CoreXchange carbon fiber block media Pure XP independently tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics 2026 research some bottled water topped tap for nanoplastics NSF/ANSI 42 + NSF 372 material safety, lead-free Refill, do not rebuy less plastic, less cost Made in the USA Pure XP filters Published testing documentation CoreXchange carbon fiber block media Pure XP independently tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics 2026 research some bottled water topped tap for nanoplastics NSF/ANSI 42 + NSF 372 material safety, lead-free Refill, do not rebuy less plastic, less cost Made in the USA Pure XP filters Published testing documentation
Pure XP Pitcher Add to Cart

Bottled water vs filtered tap

Bottled water is not automatically cleaner.

New 2026 research found some bottled water carried more nanoplastic particles than treated tap. Filtered tap through Pure XP reduces over 99.9% of microplastics, with no plastic bottle. Nano XP is a strong specialized choice that also retains fluoride.

99.9% micro Pure XP microplastics reduction, independently tested
3x more nanoplastics in some bottled vs tap, 2026 study
Made in the USA Pure XP + Nano XP filters are made in the USA
Buy Pure XP Pitcher Buy Nano XP
Reduces over 99.9% of microplastics NSF/ANSI 42 + NSF 372 materials Refill instead of rebuy

The quick picture

Bottled water is not a guaranteed upgrade. In 2026, some of it tested worse than the tap next door.

Here is the short version: plastic particles show up in both bottled and tap water, and recent research found certain bottled brands carried more nanoplastics than nearby treated tap. A filter tested for microplastics lets you clean the water you already pay for, then refill a reusable bottle instead of buying new plastic every week.

5mm 1um
Microplastics 5mm down to microns
Nanoplastics small enough to cross into the body
Cleaner pour filter first, refill after
01

Bottled is not automatically cleaner.

A 2026 study found some bottled brands carried about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water sampled nearby. Much bottled water is simply packaged municipal water.

02

The particles are tiny and everywhere.

Earlier research estimated bottled water can hold around 240,000 fragments per liter, most of them nanoplastics small enough to pass into the bloodstream.

03

Filtering is a practical step.

A filter tested for microplastics reduces particles in the water you drink, and a reusable bottle skips the recurring plastic and cost of single-use packs.

Two things a microplastics filter must get right

It has to reduce the particles, and it must not add plastics back into your water.

Pure XP is independently tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics. It is also NSF certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for material safety and lead-free wetted materials, so the filter itself is built for safe daily contact. Reducing tiny particles is the job. Not shedding new ones is the baseline.

Epic water filter materials and certification visual
99.9% microplastics reduction, independently tested Pure XP, over 99.9% in independent testing.
NSF 42 Pure XP + Nano XP material safety Certification for materials in contact with your water.
NSF 372 lead-free wetted materials Lead-content standard for drinking water products.
70+ contaminants Pure XP is tested to reduce Microplastics is one of many, including PFAS and lead.

The simple checklist

Three boxes to check before you swap bottled for filtered.

1

Tested for microplastics

  • Pure XP is independently tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics.
  • Look for a published number, not a vague claim.
  • Nano XP adds microbiological reduction.
2

Material safety

  • Pure XP and Nano XP are NSF certified to 42 and 372.
  • Lead-free, BPA/BPS-free materials for daily contact.
  • A microplastics filter should not shed plastics itself.
3

Daily behavior

  • Keep a reusable bottle by the door.
  • Refill from the filter instead of buying cases.
  • Replace the cartridge on schedule.

Inside the filter

The visual version: tap water goes in, the carbon fiber block traps particles, cleaner water comes out.

Pure XP pairs a solid carbon fiber block with a nano-fiber wrap. For microplastics the mechanism is physical: the layered media strains and traps particles as water passes through, in a gravity-fed pitcher people actually keep refilling.

01
Particle capture The nano-fiber wrap and carbon block trap microplastics and nanoplastics.
02
Broad contaminant focus Pure XP also targets PFAS, lead, VOCs, and chlorine taste/odor.
03
Format fit Pure XP, Nano XP, dispenser, or under-sink depending on routine.
Tap water in
Layer 1: Nano fiber media
Layer 2: Carbon fiber block core
Filtered water out

A look inside

Skip the bottle. Keep the routine simple.

Fill Filter Pour into your bottle Reuse Replace cartridge on schedule

Choose your setup

The same Epic products, focused on a bottled-to-filtered switch.

Use the direct buttons below to add the exact product to cart.

Epic Pure XP Pitcher
Best all-around

Pure XP Pitcher

Simple fridge filter, independently tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics plus 70+ contaminants.

  • Tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics
  • NSF certified to 42 + 372 materials, lead-free
  • 100-gallon capacity, roughly 3 to 4 months
Buy Pure XP Pitcher
Epic Pure XP Dispenser
Best for families

Pure XP Dispenser

Same Pure XP filter, more capacity, so the whole household refills bottles instead of buying them.

