About Filter Tested
An independent water treatment research publisher helping homeowners navigate the complexities of filtration and softening technology through transparent, evidence-based analysis.
Who We Are
Filter Tested is an independent editorial team focused exclusively on water filters and water softeners. Founded in 2026, we publish research-backed buying guides, product comparisons, and educational content for homeowners evaluating water treatment equipment.
Our content is produced by a dedicated editorial team with collective experience in residential plumbing standards, water quality science, and consumer product research. We operate under an organizational byline rather than individual author credits, ensuring every article reflects a standardized, team-reviewed editorial process rather than a single perspective.
Our mission: Help homeowners make informed, confident water treatment decisions through transparent methodology, specific technical data, and clear explanations of how products actually perform against published specifications.
We cover the full spectrum of residential water treatment categories, from whole-house filtration systems and ion-exchange water softeners to point-of-use reverse osmosis systems and specialty filters for contaminants like iron, sediment, and chlorine.
Our Methodology
Filter Tested operates under a Research-Backed Editorial Analysis model. We do not purchase, install, or test products in a physical facility. Instead, we build our evaluations from verifiable, publicly available data sources that any homeowner can independently check.
Here is exactly what our research process involves:
- Manufacturer specification analysis. We collect and compare rated capacities, flow rates, micron ratings, filter lifespans, and pressure requirements directly from manufacturer documentation.
- Certification database verification. Every NSF/ANSI certification claim is cross-referenced against the NSF International online database and EPA registration records. We only report certifications we can independently verify.
- Customer feedback pattern analysis. We analyze aggregated owner reviews across retail platforms to identify recurring installation issues, durability concerns, and reported performance outcomes.
- Industry standard consultation. Our scoring criteria reference published standards including NSF/ANSI 42, 44, 53, 58, and 61, as well as EPA guidelines for drinking water treatment.
For each product category we cover, we publish a transparent scoring rubric that defines exactly how products earn their ratings. These rubrics weight factors like certified contaminant reduction, cost per gallon, warranty coverage, and owner-reported reliability according to what matters most to homeowners in that category.
Every material claim in our content includes a source citation, whether that source is a manufacturer specification sheet, a certification database entry, an industry standard document, or aggregated customer review data. We believe readers should be able to verify any claim we make.
Read our full methodology for a detailed breakdown of scoring criteria by product category.
How We Make Money
Affiliate Revenue Disclosure
Filter Tested participates in the Amazon Associates program. If you click an Amazon affiliate link on our site and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
We also earn commissions through some manufacturer direct affiliate programs when readers purchase through our referral links.
This revenue model is what allows us to publish free, in-depth content. However, it is critically important to understand how affiliate revenue interacts with our editorial process:
- Scoring is criteria-driven, not commission-driven. Products receive scores based on our published rubrics. A product with a lower commission rate receives the same evaluation as one with a higher rate.
- Direct-only brands get equal coverage. Brands like SpringWell and Pelican that sell exclusively through their own websites, not Amazon, are reviewed with the same depth and held to the same standards as Amazon-available products.
- Affiliate disclosure appears on every page with affiliate links. We never hide our affiliate relationships. If a page contains affiliate links, you will see a clear disclosure statement.
On this page, there are no affiliate links and no product recommendations. This page exists solely to inform you about who we are and how we operate.
Read our detailed affiliate disclosure for more information about how we handle affiliate relationships.
Our Editorial Independence
We maintain strict editorial separation between our content team and any revenue-generating activities. Specifically:
No Manufacturer Sponsorships
We do not accept paid placements, sponsored reviews, or compensation from manufacturers in exchange for favorable coverage. Every product evaluation is initiated and controlled by our editorial team.
No Preferential Treatment
High-commission products do not receive priority placement or inflated scores. Rankings reflect published scoring criteria applied uniformly across all products in a category.
Uniform Scoring Criteria
The same rubric is applied to every product within a category. We do not adjust scoring weights to favor particular brands or business models.
Corrections Policy
When we discover factual errors, specifications that have changed, or outdated certification data, we correct the content promptly and include a dated changelog entry documenting what was changed.
How to Contact Us
We welcome feedback, correction requests, and questions about our content. The best way to reach us is by email:
Inboxpublisher@gmail.com
Filter Tested is a digital-only publisher. We do not maintain a phone line or physical office. We respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible, typically within two business days.
Important Disclaimers
Read Before Acting on Our Content
- The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional plumbing, water quality, or health advice.
- Always consult a certified water treatment professional or licensed plumber before installing water treatment equipment, especially for whole-house systems that integrate with your home plumbing.
- We do not provide personalized health recommendations. If you have specific health concerns related to water quality, consult a medical professional.
- Local water conditions vary significantly by municipality and well source. We strongly recommend testing your water before making any purchase decision.
- Product specifications, prices, and availability change regularly. Verify current details with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing.
- Third-party certification status can change. Always verify current NSF/ANSI certifications through the official NSF certification database.
Privacy Note
Filter Tested uses Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors interact with our content. This data is anonymized and does not personally identify individual users. We also use affiliate tracking cookies to attribute purchases to our referral links when you click affiliate links on our site.
For a complete explanation of what data we collect, how we use it, and your privacy rights, please see our Privacy Policy.