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Why we tested Ecofiltro for 6 months
Issues with tap water in France
I will start with an observation that personally caught my attention when I began to delve into the subject. According to a recent study by Global Coolers, only 80% of French people trust tap water.. It is the lowest level ever recorded in history. And frankly, when you dig a little deeper, you understand why this mistrust is growing.
More than 40% of tap water samples in France contain PFAS. - these famous "forever pollutants" that are increasingly being talked about. But that's not all. An investigation by 60 Millions de Consommateurs revealed that 78% of bottled mineral waters contain microplastics.. So there you have it, between the tap and the bottle, we find ourselves a bit stuck.
For my part, since I became interested in natural health—and it's now been over 20 years since I created Biovie—the quality of water has always been a central concern. We have tested quite a few solutions over the years: filter jugs, reverse osmosis systems, Personally, I have been filtering my water for 30 years, and I am now using our Ecofiltro. Our motivation? To find a solution that is effective, ecological, and realistic for a family's daily life.
Our promise: a 100% transparent review with advantages AND disadvantages
We purchased our Ecofiltro before we started selling it following a discovery of this filter during a trip to Costa Rica. We used it regularly for 6 months, and I will tell you exactly what we thought of it. This has always been Biovie's philosophy: we are the first consumers of the products we sell, and we personally know the strengths AND weaknesses of each solution.
For those who wish to first understand the basic principles of how Ecofiltro works, I invite you to consult our detailed article on Ecofiltro technology.
Our 6-month testing protocol
Methodology: daily use, regular measurements
We installed our Ecofiltro in May 2025, and we have been using it as the main source of drinking water for the whole family.
I should mention that we have rather hard tap water in the Gard, which didn't make things easier. So it was a test in real conditions, not in a sterile laboratory.
Evaluated criteria: taste, flow, maintenance, cost, efficiency
We evaluated Ecofiltro on five main criteria:
- The taste of water : Do we really feel a difference ?
- The flow rate : How long does it take to filter a liter ?
- The interview : is it restrictive on a daily basis ?
- The real cost : what budget over 6 months ?
- Efficiency : Does it really filter pollutants ?
Spoiler: the results were mixed. But I will return to this in detail in the following sections.
What we liked: the real benefits of Ecofiltro
Improved taste of water (week-by-week evolution)
The first thing that struck us was the taste. From the second week (the first week, it has a clay taste as the ceramic absorbs at the start), we noticed a real difference. Our well tap water became much softer and more pleasant to drink. Aurélie, who is very sensitive to tastes, immediately embraced it.
She is so good that Zia is self-sufficient with this filter and has started drinking more water naturally, without us needing to remind her.
According to the Global Coolers study, 59% of French people would drink more tap water if its taste were improved.. I can tell you that with us, that's exactly what happened. Moreover, if you are looking for other solutions to ensure pure and hydrating water all year round, we tested several complementary approaches.
Ecological solution (clay, zero waste, compostable filter)
What really attracted me to Ecofiltro is the ecological approach. The system is made of natural clay, not plastic. The filter is compostable or can be turned into a flower pot at the end of its life. Zero plastic waste, no cartridge to throw away every month. For someone who has been advocating for organic and ecological products for years - which was one of the reasons for creating Biovie in 2007 - this is a significant argument.
74% of French people believe that companies should make water conservation a priority.. With Ecofiltro, we feel a bit more aligned with our values. And honestly, that is priceless. This approach fits perfectly with our philosophy of living food where pure water is a fundamental pillar.
Autonomy (no electrical or plumbing connection)
Another big advantage: total autonomy. No need for an electrical connection, no need for plumbing, no need for water pressure. You place your Ecofiltro on the countertop, fill the top container, and that's it. Gravity does the rest.
We, who have tested quite a few filtration systems over the years - I particularly think of our experience with the reverse osmosis system that required a whole installation under the sink - were really charmed by this simplicity. It's plug-and-play, low-tech version.
Aesthetics in the kitchen (design, natural materials)
I must admit that I did not expect the design to play such a significant role. The Ecofiltro is really beautiful. The natural materials (clay, ceramic) fit perfectly in our kitchen. It has become a decorative element in its own right.
Aurélie, who has always had an artist's eye for these things, has also gotten into the habit of photographing it for our Instagram account. And the feedback from our community has been unanimous: people find it pretty. This is not insignificant. When an object is beautiful, we are more inclined to use it daily.
Proven effectiveness against pollutants
Alright, let's talk seriously now. Does it really work? According to independent tests by the Measurlabs laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited), Ecofiltro filters effectively:
- 99% of microplastics
- 95% of PFAS
- More than 90% of pharmaceutical residues
- 99.9% of bacteria and parasites
We have not conducted laboratory analyses ourselves, but the results published by independent organizations are solid enough to have convinced us. Pure water naturally contributes to support the body's elimination functions.
What convinced us less: the real limitations
Now, let's talk about what bothers us. Because if I tell you that everything is perfect, you won't believe me. And you would be right.
