Filtering tap water: PFAS, pesticides, chlorine — what solutions?

An activated carbon filter or a gravity filtration system effectively removes 85 to 99% of common contaminants from tap water, such as chlorine, pesticides, and long-chain PFAS. In France, 43% of tap water contains PFAS, those infamous "forever chemicals" that everyone has been talking about for the past two years.

At Biovie, we have been working on the subject of water for several decades because, for us, water is the foundation of everything. Honestly, what's the point of eating organic, sprouting seeds, and making beautiful juices with an extractor if the water we use for all that is contaminated with pesticides and eternal pollutants ?

Water is the primary living food. It's the one we consume the most, the one that is part of everything we prepare. And yet, it might be the one we pay the least attention to. So today, I suggest we take a closer look at what your tap water really contains, why it has become essential to filter it, and especially what concrete solutions exist — without breaking the bank and without complicated installations.

What is really in your tap water in 2025

PFAS — the "forever chemicals" present in 43% of French water

Let's start with the topic that has been making the most noise in recent months: PFAS. This somewhat daunting acronym stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as "forever chemicals" because they hardly ever break down in the environment. They are found in food packaging, non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, and unfortunately, in our drinking water.

In France, according to the study conducted by Générations Futures in 2024, 43% of tap water contains PFAS. But this figure doesn't tell the whole story. Anses, in its 2023-2025 national campaign, revealed that TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), a particularly widespread PFAS, is detected in 92% of distributed water samples. 92%. And the most troubling part is that this TFA is not included in any regulatory standards to date.

Concretely, what does that mean? That your tap water can be declared "compliant with standards" while containing substances that no one officially measures. Three cities have been identified as exceeding regulatory thresholds: Cognac, Martres-Tolosane, and Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon. But these cases only represent the tip of the iceberg.

There are more than 12,000 different PFAS, and French standards cover only about twenty of them. The French standard is set at 100 ng/l for 20 PFAS, compared to 4 ng/l in the United States and 2 ng/l in Denmark. This discrepancy is quite striking.

Pesticides, nitrates, and pharmaceutical residues — an invisible cocktail

Unfortunately, PFAS are not the only unwanted guests in our water. In France, 93% of watercourses are contaminated by pesticides. These substances end up in groundwater and therefore in our drinking water, particularly in regions of intensive agriculture such as Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and Île-de-France.

And then there are nitrates, pharmaceutical residues, microplastics... A true invisible cocktail whose combined long-term effects are still very poorly understood. What is certain is that since 1980, 14,300 water catchments have been closed in France, 32% of which were due to water quality degradation. This figure alone should concern us.

Chlorine and PVC — the unknown risks of treatments and pipelines

Chlorine, we know it well: it's what gives tap water that unpleasant taste. It is added to disinfect the water during its transport through the pipes, and it is actually the primary source of dissatisfaction among French consumers. 59% of them would be willing to drink more tap water if the taste were improved. The activated charcoal is actually the oldest and most proven solution to eliminate that chlorine taste.

But there is a topic that is much less talked about: VCM, vinyl chloride monomer. According to an investigation by Reporterre published in January 2025, 6,410 non-conformities were identified between 2014 and 2024 in 9 French regions. VCM comes from the degradation of old PVC pipes, and it is a known carcinogen. This is an angle that almost no one addresses, yet it is a real public health issue.

Why filtering your water has become essential

Is tap water really drinkable? What the standards say

So yes, we are told that tap water in France is one of the most monitored food products. And it's true. In fact, 80% of French people say they trust their tap water — but this is a historically low level. Trust is eroding, and for good reason.

The problem is that "potable" does not mean "pure." Potability standards cover about 60 substances, but thousands are detected in our water. It's a bit like organic products, and it reminds me of what I wrote on Mediapart: we monitor those who do well, and let those who pollute continue quietly. Here, it's the same: the standards are reassuring, but they only cover a fraction of emerging contaminants.

The impact of contaminants on health

Without falling into alarmism, we must face the facts. PFAS are proven endocrine disruptors. Even at low doses, chronic exposure can have consequences on the thyroid, immune system, and fertility. Pesticides in water are associated with increased risks of certain diseases. Microplastics, traces of which are found in almost all tested waters, are only just beginning to be studied for their effects on our bodies.

