Aquatru Water Filter Reviews From My Experience: Is It Worth It?

If you are tired of lugging heavy water jugs from the store or worrying about the invisible toxins in your tap, you need to buy an AquaTru water filter.

I have tested many systems, but this one consistently delivers the purest, best-tasting water with zero plumbing required.

It is the perfect investment for anyone who wants professional-grade reverse osmosis without the hassle of a permanent installation.

I highly recommend purchasing the AquaTru today if you are ready to stop drinking contaminants and start enjoying bottled-water quality right on your kitchen counter.

My personal experience with AquaTru purification

aquatru water filter

I remember the day I finally gave up on my old pitcher filter. I was living in an area with well water, and despite having a softener and a chlorinator, the water still had a strange, metallic tang and a faint sulfur smell that made my morning coffee taste like a chemistry experiment. 

I had been dragging five-gallon jugs of Poland Spring home every week, which was a back-breaking chore that I absolutely hated. 

When I first set up my AquaTru Classic, I was actually quite skeptical that a countertop machine could do what those massive industrial jugs were doing.

The setup was a breeze; I just took it out of the box, washed the tanks, and plugged it in. When the first batch started filtering, I watched the water cycle through the four-stage system. 

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to fill the front tank, which was much faster than I expected for reverse osmosis. 

But the real moment of truth was the first sip. I was blown away—the water tasted like absolutely nothing, which is exactly how pure water should taste. 

It had that crisp, mountain-spring quality that you usually only get from expensive glass-bottled brands.

After a month of use, I noticed that my tea and coffee tasted significantly more vibrant because the filter was removing the 300+ PPM of dissolved solids that used to cloud the flavor. 

I even bought a little slider for it to sit on so I could tuck it under my cabinets and pull it forward whenever I needed to refill the back tank. 

It has genuinely changed my daily routine. I no longer worry about lead or fluoride, and I’ve completely stopped buying plastic bottles. 

If you are sitting on the fence, trust me, the convenience of having “endless” pure water at your fingertips is worth every penny.

Maintenance tips for a healthy system

aquatru water filter

Keeping your AquaTru running perfectly is easy if you follow these rules:

  • Empty the waste water immediately: As soon as the cycle finishes, dump the leftover water in the back tank. This prevents mineral scale from building up on the sensitive RO membrane.
  • Wash the tanks weekly: Use mild soap and warm water to scrub the tanks. Because the water is pure, it doesn’t have chlorine to kill bacteria, so the clean tank can grow biofilm if you don’t keep it tidy.
  • Descale regularly: If you live in a hard water area, you will eventually see white crusty spots. Use a descaling kit or a vinegar-water solution every few months to keep the internal pump clear.
  • Change filters on time: Don’t try to stretch the life of your filters. When the light turns on, swap them out to ensure the water quality remains at the NSF-certified level.
  • Keep it out of direct sunlight: Algae loves pure water and light. Keep your AquaTru in a shaded part of the kitchen to prevent any green growth in the tanks.
  • Check the O-rings: Occasionally check the little rubber rings where the tanks connect to the base. If they look dry, a tiny bit of food-grade silicone grease will keep them sealing perfectly.

Pros and Cons of Aquatru Water Filter

aquatru water filter

Pros: why the AquaTru is a kitchen essential

  • The advantages of the AquaTru system are impressive, especially if you look at the data:
  • Certified contaminant removal: This is the big one. It is certified to NSF standards by IAPMO to remove 78 to 84 contaminants, including heavy hitters like Lead, Chromium 6, and Fluoride.
  • Zero installation required: You don’t need a plumber or a drill. You just plug it into a standard outlet and you are ready to go, making it ideal for renters or people who aren’t handy with tools.
  • Cost-effective over time: While the upfront cost is higher than a pitcher, the filters last a long time. One set can replace thousands of single-use plastic bottles, saving you a fortune in the long run.
  • High-efficiency RO: Traditional reverse osmosis systems waste about 3 to 4 gallons of water for every gallon they purify. The AquaTru is much more efficient, recirculating the water to minimize waste.
  • Great for all water types: Whether you have city water full of chlorine or well water with mineral issues, the 4-stage system handles it with ease.
  • User-friendly interface: The lights on the front tell you exactly when a filter needs changing, so you never have to guess or keep a calendar log.