Relatively slow speed (patience required)
The first disadvantage, and it is significant: the flow rate is slow compared to the kitchen faucet, of course. Then you need to plan ahead a bit to filter a new quantity of water. On average, you should expect about 1 hour to filter 3 liters of water.
The first few weeks, it annoyed me a bit, being used to other faster systems. For those of us accustomed to a different pace, this slowness required a bit of adjustment. You have to anticipate. Fill the pottery in the evening to have water the next morning, or in the morning for midday. Plan ahead.
But in reality, with a bit of organization, it is managed very well. And I realized that this "constraint" forced us to slow down a bit, to be more conscious of our water consumption. It's not necessarily a bad thing.
Initial price higher than basic carafe
Third point: the price. An Ecofiltro is significantly more expensive than a basic filtering carafe at €30. For many people, this is a deterrent.
So yes, if you do the calculation in the long term, Ecofiltro becomes cost-effective. But you need to have the amount to pay upfront.
Clutter on the work surface
Fourth disadvantage: the bulkiness. Ecofiltro takes up some space. About 20 cm in diameter. If you have a very small kitchen, it can quickly become problematic.
At our place, we have space, so it doesn't bother us, and besides, it's nice. But I understand that for a 25m² Parisian studio, it can be a deal-breaker. You really need to have a small dedicated spot on the countertop or on a piece of furniture.
Clay taste at the beginning (adaptation needed)
Fifth and final point: the initial clay taste. In the first few days, the water indeed had a slight clay taste. This is normal, as it takes time for the filter to stabilize. However, if you are very sensitive to tastes, it might put you off.
In our case, this taste completely disappeared after a week. But I have read accounts from people who experienced it for 2-3 weeks. It varies depending on the filters and the quality of the tap water.
Actual cost over 6 months: our detailed financial report
Initial investment
Let's start at the beginning: the initial purchase.
- Ecofiltro 8 liters : €144 (+ shipping)
Calculated depreciation (vs bottled water, vs carafe)
Now, let's compare with the alternatives over 6 months:
Bottled water (family of 4 people, 8L/day):
- Average price for a 1.5L bottle: €0.30
- Daily consumption: 8L = 5.3 bottles = €1.60/day
- Cost over 6 months (180 days): €288
- Economy with Ecofiltro : 288€ - 149€ = 139€
Basic water filter pitcher:
- Carafe: €30
- Cartridges (1 per month): 6 x €8 = €48
- Total cost for 6 months: €78
- Ecofiltro Surcharge : 149€ - 78€ = €71
Conclusion : Over 6 months, Ecofiltro is more expensive than a carafe (+€71) but widely more economical than bottled water (-€139).
Cost per year and over 5 years
Now, let's project in the long term:
Annual cost of Ecofiltro :
- Initial investment: €140 (year 1 only)
- Filter replacement: €50/year (every 12 months)
- Maintenance: €18/year
- Year 1 : 140€ + 50€ + 18€ = 208€
- Subsequent years : 50€ + 18€ = €68/year
Cost over 5 years 208€ + (4 x 68€) = 480€ 480€
5-year comparison :
- Bottled water : 288€ x 10 semesters = €2,880
- Basic carafe(30€ + 96€) x 5 = €630
- Ecofiltro : 480€
Financial verdict : Over 5 years, Ecofiltro is the most economical option after the carafe, with a Economy of €2,400 vs bottled water and a moderate additional cost of €150 compared to a Brita carafe, but with a much higher filtration efficiency.
Ecofiltro vs alternatives: practical comparison
Now that we have tested Ecofiltro for 6 months, let's objectively compare it with the main alternatives on the market. If you want a comprehensive overview of the different filtration methods available, we have written a comprehensive guide.
Ecofiltro vs water filter pitcher
Water filter pitcher: the entry-level solution
Carafe benefits:
- Very affordable purchase price (€30)
- Compact, stores in the fridge
- Instant filtration (fills in 5 minutes)
- Easy to find (large retail)
Disadvantages of a carafe:
- Plastic cartridges (monthly waste)
- Limited effectiveness (chlorine, taste, some heavy metals)
- Does NOT filter PFAS or pharmaceutical residues
- Reduced capacity (2-3 liters max)
- Long-term cost of cartridges
Our opinion The carafe is a good entry-level solution for improving the taste of water. However, if you are looking for effective filtration against modern pollutants (PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceutical residues), it is not sufficient.
Ecofiltro vs under-sink filter
Under-sink filter : the discreet and practical solution
Under-sink filter advantages :
- Invisible (no clutter)
- Normal water flow (no waiting)
- Efficient filtration (according to model)
- Large capacity (several thousand liters)
Disadvantages of under-sink filter :
- Complex installation (plumber often required)
- High price (200-500€ depending on the model)
- Technical maintenance (cartridge replacement)
- Not portable (fixed under the sink)
Our opinion : Excellent solution if you are a homeowner and have the budget. But for renters or those looking for a simple and standalone solution, Ecofiltro is more suitable.
Ecofiltro vs reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis system : the maximum filtration
Advantages of a reverse osmosis system :
- The most comprehensive filtration on the market (99.9%)
- Eliminates absolutely everything (viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, PFAS, etc.)