For sensitive populations — pregnant women, infants, immunocompromised individuals — the issue of water quality is truly not trivial. And even for all of us, on a daily basis, reducing our exposure to these substances is a sensible approach.

Filtered water and raw food: why they are inseparable

This is where our approach at Biovie stands out from what you will find elsewhere. And it's an angle that no one addresses in articles about filtration, yet it is fundamental.

When you germinate your seeds, when you prepare a green juice with the extractor, when you rinse your organic vegetables, when you prepare a kefir or a Kombucha — you are using water. A lot of water. And if this water contains chlorine, pesticides, PFAS, you are significantly reducing the benefits of your raw food approach.

It's like buying organic food and cooking it in contaminated water. It doesn't make sense. Filtered water is the foundation, the basis of any coherent living diet. And frankly, it might be the simplest and most impactful action you can take for your health on a daily basis.

Comparison of filtration solutions — advantages and limitations

Now that we have thoroughly examined the problem, let's move on to the solutions. And there are several, each with its strengths and weaknesses. I will present to you the four main filtration technologies, honestly, sharing what we at Biovie think about them after 18 years of experience in these matters.

Here is a comparative summary:

• Activated carbon (block) : partially removes PFAS, effective against chlorine and pesticides, annual cost of 30 to 80 €, very easy to use
• Gravity filter (Ecofiltro type) : partially eliminates PFAS, effective against chlorine and pesticides, annual cost of 20 to 40 €, very easy to use, zero energy
• Reverse osmosis : eliminates more than 90% of PFAS, chlorine, and pesticides, annual cost of 100 to 200 €, more complex installation
• Water filter pitcher : low effectiveness on PFAS and pesticides, partially reduces chlorine, annual cost of 50 to 100 €, very easy to use
• UV : does not eliminate PFAS, chlorine, or chemical pesticides (only effective against bacteria), annual cost of €80 to €150

Activated charcoal — the most versatile natural technology

The activated charcoal, It is an ancient technology that has proven its worth. Its principle is simple: water passes through a block of charcoal that captures chlorine, pesticides, heavy metals, some long-chain PFAS, and even pharmaceutical residues through adsorption.

What makes the difference is the shape of the charcoal. Block activated charcoal is significantly more effective than granular activated charcoal (the kind found in filter pitchers) because the contact time between the water and the charcoal is much longer. This is an important point that many people are unaware of.

At Biovie, we offer Binchotan charcoal, a traditional Japanese activated charcoal that naturally purifies water in a carafe. It is an accessible solution for those who want to start gently purifying their tap water.

Gravity filtration — simplicity, zero energy, zero plastic waste

Gravity filtration is the simplest principle that exists for filtering tap water: the water passes through a filter solely due to the force of gravity. No electricity, no connections, no pressure. It's low tech in its finest form, and you know how much this topic is dear to us at Biovie.

TheEcofiltro, which we have been distributing since 2023, operates exactly on this principle. Its filter is made of clay, compressed sawdust, and colloidal silver. The clay and sawdust create a microporous structure that retains bacteria, chlorine, pesticides, and some heavy metals. The colloidal silver provides additional antibacterial action.

What convinced us about the Ecofiltro is the combination of its efficiency, simplicity, and its ridiculously low cost of use: about €0.02 per liter. Compared to bottled water at €0.30-0.50 per liter, the calculation is quickly made. We have been using it daily for 18 months now, and frankly, the taste of the water is nothing like what we had before. The children of our friends who try it at our place drink more easily, and it's a real pleasure to cook with water that has a neutral and clean taste.

For families, there is the Ecofiltro 20L model, which is perfectly suited for the daily consumption of 4 to 6 people.

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Ecofiltro White Water Filter - 20L

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Reverse osmosis — the radical solution (and its drawbacks)

Reverse osmosis is the Rolls-Royce of filtration systems in terms of pure efficiency. It removes more than 90% of PFAS, almost all pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics. On paper, it's unbeatable.

But we must be honest about the drawbacks, and they are not negligible. First, reverse osmosis completely demineralizes the water. It removes contaminants, but also essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Additionally, it wastes a significant amount of water: to produce 1 liter of filtered water, the system discards 3 to 4 liters of water. In a context of water resource scarcity, this is a real problem. Finally, it is an expensive system (€200 to €600 for purchase, plus €100 to €200 per year for maintenance), which requires under-sink installation and electricity.

