Bottom line: The AquaTru Countertop RO system is one of the few consumer filters with NSF/ANSI P473 certification — the microplastic-specific standard. Its 4-stage reverse osmosis removes >99% of microplastics, nanoplastics, PFAS, lead, fluoride, and chromium-6 with no plumbing required.

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What the Certifications Cover

  • NSF/ANSI 42 — chlorine, taste, odor
  • NSF/ANSI 53 — lead, chromium, cysts
  • NSF/ANSI 58 — reverse osmosis performance (TDS, arsenic, fluoride)
  • NSF/ANSI 401 — “emerging contaminants” (pharmaceuticals, herbicides)
  • NSF/ANSI P473 — PFOA/PFOS and microplastic-relevant standard

Most consumer filters carry one or two of these. AquaTru is independently tested against all five — the reason it shows up in our best water filter for microplastics guide as the no-install premium choice.

How the 4-Stage RO Works

  1. Pre-filter — sediment and chlorine
  2. RO membrane (~0.0001μm pore size) — removes dissolved solids, microplastics, nanoplastics, fluoride, heavy metals
  3. VOC carbon stage — chlorine byproducts, VOCs
  4. Polishing filter — final taste

The RO membrane is the key stage for microplastics. At 0.0001 microns, it’s roughly 1,000× finer than a sub-micron hollow-fiber filter, which is why it catches nanoplastic fragments that pitcher filters miss.

Costs and Trade-offs

  • Up-front: ~$400
  • Replacement filters: ~$85/year if you follow the recommended schedule (pre-filter every 6 months, RO membrane every 2 years)
  • Footprint: roughly the size of a breadbox on your counter
  • Speed: ~1 gallon per 15 minutes into its 1-gallon reservoir
  • Wastewater: ~4:1 brine ratio (most RO units), though AquaTru’s design is closer to 2:1

What You Can Do

  1. Get the unit if you can’t install under-sink. AquaTru Countertop RO — same model we recommend in our microplastics in blood deep dive for renters who want RO-grade water without a plumber.
  2. Compare against under-sink first if you own. A built-in unit like the Waterdrop G3P800 is cheaper per gallon long-term and doesn’t take counter space.
  3. Don’t waste it on bottled-water habits. If you’re currently buying bottled water, AquaTru pays back in <12 months on water spending alone — and bottled water has roughly 2× the microplastic load of tap water anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AquaTru remove microplastics?
Yes. AquaTru is certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (microplastic-relevant) and uses a 0.0001-micron RO membrane that removes >99% of microplastic and nanoplastic particles, along with PFAS, lead, and fluoride.
Does AquaTru need plumbing or installation?
No. It plugs into a standard outlet and sits on the counter. You fill the top reservoir from your tap; filtered water collects in the bottom dispenser. No plumber, no faucet hole.
Is AquaTru worth it vs. a $50 pitcher?
If microplastics are your only concern and you’re on a budget, a $50 LifeStraw Home pitcher (0.2μm hollow fiber) covers the basics. AquaTru is worth the upgrade if you also want PFAS, lead, fluoride, and nanoplastic removal in one unit — or if you currently buy bottled water and the payback is <12 months.

For the full comparison of microplastic-rated filters at every price point, see our best water filter for microplastics guide.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Source: NSF International. “NSF Protocol P473: Drinking Water Treatment Units — PFOA & PFOS.” Certification standard referenced in AquaTru’s third-party testing documentation.