  • Same filter, over 99.9% of microplastics
  • More ready-to-pour water for busy homes
  • Great for fridge or counter routines
Buy Dispenser
Epic Nano XP Pitcher
Microplastics + microbiological

Nano XP Pitcher

For microplastics plus microbiological concerns, while maintaining fluoride.

  • Reduces over 99.9% of microplastics
  • Adds microbiological contaminant reduction
  • Maintains fluoride
Buy Nano XP
Epic Smart Shield Max under-sink water filter
Best under sink

Smart Shield Max

Tap-first filtration so your cooking and drinking water is filtered straight from the cold tap.

  • CoreXchange carbon block media
  • Up to 750 gallons per filter
  • Filtered cold water for drinking and cooking
Buy Smart Shield Max

Fast decision guide

Pick by routine, not by overthinking.

Bottled water is a recurring cost and a pile of plastic. The product decision is a daily-use problem you can solve once.

Epic Pure XP water filter in everyday kitchen use
Pure XP
Choose this for broad everyday coverage, including over 99.9% of microplastics. Great first move for most fridge routines.
Nano XP
Choose this for microplastics plus microbiological concerns. Good when fluoride retention is part of the decision.
Dispenser
Choose this when the whole household keeps refilling. Same Pure XP filter, more ready water.
Max
Choose this when you want filtration at the sink. Filtered cold water for cooking and drinking.
Need Pure XP Nano XP Max
Microplastics reduction 99.9%+ 99.9%+ Carbon block
No install Yes Yes No
NSF certifications 42/372 42/372 N/A

Quick answers

Bottled water vs filtered tap FAQ, minus the wall of text.

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Not automatically. Recent 2026 research found that some bottled water carried more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water sampled nearby, and much bottled water is simply packaged municipal water. Filtered tap water through a filter tested for microplastics gives you cleaner water without the plastic bottle. Pure XP is independently tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics.

Does bottled water contain microplastics?

Yes. A 2024 study estimated bottled water can contain roughly 240,000 plastic fragments per liter, most of them nanoplastics, and a 2026 study found some bottled brands carried about three times more nanoplastic particles than nearby treated tap water. Nanoplastics are small enough to pass into the bloodstream, which is why researchers are paying close attention.

Does a water filter remove microplastics from tap water?

A filter designed and tested for microplastics can reduce them. Pure XP uses a carbon fiber block with a nano-fiber wrap and is independently tested to reduce over 99.9% of microplastics. Nano XP is a strong specialized option that also reduces microbiological contaminants while maintaining fluoride.

Is filtered tap water cheaper than bottled water?

Usually by a wide margin. Bottled water can cost hundreds of times more per gallon than tap water. A refillable pitcher plus a reusable bottle removes most of that recurring cost and the plastic waste that comes with single-use bottles.

Is Pure XP NSF certified for microplastics?

Pure XP is NSF certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, which cover material safety and lead-free wetted materials. Its microplastics reduction is independently lab-tested to over 99.9%. Certified materials and tested reduction performance are two different things, and we publish both so you can review them.

Why is bottled water getting attention in 2026?

Microplastics and nanoplastics are a fast-growing research and regulatory topic. In April 2026 the EPA named microplastics a priority contaminant group for drinking water for the first time, and new 2026 studies keep measuring plastic particles in both bottled and tap water. That has renewed the question of whether bottled water is actually a safer choice.

Does boiling or freezing bottled water remove the plastic?

No. Boiling does not remove microplastics, and some research suggests heat and repeated handling of plastic bottles can release more particles. Filtering with a filter that is tested for microplastics is the more reliable step.

Ready to make the switch?

Filter what you already pay for. Skip the bottle.

Pure XP for broad everyday filtration including over 99.9% of microplastics. Nano XP for microplastics plus microbiological concerns while keeping fluoride. Dispenser for more household capacity.

Buy Pure XP Pitcher Buy Nano XP Buy Dispenser

Bottled-versus-tap microplastics findings are summarized from a 2026 Ohio State University study reported by Ohio State News and Phys.org, and the roughly 240,000 fragments-per-liter estimate is from the 2024 nanoplastics research described by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. General drinking water and microplastics context is from the US EPA Safe Drinking Water program. NSF standards background is summarized from NSF consumer resources, and Epic test data from the Epic testing and certifications page. NSF certification and independent contaminant-reduction testing are not the same thing; Pure XP is NSF certified to Standard 42 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for material safety and lead-free materials, and its microplastics reduction is independently lab-tested to over 99.9%. Review each product page for exact standards, claims, and contaminant lists. A water filter reduces microplastics at the point of use; check your local water quality report to understand what is in your tap. Product performance can vary by water quality, usage, and filter replacement schedule. Last updated July 2026.