Water Filter Education Handouts
Educational resources to help community members properly use and maintain water filters
EPA and its collaborators have developed a water filter toolkit with educational materials, based on community feedback and lessons learned through its research partnership. The following handouts are designed to assist community members in learning more about reducing their risk from lead, choosing a water filter, installing a water filter, and maintaining their water filter. These handouts are available in both English and Spanish.
Learn more about the research effort and access the full Toolkit for more resources that can be used by organizations supporting effective water filter use. Each of these handouts can also be customized by organizations to meet the needs of their community members.
Toolkit Handouts
English: Reduce Your Risk From Lead Using Water Filters (pdf)
Español: Reduzca el riesgo de presencia de plomo con filtros de agua (pdf)
This handout introduces how certified water filters can be an immediate, highly effective step to take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. It highlights basic information and key considerations to increase general awareness of water filters. The subsequent handouts dive deeper into the topics introduced here.
English: Choose the Water Filter That's Right For You (pdf)
Español: Elija el filtro de agua que sea adecuado para usted (pdf)
This handout is focused on helping people choose the right filter for their needs and their household. However, giving specific guidance can be challenging for the very reason people want help - there are many variables to consider, and the answer often depends on the specific filter. This handout tries to balance providing concrete instruction with general guidance.
English: Learn How to Install Your Water Filter (pdf)
Español: Aprenda a instalar el filtro de agua (pdf)
Every type of filter and their various makes and models are unique. As such, the manufacturer's instructions are the ultimate authority on installation. For that reason, rather than a 'how-to', this handout is meant to be a compliment to any manufacturer's guidance. Its intention is to highlight why proper installation matters, reinforce the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions, and provide general guidance so people have a sense of what is required upfront.
English: Learn How to Maintain Your Water Filter (pdf)
Español: Aprenda a mantener el filtro de agua (pdf)
Learning to use and maintain filters effectively doesn't happen all at once. And while the learning curve gets smaller, it doesn't go away. From remembering how to change the filter cartridge to troubleshooting issues, effective filter use often involves a process of learning and relearning. Helping people establish good water filter hygiene habits from the start and providing frequent reminders can help support this learning journey. This handout emphasizes the most critical behaviors people need to adopt to keep their water filter working well and ensure maximum protection from lead.