Brita filters actually last around 2 months or after 40 gallons of water have passed through them.
You should replace your Brita water filter every 2 months which is around the time when 40 gallons are usually used.
However the Brita Longlast Filter (blue) filter lasts around 6 months or up to 120 gallons of water.
And the Brita Stream Filter which is the gray Brita filter lasts for 2 months or 40 gallons of water.
The shelf life of an unused Brita® filter is indefinite as long as its pouch is intact and sealed.
However, Brita does recommend pre-soaking older Standard Brita filters in water for 15 minutes before using them.
Store your BRITA filtered water in a cool place, such as the fridge.
Also, protect your BRITA product from direct sunlight to avoid algae and consume the filtered water within one day.
Brita filters do work, and they can effectively remove impurities from your tap water.
According to Brita, all of their filters cut chlorine taste and odor and reduce other contaminants like mercury and lead.
Brita Standard Filters (white) are compatible with all standard Brita pitchers except Brita Stream.
Brita Elite Filters (blue) will fit with all Brita Systems except Brita Stream.
Brita Stream Filters (gray) are exclusively for the Filter-As-You-Pour Brita Stream pitchers.
The Brita filter also reduces the amount of zinc, lead and asbestos that may be present in tap water.
Additionally, the Brita filter reduces the amount of sediment, dirt and rust that can affect the taste and appearance of your water.
However the Brita filter does not remove contaminants like pesticides, trace pharmaceuticals, fluoride, bacteria and viruses.
Brita water filters are designed to reduce certain contaminants in water, such as chlorine, lead, and copper.
However, they are not capable of removing all contaminants, and in some cases, they may even be ineffective at reducing some harmful substances.
Brita filter water may be black or have black sediment due to carbon dust or carbon particles coming from the filter.
Inadequate pre-soaking and flushing of your Brita filter, or air bubbles trapped in the filter, can cause your Brita filter water to turn black.