For highly contaminated areas, reverse osmosis remains a relevant option. However, for the vast majority of households, it is an oversized solution. To learn more about the different approaches, consult our Complete guide on how to filter tap water.

Filtered carafes — why they are no longer enough

Let's talk frankly about Brita-type filter pitchers, as they are the most common solution in French households. About 20% of households own one. Their promise: to filter water for a better taste. And it's true that they reduce chlorine and partially reduce limescale.

But when it comes to PFAS, pesticides, and microplastics, filter pitchers are simply ineffective. The granular activated carbon they contain does not provide sufficient contact time to retain these contaminants. UFC-Que Choisir has confirmed this in its investigations. Furthermore, if poorly maintained, they can even become breeding grounds for bacteria.

I'm not saying you should throw away your carafe tomorrow morning. If you have no other solution and your water tastes bad, it's still better than nothing for chlorine. But if your goal is to protect yourself from emerging contaminants like forever pollutants, you need to go further.

The Ecofiltro solution — natural, effective, and sustainable filtration

The principle: clay, wood shavings, and colloidal silver — how it works

TheEcofiltro, It is a Guatemalan-origin filter that uses three 100% natural materials. Clay forms the basic structure of the filter, creating a fine porosity that retains particles and bacteria. Sawdust, compressed into the clay, increases the filtration surface and captures organic compounds. Colloidal silver, deposited on the surface, neutralizes bacteria and prevents their proliferation in the filter.

What is fascinating is that this principle of filtration has existed for centuries in Central America. We are truly in the realm of intelligent low tech, in line with the logic we advocate at Biovie: using proven natural principles rather than expensive and energy-consuming high technology.

What the Ecofiltro Really Filters — The Results of Our Tests

Specifically, the Ecofiltro retains chlorine, sediments, bacteria (notably E. coli), pesticides, and some heavy metals. For long-chain PFAS, the filtration is partial — it's important to be transparent about this. For smaller PFAS like TFA, neither the Ecofiltro nor most domestic filters are effective. Only reverse osmosis achieves significant removal rates for these molecules.

But here it is: for the vast majority of contaminants we are exposed to daily—chlorine, pesticides, bacteria, sediments—the Ecofiltro does its job remarkably well, without electricity, without installation, and for just a few cents per liter. It is the best system for naturally filtering tap water on a daily basis.

Ecofiltro on a daily basis — our feedback after 18 months

We have been using the Ecofiltro daily for 2 years now. And I can tell you that the most immediate change is the taste. The water no longer has any chlorine smell, it is clear, neutral, pleasant. We use it for everything: for drinking, for cooking, for our sprouts, for preparing our juices and our kefirs.

The maintenance is extremely simple: clean the ceramic filter every 4 to 6 weeks with a soft brush, and replace it every 12 months depending on the water quality in your area. That's it. No plastic cartridges to dispose of, no additional electricity bill, no need to call a plumber.

The design is also a real advantage. The Ecofiltro is a beautiful object in a kitchen. This is not a minor detail: when an object is beautiful, we use it daily. It's as simple as that.

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Ecofiltro Rose Water Filter - 5L

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How to choose and install your filtration solution

The 5 criteria for choosing the right filter according to your needs

Before you start, take 10 minutes to check the quality of your water. The website DansMonEau.fr compiles official data from the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) for each municipality and provides you with a clear view of the contaminants present in your water.

Next, here are the 5 criteria for making your choice:

• Contaminants present in your water : it is the number 1 criterion. If you are in a highly contaminated area (high PFAS, industrial zone), reverse osmosis may be necessary. For most households, a gravity filter or activated carbon filter will be more than sufficient.
• Your budget : an Ecofiltro costs between €80 and €150 to purchase, with €20 to €30 for refills per year. A reverse osmosis system costs €200 to €600 plus €100 to €200 per year for maintenance. Binchotan charcoal in a carafe is the cheapest option at less than €20.
• The size of your household : for a family of 4 to 6 people, the 20-liter model is ideal. For a couple or a single person, a more compact model will do the job.
• Your usage : if you use filtered water only for drinking, a small system is sufficient. If you cook, sprout seeds, and prepare juices, a higher flow system will be more comfortable.
• Your ecological sensitivity : gravity filtration and activated charcoal are the most environmentally friendly solutions — no electricity, no water waste, no disposable plastic.

