Are You Making Your Water Worse?

by Keith Mulvihill

You buy a filter to get rid of impurities in your water, but thousands of models currently in homes across the country may make tap water worse.

A recent study found that some under the-sink-mounted water filters actually add lead to the water-in one case resulting in a lead level more than four times the EPA limit. The problem: The water faucets on these filters are made of a brass alloy that contains lead; the lead is leached into water passing through the faucet. The filters represent about 50 percent of the market, and such faucets are common in many other brands as well, according to Michael Green, executive director of the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), the nonprofit group in San Francisco that conducted the study. "Consumers buy these products because they want to take toxins out, not put them in," says Green.

Some groups have disputed the findings, including NSF International (for merely the National Sanitation Foundation), a leading testing organization, which had certified as safe all but one of the filters in the CEH study. "We believe that there are some problems with the study's testing methods," says Nancy Culotta, general manager of the drinking-water treatment-unit program at NSF. However, the group doesn't dispute the existence of the brass components in filters and has begun its own investigation.

The GH Institute has reviewed the C,EH study and believes that it has mer it. In addition, EPA standards for lead contamination don't indicate safety or health-effect levels, but instead reflect the "action" level-the legal maximum.

The CEH is pushing for an industry wide ban on brass-alloy faucets; as of late August, a number of companies were voluntarily complying.

If you're buying a new filter, look for a model that uses a stainless-steel or plastic faucet. If you already own a filter and think your faucet may contain lead, contact the manufacturer to find out. Some companies may be able to supply you with a steel or plastic replacement. Or you can contact the CEH, which will test your water and filter for lead for$l6.50 (about half the price likely to be charged by a private testing firm); call 888-804-1866.

Of the 16 filters tested by the CEH, the Omni and Franke filter products listed below were identified as adding the highest levels of lead; the other four raised lead levels slightly.

Omni OT-2. Omni acknowledges it has used lead-containing faucets in other models as well and is in the process of changing to plastic components in all models. For a free replacement faucet for any Omni filter, cal1 800-937-6664.

FrankeUF. Fra nke has taken this model off the market. For a full refund, call 800-626-5771. A company spokes person says other Franke models do not have the same problem.

AmetekCCF. The No. 1 seller of home water-filter systems, Ametek has agreed to change its entire line of products to stainless-steel or plastic faucets by November 1, 1998. If you already own an Ametek filter, the company will send you a replacement part free of charge; call 800-2 22-7558.

Amway WTS. Amway says the CEH study is "scientifically flawed" and notes that its filter meets all EPA and NSF standards. While a letter from the company conceded this product may leach smalI quantities of lead, the amounts remain below EPA action levels. The company is not taking corrective action.

Aqua- Pure CRF. The company is in the process of changing to stainless steel components in all models. For a free replacement faucet for any AquaPure model, call 800-835-1919.

Water Boss MPD. The line has been discontinued, although some models may still be available in stores. Water Boss admits the product may leach lead, but argues that the filters are still in compliance with EPA standards. If you own this filter and want to order a nonleaded faucet, call the manufacturer, Touch-FlowCorp., at 818-843-8117; the part will cost $24.99. -K.M.