95/ 100
A
OverallC73/100
New Wave Enviro Alkaline Plus PH Water Pitcher

NewWays · Pitcher Water Filters & Cartridges

New Wave Enviro Alkaline Plus PH Water Pitcher

A · Very low PFAS

Lower-concern design, but brand silence on PFAS leaves a gap, verify cartridge sourcing before buying.

Verdict: Buy with careLower PFAS risk design with activated carbon, but brand transparency gap on cartridge sourcing and BPA-free claim verification warrant cautious use and regular cartridge replacement.

Alkaline water pitchers typically use plastic housings and activated carbon filters, neither of which commonly requires PFAS treatment. However, NewWays provides no public disclosure about PFAS screening, cartridge suppliers, or third-party testing.

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Material

Pitcher housing (plastic/BPA-free typically claimed); activated carbon cartridge

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

The New Wave Enviro Alkaline Plus pitcher housing is plastic marketed as BPA-free, which typically means polypropylene or polyethylene rather than polycarbonate. The filter cartridge contains activated carbon designed to remove chlorine, taste, and odor, plus mineral media claimed to raise pH and add alkalinity. Activated carbon itself is inert when maintained properly, but degradation or saturation of the cartridge can allow bacterial colonization or recontamination of water if not replaced on schedule.

The brand's record and disclosure

NewWays has not published detailed material certifications, manufacturing origin statements, or third-party testing results for this product in publicly available sources. The BPA-free claim is present but not backed by NSF, WQA, or FDA documentation on file. The brand's silence on PFAS in filter media is notable given that some activated carbon cartridges can leach PFOA or PFOS if not carefully sourced; without explicit sourcing transparency, this becomes a verification gap rather than a known risk.

How it compares in its category

Pitcher filters with alkaline mineral media are a crowded segment. Brands like PUR and Brita publish NSF/WQA certifications; ZeroWater publishes TDS reduction testing; NewWays Enviro does not appear in NSF certified product databases. The activated carbon + mineralizer design is common but effectiveness claims (pH boost, alkalinity) are unverified by independent testing on this brand. Price positioning suggests budget-friendly intent, which often correlates with lower cartridge sourcing oversight.

If you buy it

Replace cartridges every 2-3 months or per the manufacturer schedule, whichever is sooner, to prevent bacterial regrowth inside the filter media. Do not store filled pitcher in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 85F, as this accelerates cartridge degradation and can increase leaching risk. Before first use, flush the pitcher with tap water 3-4 times to clear carbon dust. If you have specific concerns about PFAS or want mineral-addition verification, contact the brand for third-party test certificates before committing to regular purchase.

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

Bacterial growth in filter cartridge

Activated carbon cartridges can harbor bacteria if not replaced timely or if pitcher is stored in warm conditions. This product does not appear to include antimicrobial treatment or silver-ion inhibition as standard.

None known

BPA and other estrogenic compounds in pitcher housing

Manufacturer claims BPA-free status, but no independent certification visible. If polypropylene, risk is minimal; if undisclosed plastic, verification is advised before purchase. BPA leaching risk increases if pitcher is exposed to heat or dishwasher.

Possible

Leaching from mineralizer media or cartridge binder

Alkaline mineral cartridges sometimes use zeolite, limestone, or other media held together by epoxy or other binders. NewWays has not published composition or leachate testing, so mineral or binder leaching into water cannot be ruled out.

Reported

Cartridge housing or media degradation over time

User reports and general pitcher filter reviews cite cartridge material breakdown, color change, or sediment visible in water after 2-3 months of use. This is not unique to this brand but indicates monitoring is necessary.

Possible

Activated carbon saturation and recontamination

If cartridge is not replaced on schedule, activated carbon becomes saturated and can release previously trapped contaminants back into water. This product does not feature indicator dyes or sensor technology to signal cartridge exhaustion.

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.