Fluoride in Tap Water: Filter Options to Reduce It

Puretec reverse osmosis under-sink system with filtered water tap

Most standard sediment and carbon filters are not designed to reduce fluoride. Puretec offers two options: the RO270 reverse osmosis system, which reduces fluoride by up to 96% long term, or the FL051 fluoride reduction cartridge, which reduces fluoride by up to 90% with a capacity of approximately 1,900 litres. Puretec states that a reverse osmosis system is the only sure way to reduce fluoride from your water supply long term.

Should you filter fluoride?

Puretec notes that whether fluoride in water has a positive or negative impact on health has long been debated, with research suggesting small doses can have a positive impact and high doses a detrimental one. Reducing fluoride at home is a personal choice. We don’t give medical or dental advice – speak with your doctor, dentist or state health department if you have health questions.

Option 1: RO270 reverse osmosis

The Puretec RO270 uses reverse osmosis to reject impurities and flush them down the drain. Puretec states it reduces up to 96% of all dissolved impurities, fluoride, heavy metals, salts, viruses, bacteria, cysts, nitrate, chlorine, taste, odour and chemicals, filtering down to 0.0005 micron (nominal). It is a point-of-use system with its own high-loop faucet, so it treats water at one tap – typically your kitchen drinking water.

Option 2: FL051 fluoride reduction cartridge

The Puretec FL051 was introduced as a pre-filter in a dual filtration system. Puretec states it:

reduces fluoride by up to 90%
has a capacity of approximately 1,900 litres
has a maximum recommended pH of 7.5.

Puretec suggests pairing it with a twin housing such as the CD13 (1/4″ connection) or CD13-3 (3/4″ connection), with a CB951-H cartridge as the second stage to reduce bad taste, odour, chlorine, cysts, sediment and heavy metals down to 0.5 micron (nominal). Because of the smaller capacity, expect to replace the FL051 far more often than an RO system’s filters.

RO270 vs FL051 at a glance

	RO270 reverse osmosis	FL051 cartridge
Fluoride reduction (Puretec)	Up to 96%	Up to 90%
Capacity	Long-term system	Approx. 1,900 litres
Also reduces	Dissolved impurities, heavy metals, salts, nitrate, chlorine and more	Fluoride (pair with a second-stage carbon cartridge)
Set-up	Complete tap and filter kit	Pre-filter in a twin housing

Not every filter targets fluoride

Many filters are designed to keep minerals and fluoride in the water. For example, Puretec states its X4 tap and filter kit “doesn’t remove essential minerals or fluoride”. Always check the specification before buying if fluoride reduction is your goal. If you’re not sure what is in your water, Puretec’s water analysis kit includes fluoride in its list of tested parameters.

Installation: connection to your water supply must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician.

Frequently asked questions

Does a carbon filter remove fluoride?

Puretec’s fluoride solutions are reverse osmosis (RO270) and the dedicated FL051 cartridge. Some carbon-based systems, such as the X4, are specifically described as not removing fluoride.

How long does an FL051 cartridge last?

Puretec rates the FL051 at a capacity of approximately 1,900 litres, with a maximum recommended pH of 7.5. How long that lasts depends on how much water you draw through it.

Does reverse osmosis remove anything else?

Yes. Puretec states the RO270 reduces up to 96% of all dissolved impurities, including heavy metals, salts, viruses, bacteria, cysts, nitrate, chlorine, taste, odour and chemicals.