Water Filter Guidance

Water Filter Guidance | PVWC
Passaic Valley Lead Service Line Replacement Program has finished. If you would like to schedule an inspection, please contact Passaic Valley Water Commission.
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Water Filter

After your lead service line is replaced, lead particles may remain in your home's plumbing due to construction activity. Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) will provide a Brita Pacifica Water pitcher and a six-month supply of filter replacement cartridges after your lead service line replacement. The filter replacement cartridge is National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified to remove 99% of lead. You are eligible to receive a free filter and after you have had your lead service line replaced through PVWC's Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

It is very important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use of the pitcher and its filter cartridges to ensure it functions properly.

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User Instructions for the Brita Pacifica Water Pitcher and Elite Filter Cartridge

The Brita Pacifica Water pitcher will be provided with the Brita Elite Filter Cartridge. Please follow the instructions below before the use of the pitcher and filter.

Cleaning the Brita Pacifica Water Pitcher

  • 1. Disassemble the pitcher, lid, and reservoir.
  • 2. Handwash with warm water and mild soap and rise well.
  • 3. Reassemble the pitcher.

Installing a New Elite Filter Cartridge

  • 1. Insert the filter cartridge into the reservoir by lining up the groove in the filter with the notch in the reservoir. Firmly press the filter cartridge in for a tight seal.
  • 2. Run cold water and discard first 3 containers worth of filtered water.
  • 3. Upon completion, the filtered water can be used regularly.

Changing the Filter Cartridge

  • 1. The filter cartridge should be replaced every 120 gallons or about every 6 months for most households. If hard water is present, the filter will need to be replaced more frequently.
  • 2. It is recommended to use the built-in electric filter indicator on the Brita Pacifica Water pitcher to know when the filter cartridge should be replaced.
  • 3. Follow the filter installation instructions above when a new filter cartridge is used.

Using Your Filter

✅ DO's

  • Run only cold water through the filter.
  • Drink filtered water.
  • Cook with only filtered water.
  • Make baby formula with only filtered water.
  • Replace filter cartridges as per the manufacturer's instructions.

❌ DO NOT's

  • Do NOT run hot water through filter.
  • Do NOT boil water to remove lead. Boiling water does not remove lead.

Additional Things You Should Do

1. Flush Your Pipes After Service Line Replacement

Every morning and before filling the Brita Pacifica Water pitcher, run unfiltered cold water to flush the pipes for at least 5 minutes or when water hasn't been used in the household for 6+ hours. After you have had your lead service line replaced, continue daily flushing for six months.

2. Clean Your Aerator

Aerators are usually at the tip of the faucet and can be screwed off. Once removed turn upside down and gently tap out debris. After you have had your lead service line replaced, repeat this once a month for six months. After six months, clean the aerators twice a year.

3. Maintain Your Pitcher and replace its filters

Change your pitcher's filters cartridge every 120 gallons or every 6 months for most households. Rinse each filter cartridge with cold water prior to use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Visit the FAQ Page for More Information

Refer to the FAQ page of this site for more information on your home plumbing, electrical system, or water use.

Additional things you should do

Additional Resources on Water Filters

More information about the Brita Pacifica Water pitcher and the Elite Filter Cartridge can be found on the manufacturer's website.

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