Installation and maintenance — simple user manual

Here is our mini-protocol "pure water in 15 minutes":

For maintenance, cleaning the filter every 4 to 6 weeks and replacing it every 6 to 12 months is sufficient. The schedule is simple, and the time investment is almost negligible.

And don't forget that water filtration is not just about your glass of water. Exposure to pollutants also occurs through the skin in the shower and bath. In fact, we have also tested several anti-chlorine shower filters and the results on the skin and hair are really noticeable. If you are wondering why your daily shower can be a hidden source of chlorine exposure, this additional article will provide you with all the keys.

In conclusion

Here you go, I hope this article has helped you gain a clearer understanding of a topic that truly concerns everyone. Tap water contamination in France is neither a conspiracy theory nor a reason to panic, but it is a documented and measured reality that affects the entire country.

What strikes me is the discrepancy between the magnitude of the problem — 92% of samples contaminated with TFA, 43% containing PFAS, 14,300 catchments closed — and the slowness of regulatory responses. It's somewhat the same logic as with organic farming: constraints are placed on those who do things right, and action on the sources of pollution is delayed.

The good news is that you can take action now, simply, and at a minimal cost:

• A Ecofiltro comes to about €0.02 per liter — compared to €0.30 to €0.50 for bottled water. The return on investment is achieved in two months.
• A Binchotan charcoal In a carafe is a first step accessible to all budgets.
• And if you want to go further in your approach, filtered water is also the ideal base for germinating your seeds, for your juices, and for your fermentations.

The global residential filtration market is projected to grow from $22.7 billion in 2024 to $41 billion in 2035. This is no coincidence. People are becoming aware of what is happening in their water, and they are taking action.

As I often say: help yourself and heaven will help you. Start by checking your water, choose a solution that suits you, and take that first step. Pure water is the foundation of your health. And honestly, once you've tasted it, there's no going back.

If you are already engaged in a raw food approach or if you are considering a detox cure, think about starting with water. It is the first logical step, and it is the one that will have the most impact on everything else. And for even more optimal water, also discover the benefits of hydrogenated water in addition to your filtration.

Natural ceramic filtration • Guaranteed savings • 0 electricity • 0 waste

FAQ — Your questions about water filtration

Should tap water be filtered in France ?

Yes, and particularly since the revelations about PFAS in 2024. Even though French water meets drinking standards, these only cover a fraction of emerging contaminants. TFA, a ubiquitous PFAS, is detected in 92% of samples but is not yet regulated. An appropriate filter provides a simple and affordable additional protection for the whole family.

Which filter removes PFAS from tap water ?

Reverse osmosis removes more than 90% of PFAS, but it is an expensive and energy-intensive system. Block activated carbon filters retain a large portion of long-chain PFAS, as well as chlorine and pesticides. Gravity filters like theEcofiltro offer effective natural filtration against major contaminants, without electricity or complex installation.

Does the water filter pitcher protect against PFAS ?

No. Traditional filter pitchers use granular activated carbon, which has a contact time that is too short to retain PFAS. They partially reduce chlorine and limescale but are ineffective against pesticides, microplastics, and forever pollutants. For complete filtration, a block activated carbon filter or a gravity system is preferable.

How much does an effective filtration solution cost ?

A gravity filter like the Ecofiltro costs between €80 and €150 to purchase, with refills costing €20-30 per year — approximately €0.02 per liter. A reverse osmosis system costs €200 to €600 plus €100 to €200 per year for maintenance. Bottled water costs €0.30-0.50 per liter. Therefore, domestic filtration is significantly more economical and environmentally friendly.

Is filtered water better for health ?

Filtered water helps reduce daily exposure to chemical contaminants—chlorine, pesticides, PFAS—while retaining essential minerals, unlike reverse osmosis which completely demineralizes. For a living food or a detox cure, water without chemical residues can help optimize nutrient absorption.

Why does tap water taste like chlorine ?

Chlorine is added to disinfect water during its transport through pipelines. Its strong taste is the primary source of dissatisfaction among French consumers. A filter to activated charcoal eliminates chlorine and its taste in just a few seconds of contact.