Using Water Filters in Your Home

Do I Need a Drinking Water Filter?

Milwaukee’s water is treated to reduce lead, but older homes may still have lead service lines.

Consider a certified water filter if:

• Children under 6 live in your home.
• Someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding lives in your home.
• You live in a home with a lead service line, lead or galvanized plumbing, lead solder, or faucets installed before 2014.

Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead removal. View the NSF list of certified filters.

Types of filters:

• Faucet-mounted
• Under sink, Filter pitchers
• Whole house filters

Filters may use different treatment methods, such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis. View the water filter types flyer.

For additional guidance, review the CDC's information on choosing home water filters. 

Using a certified water filter can help reduce lead and other contaminants in your drinking water. To help ensure your filter works effectively:

• Follow the manufacturer’s setup and maintenance instructions.
• Replace filter cartridges on the recommended schedule.
• Keep the filter and surrounding area clean.
• Use cold filtered water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula.

Review the Dos and Dont's of Using a Filter flyer for more information about proper use and potential risks. The flyer is also available in Spanish.

For more detailed information, see the EPA guide to maintaining your water filter.