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 findings from this collaboration will guide future efforts to support households in effectively using water filters and reducing lead exposure. Learn more about the research effort.
This Toolkit is a resource for organizations looking to provide thorough and effective water filter education. The EPA created this Toolkit with help from the Lab at the Office of Personnel Management and The Junction Coalition in Toledo, Ohio, a community group focused on education and engagement. It is important to note that this Toolkit does not cover general information and awareness about lead in drinking water. It should be seen as one piece of a broader effort to educate communities about lead in drinking water.
The Toolkit includes best practices for conducting water filter education for communities or individuals. It also provides example education handouts aimed at those interested in using filters to reduce lead exposure. These materials offer a starting point for organizations to help empower communities and households to effectively use and maintain filters certified to reduce lead. It's intended for communication staff, public information officers, and community engagement professionals working water utilities or managing drinking water quality issues.
Toolkit Handouts
Reduce Your Risk From Lead Using Water Filters (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.
Choose the Water Filter That's Right For You (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.
Learn How to Install Your Water Filter (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.
Learn How to Maintain Your Water Filter (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.