- Immediate water flow
Disadvantages of a reverse osmosis system :
- Very high price (500-1000€)
- Complex installation (plumber required)
- Water waste: rejects 3 to 5 liters of water for 1 liter filtered
- Total demineralization: the water must be remineralized afterwards
Our opinion The reverse osmosis system is the most technically effective solution, but also the least environmentally friendly. Water waste is a real ethical issue. Ecofiltro is simpler, more eco-friendly, but slightly less effective on certain specific pollutants.
Synthetic comparison table
Here is a visual summary of our comparisons:
Price : Carafe < Ecofiltro < Osmosis System
Filtration efficiency : Osmosis system > Ecofiltro > Carafe
Ecology : Ecofiltro > Carafe > Osmosis System
Ease of use : Carafe > Ecofiltro > Osmosis system
Who is Ecofiltro really suitable for ?
Profile 1: Large family (4+ people)
Honestly? For a family of 4 or more, the 5-liter Ecofiltro might be a bit limited in terms of flow rate. You'll spend your time refilling the tank. In this case, I would recommend a 20-liter Ecofiltro instead (but it takes up space).
Profile 2: Childless couple
This is the ideal profile for Ecofiltro. Two people who consume about 3-4 liters of water per day, it's perfect. You fill it in the morning, and you have water for the day.
Profile 3: Single in an apartment
Also a very good profile. The only downside is the bulkiness in a small kitchen. But for a single person, an Ecofiltro can last the whole week without daily refilling.
Profile 4: Very hard or polluted water
If you live in an area where the water is really bad (hard water, strong taste, suspicion of pollution), Ecofiltro is an excellent solution. The feedback we have received from customers in the North of France or the Paris region is excellent.
Moreover, water quality does not only concern drinking water. Have you thought about filter your shower water ?Your skin also absorbs pollutants, including chlorine and other contaminants present in the water.
Our maintenance routine after 6 months
Weekly maintenance
Once a week or every 15 days, we gently scrub the ceramic filter with a clean brush (without any product). This removes any limescale deposits that may slow down the flow.
Monthly maintenance
Once a month, we do a thorough cleaning:
- Dismantling of all the elements
- Soaking in a solution of diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water)
- Abundant rinsing
- Complete drying before reassembly
Errors to avoid
The mistakes we made and that are better avoided:
- Let the water stagnate for a long time : if you leave for more than 3/4 days, completely empty the Ecofiltro
- Use chemicals : never use soap or dishwashing liquid on the filter
- Rub too hard : the ceramic filter is fragile
- Forget the weekly maintenance : the flow slows down quickly if not cleaned
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ecofiltro effective for filtering water ?
Yes, according to independent tests by the Measurlabs laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited). Ecofiltro filters 99% of microplastics, 95% of PFAS, and more than 90% of pharmaceutical residues. It has also obtained NSF 42 certifications (improvement of taste, odor, chlorine) and NSF 53 (reduction of contaminants impacting health).
Is Ecofiltro worth it financially ?
In the long term (2 years and more), yes. The initial investment is higher than a carafe (€140 vs €30), but the maintenance costs are low (a filter lasts 12 months for about €50). Compared to bottled water, The savings are substantial: around €2,400 over 5 years.. The break-even point with a Brita pitcher is reached after 2 years.
What are the disadvantages of Ecofiltro ?
The main disadvantages are: the slow flow (approximately 2 hours to filter 8L), theregular maintenance required (weekly mandatory cleaning), the high initial price (140€), and theclutter on the countertop (30 cm in diameter, 35 cm in height). There is also a slight taste of clay in the first few days, which disappears after a week.
Our final verdict after 6 months
Who is Ecofiltro recommended for?
We recommend Ecofiltro for:
- The Couples or small families (2-3 people)
- The people sensitive to ecology
- Those who have a poor tap water
- People who are looking for a autonomous solution (without electricity or plumbing)
For whom is Ecofiltro not recommended?
We do not recommend Ecofiltro for:
- The large families (4+ people) with high water consumption
- People who don't no room on their work plan
- Those who easily forget regular maintenance
- People with very tight budget (prefer a carafe in this case)
Alternatives to consider
If Ecofiltro does not suit you, consider:
- Carafe: for a tight budget
- Reverse osmosis system : for maximum filtration (but be careful of water waste)
- Hydrogenated water : to complement your approach to quality water, Discover the antioxidant properties of hydrogen-enriched water.
Where to buy Ecofiltro at the best price
After 6 months of daily use, our verdict is mixed but overall positive. Ecofiltro is not perfect - the slightly slow flow rate and regular maintenance require some organization - but for us, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
The water really tastes better. We have reduced our ecological footprint by eliminating plastic bottles. And most importantly, we have the peace of mind of drinking water free from the majority of modern pollutants.
Is it the miracle solution? No. Is it an excellent solution for a couple or a small family concerned about their health and the environment? Definitely yes.
As always at Biovie, we only offer solutions that we use ourselves on a daily basis. Ecofiltro is now part of our routine, and we are happy to be able to share it with you.
