ZeroWater 5-Stage Pitcher (10-cup Ready-Pour, ZP-010RP)

ZeroWater ranks fifth — formal NSF certification and strong PFAS panel data are real strengths, but the microplastic leaching concern from ion-exchange resin, 20-gallon filter life, and $0.75/gallon cost are significant trade-offs. The tension test is confirmed: EWG ranks ZeroWater #2 on PFAS, but R3's microplastic and filter-life signals correctly pull it below the solid-block carbon options. If formal NSF 473 is a hard requirement and you accept the microplastic concern, ZeroWater is valid — otherwise choose LifeStraw, Clearly Filtered, or Epic Pure.