95/ 100
A
OverallF59/100
NatureFlow Water Filter Pitcher with 5 Filters

NewWays · Pitcher Water Filters & Cartridges

NatureFlow Water Filter Pitcher with 5 Filters

A · Very low PFAS

Lower-concern design, but zero transparency on filter media, push the brand for PFAS disclosure.

Verdict: Buy with careActivated carbon pitcher with lower PFAS risk but murky filter media transparency and standard plastic housing concerns require informed maintenance.

Water filter pitchers using activated carbon and standard plastic are unlikely to intentionally incorporate PFAS, since the mechanism does not require Teflon-family coating or water-repellent coatings. However, NewWays provides no public statement about PFAS-free certification or filter composition.

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Material

activated carbon filters, plastic pitcher housing

Brand disclosure

Brand is silent on PFAS

Lab data

No public lab test

Why this grade

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement about PFAS in this product.

Hurts the grade

Safe base material

Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).

Helps the grade

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

NatureFlow uses activated carbon cartridges (standard coconut or mineral coal) housed in a plastic pitcher body. Activated carbon itself is inert and food-safe when properly manufactured, but the pitcher's plastic housing (likely polypropylene or polystyrene) can leach chemicals if exposed to heat, acidic liquids, or prolonged contact with certain contaminants. The filter media composition, particularly whether it contains ion-exchange resins or other treatment agents, is not publicly disclosed by NewWays, creating uncertainty about secondary leaching risks.

The brand's record and disclosure

NewWays maintains silence on PFAS in filter media and provides no third-party certifications (NSF, WQA, ANSI) or independent lab reports for contaminant removal claims on this product line. The brand does not publicly detail filter material sourcing, manufacturing standards, or end-of-life disposal guidance. This lack of transparency is common in budget pitcher brands but limits consumer ability to verify safety claims or understand what the filters actually remove or may introduce.

How it compares in its category

Pitcher filters are among the least-regulated water treatment products; NewWays' design is typical for this low-cost segment. Premium competitors (Brita, PUR, ZeroWater with NSF certification) disclose more about filter chemistry and conduct published third-party testing. NewWays' claim of 5 included filters is a volume advantage but does not compensate for absence of quality or safety documentation. Unfiltered tap water in most developed regions poses greater risk than a properly maintained activated carbon pitcher, but certified brands offer more accountability.

If you buy it

Replace filters every 40-80 gallons or monthly, whichever comes first, to prevent bacterial growth and carbon saturation. Never use hot water in the pitcher, as heat accelerates plastic leaching. Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not rely on this pitcher alone for contamination removal if your tap water is already unsafe (boil or use certified treatment first). Rinse the pitcher with cool tap water before first use to remove any residual dust from manufacturing.

Beyond PFAS: other things we checked

Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”

Possible

Plastic housing leachables (BPA/BPS)

The pitcher body material is not specified by the manufacturer. If polycarbonate (unlikely at this price point) or lower-grade polypropylene, exposure to chlorinated or acidic water over weeks could leach small amounts of monomers. Risk is low but unquantified due to absent material disclosure.

Reported

Bacterial colonization in filter cartridges

Pitcher filters are documented in peer literature to harbor bacteria (Pseudomonas, Legionella) if not replaced on schedule or if the pitcher sits at room temperature for extended periods. NewWays provides no literature on filter microbial testing or maintenance intervals, increasing user dependency on correct behavior.

Likely

Activated carbon filter degradation and performance loss

Activated carbon's adsorption capacity is finite and not monitored by the user. Once saturated, the filter may stop removing contaminants or, in rare cases, release previously trapped compounds back into water. No indicator or guidance from NewWays exists to help users know when filters are exhausted.

None known

Teflon-type coating or non-stick compounds in filter media

Activated carbon cartridges typically do not contain Teflon-type coating, but NewWays does not disclose whether ion-exchange resins or other synthetic media are present. No recalls or reports of Teflon-type coating fume risk specific to this product are on record.

Possible

Microplastics shedding from pitcher or filter housing

Plastic pitcher bodies and filter cartridge housing can degrade microscopically over months of use, especially if subject to friction or temperature fluctuation. NewWays has not tested or disclosed potential microplastic release; risk is low but unvalidated.

What we don’t know

This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% confidence. It is not a lab result.

No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.

The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.

Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.

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More pitcher water filters & cartridges grades

How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.