Cons: the trade-offs of countertop RO

  • No product is perfect, and you should be aware of these minor hurdles before you buy:
  • Tank maintenance requirement: You cannot just keep refilling the back tank without emptying the “waste” water. The system concentrates the gunk in the remaining water, so you must dump it out after every cycle to prevent the filters from clogging prematurely.
  • Space consumption: It is a countertop appliance, so it does take up a bit of real estate. If you have a tiny apartment with very little counter space, you might find it a bit bulky.
  • Noise level: When the pump is running, there is a distinct humming sound. It isn’t louder than a modern dishwasher, but you will definitely notice it in a quiet kitchen.
  • Price point: It is a premium product. If you are used to ten-dollar pitchers, the initial investment might feel steep, even though the water quality is in a completely different league.
  • Manual refills: Unlike an under-sink system, you are the “plumbing.” You have to manually fill the back tank, which might be tedious for very large families who drink a lot of water.
  • Plastic construction: While it is high-quality, BPA-free Tritan plastic, some people might prefer a glass tank, which is only available on the newer Carafe model.

AquaTru Vs. Other Brands

  • AquaTru Vs. Berkey
Berkey Water Filter System

When people look for high-end filters, they always ask about the Berkey. The Berkey is a gravity-fed system that uses carbon blocks, while AquaTru is a motorized reverse osmosis system. 

In my experience, AquaTru is much better at removing dissolved solids and inorganic chemicals like fluoride and nitrates. 

Berkeys are famous for their longevity, but they require a lot of “priming” and manual scrubbing of the filters, which can be a messy hassle. 

AquaTru is much more “set it and forget it” because the machine does the work for you. 

Additionally, Berkey has faced some recent controversies regarding their testing claims, whereas AquaTru is officially certified by third-party labs like IAPMO to meet NSF standards. 

If you want the absolute highest level of verified purity and modern convenience, AquaTru is the clear winner over the old-school Berkey.

  • AquaTru Vs. ZeroWater
ZeroWater

ZeroWater is known for its ability to bring TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) down to zero using ion exchange. 

While this sounds great on paper, ZeroWater filters tend to expire incredibly quickly, sometimes in as little as two weeks if your water is hard.

AquaTru uses reverse osmosis, which is a much more robust technology that can handle high TDS for months without the filters giving up. 

With ZeroWater, you are constantly buying expensive replacement cartridges. With AquaTru, the RO membrane is designed to last up to two years. 

I found that while ZeroWater is a good entry-level option, it becomes much more expensive and annoying to maintain than an AquaTru within the first year of ownership.

  • AquaTru Vs. Brita

Comparing a Brita pitcher to an AquaTru is like comparing a bicycle to a turbocharged car. Brita is great for removing that “swimming pool” chlorine smell, but it doesn’t touch the dangerous stuff like lead, arsenic, or fluoride.

AquaTru’s 4-stage process includes a mechanical pre-filter, a carbon filter, the RO membrane, and a VOC carbon block. 

Brita usually only has one small carbon filter that sits in the water. If you just want your water to taste slightly better, Brita is fine. 

But if you want to actually purify your water and protect your family from toxic chemicals, you need to step up to the AquaTru.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is AquaTru better than Berkey?

In terms of verified contaminant removal and ease of use, yes. AquaTru is a certified reverse osmosis system that removes more dissolved inorganic chemicals than the gravity-fed Berkey.

How long do AquaTru filters last?

The Pre/Carbon filter lasts 6 months, the VOC filter lasts 1 year, and the Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane can last up to 2 years or 1,200 gallons.

What are common AquaTru problems?

The most common issues are slow filtration or the unit stopping mid-cycle, which are usually caused by mineral scale buildup that requires a simple descaling.

Does the AquaTru filter lead?

Yes, it is officially certified to NSF standards to remove over 99% of lead from your tap water.

Fina Thoughts

There is no substitute for the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you are putting into your body.

After using this system, I can tell you that the difference in taste and quality is something you will notice from the very first glass.

It is durable, efficient, and surprisingly easy to maintain once you get into the habit of dumping the waste water.

I strongly encourage you to buy the AquaTru water filter; it is the single best health upgrade you can make for your kitchen and your family this year.

Patricia J. Huerta

Meet Patricia J. Huerta. She is a dedicated writer specializing in reviews and insights on shampoo, soap, conditioner, and other female products. Based in Dobbs Ferry, NY, Patricia brings a personal touch to her articles, aiming to help readers find the best beauty and hair care solutions for their needs.

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