) | ✗ |
| TDS removal | Partial | 99.6% | Partial |
| Filter speed | Medium | Slow | Fast |
Our Verdict
- Best value for lead removal: Brita Elite — longest filter life at the lowest cost per gallon. At $0.13/gallon, it's 3-7x cheaper than ZeroWater.
- Most thorough filtration: ZeroWater — removes the most total dissolved solids and provides partial fluoride removal. But filters burn out fast with hard water.
- Best for convenience: PUR PLUS — fastest filtration speed with solid lead removal. Faucet-mount version is especially convenient.
Best Filters for Lead Removal
Pitcher Filters
Brita Metro Pitcher + Elite Filter
~$33
6-cup pitcher with the Elite (Longlast) filter. NSF 53 certified for 99% lead removal. Filter lasts 120 gallons — 3x longer than competitors. Slim design fits most fridges.
View on Amazon →ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher
~$35
5-stage filtration removes 99% of lead plus 99.6% of TDS. Includes TDS meter for testing. Best overall contaminant reduction among pitchers. NSF 53 certified.
View on Amazon →PUR PLUS Faucet Filter
~$28
Mounts directly on faucet — no pouring or waiting. NSF 53 certified for lead. Removes 70+ contaminants. Filter lasts ~100 gallons. One-click switching between filtered and unfiltered.
View on Amazon →For Maximum Lead Protection: Reverse Osmosis
Pitcher filters are great for basic lead reduction, but if you want the most comprehensive protection — especially if you have high lead levels or young children — a reverse osmosis system is the gold standard:
APEC ROES-50
~$200
5-stage RO removes 99%+ of lead, PFAS, arsenic, fluoride, and 1,000+ other contaminants. The industry standard. Made in USA. Includes everything for DIY installation.
View on Amazon →Waterdrop G3P800
~$700
Tankless RO with instant 800 GPD flow rate. Smart faucet monitors TDS in real time. NSF 58 certified. Compact design. Removes 99% of lead, PFAS, and virtually everything else.
View on Amazon →How to Test for Lead
Before investing in filtration, it's worth testing your water to know your actual lead levels. There are two approaches:
Quick At-Home Test
At-home lead test strips give you a quick yes/no answer in minutes. They're not as precise as lab tests but can tell you if lead is present above a certain threshold.
Lab-Certified Test
For actual lead concentration measurements (in ppb), you need a lab test. This is especially important if you have young children or are pregnant.
Health Metric Lead Test Kit
~$17
At-home test strips detect lead in water at levels as low as 3.8 ppb. Results in minutes. Good for quick screening — use a lab test for precise measurements.
View on Amazon →Safe Home Lead Water Test
~$30
Mail-in lab test for precise lead measurement in ppb. Results from an accredited lab. Recommended if you suspect lead pipes or have children in the home.
View on Amazon →💡 Testing tip: For the most accurate lead reading, test "first draw" water — the first water out of your tap in the morning before anyone has run it. Lead leaches from pipes while water sits, so first-draw samples show your highest exposure level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Brita filters remove lead?
Only the Brita Elite (formerly Longlast) filter removes lead — it's NSF 53 certified for 99% lead reduction. The Brita Standard and Stream filters do NOT remove lead. Make sure you're using the right filter.
Which Brita filter removes lead?
The Brita Elite filter (white/gray, labeled "Elite" or "Longlast"). It's the only Brita filter with NSF 53 certification for lead reduction. It lasts 120 gallons (about 6 months) and costs ~$15 per filter.
Is Brita or PUR better for lead removal?
Both are NSF 53 certified for 99% lead removal. The Brita Elite has a longer filter life (120 gallons vs 40 gallons for PUR PLUS), making it cheaper per gallon ($0.13 vs $0.25). PUR offers a convenient faucet-mount option. For pure value, Brita Elite wins.
Does ZeroWater remove lead?
Yes — ZeroWater's 5-stage filter is NSF 53 certified for 99% lead removal. It also removes the most TDS of any pitcher. The downside: filters only last 15-40 gallons (vs 120 for Brita Elite), making it significantly more expensive per gallon.
How do I know if my water has lead?
You can't tell by looking, tasting, or smelling. The only way to know is to test. Use the EWG database to check your utility's data, then test your specific tap with a home lead test kit. Test "first draw" water (first thing in the morning) for the most accurate results.
Does a Brita filter remove enough lead to be safe for babies?
The Brita Elite removes 99% of lead, which significantly reduces exposure. However, for infant formula preparation, many pediatricians recommend a reverse osmosis system for the most complete protection, since there is no safe level of lead for infants. An under-sink RO system (~$200) provides the highest assurance.