Brita Water Filters

In October 2011, I purchased a Brita Faucet Filtration System and within 2 months, the filter kept coming off the faucet when water runs through it. On December 21, 2011, I called Brita and spoke to a person named Tracy who stated that it is because the adapter is plastic and cannot tolerate the water pressure. She said they had other complaints and would send me a metal adapter. She stated I would have it within 2 weeks. On January 14, 2012, after not receiving the new adapter, I called back and spoke to a person whose name I could not understand and she would not spell it. She stated that they were on backorder and I would have the adapter in about 2 weeks.

It has been over two weeks and I still have no adapter. At this point, I am ready to return it for a refund but the store will not take it back because I bought it over 30 days ago. I can return it to Brita "for repair" at my expense. The customer service is severely lacking and I will never buy or recommend Brita again.

I have been a faithful user of Brita products for years, ranging from the pitchers to the faucet filters. I have always been satisfied up until yesterday. I purchased a new faucet filter as I recently moved. I ran the faucet for 5-6 minutes as required, but still noticed these small brown dots all in the water. I ran water through the filter for an additional 10 minutes only to still have these brown particles in the water. It appears as though there is sawdust floating in the water. This is the first time I have ever noticed this from a Brita filter. Thank you for years of good water, Brita, but it looks like sometime in the past 2 years your product has suffered in quality.

My first Brita worked perfectly well and I needed to replace it since the green indicator was faulty. Since then, I have not been able to get any good one from five different stores. I went shopping. I bought a new one, fix it and decided to use my old filter to confirm if the green indicator was working but it keep showing green instead of red because I used it for months. I did the same to all the new ones and found out all were indicating green instead of red. This is too bad. The company needs to do something to serve us better. I can't buy this again. It's a waste of money.

I purchased my first Brita faucet filter over a year ago. Being a "planner", while purchasing I thought it wise to purchase replacement filters as well. Upon installation, I soon found that I could not stop the drip from the back of the filter. I made it do, keeping the drips away from my container. But it was still a PITA and drew many comments from my visitors. Yesterday, because I had two filters in stock, I thought that as I passed a new filter, that would be a good thing to do. Alas! The same problem occurred and I have a new and bigger leak behind the joint. Plumbers tape wouldn't even help. The problem is two-fold. One, the coupling is plastic. Two, it is too short and the gasket won't work.

I found that the fine black particles can be removed from Brita filters by holding it under a faucet such that water is forced through the filter at a moderately high pressure. This can be accomplished by using your hands to "clasp" the top of the filter and the faucet so water is forced to flow through the filter. In other words, use your hands to provide a semi-water tight connection between the faucet and the filter. I let the high pressure water run through the filter for about 1 minute, which seems to be enough time to remove most of the fine black particles or black dust. Don't shake the filter because this causes the particles to rub together which then creates more fine black particles or black dust.

I purchased a Brita Water Filter pitcher with five bonus filters included from Walmart in August 2011. The instructions for inserting and filling the filter were rather poor; however, after researching the Internet, I am reasonably certain I am doing it right.

Even so, I am finding black particles seeping from the filter into the drinking water after a number of refills. There is a bitter taste to the water as well. After reading numerous complaints including illness and impurities connected to Brita, I feel compelled to let others know that I am experiencing the same problem. It appears that this needs to be investigated by the Department of Health.

The water in the pitcher kept turning green. I added filtered water to the pet water dish, and it grew green algae. I have staphylococcus infection; my dog has a urinary tract infection, and my cat has a bladder infection all at the same time. I have spent $93 so far at the veterinarian. I was put on sulpha drug that made me sick, and this is the only change in past two months!

I keep seeing dark, filmy small patches of something floating in the water at the bottom. Tried replacing filters, with no success. Even when filters are very fresh, this "goo" is still there. What the heck is it?

BRITA does not have an email address where I can contact them. Probably for a very good reason. Too many complaints.

I have been in grave physical pain throughout my body for 3 years now. I have also had the bonus of physiological unease lacking a diagnosis 3 plus years in therapy. In fact, I had just that year purchased my first Brita pitcher water filter system. Since my first complaint to my primary care physician, in the fall of 2008 of leg cramps and painful walking. It had progressed to burning prickly tingling head to toe and excruciating hip socket burning pain day and night. To date, after 12-plus doctors of different specialties, "masking" medications, MRI's ER visits, CAT scans, a dozen Blood tests, etc., not one urine test? I/they found nothing wrong and I was at the end of my rope, ready to give up, I had to think what am I doing everyday that is making me sick. Then I thought, drink water!

I use a Brita water filter for all my water consumption. I cook with it, drink, and use Brita water for all my water needs but hygiene and house keeping. I stopped drinking the Brita filtered water that instant, Saturday morning, last week, and drank only boiled tap water. Within 8 hours or less, I was hip pain free and the prickly tingling is calming down. I see a marked amazing recovery and I know there is more here than meets the eye. I have researched the product and it is very clear that I more needs to be discussed about this product in the proper forum. Just where do I start? Thank you.

I have used a Brita water filtration system on my kitchen water faucet for several years. I had no problems with this until I started using a new one of the same brand and kind. That one would not stay attached to the faucet. I patiently replaced this for a while but today it started leaking and came off again, so I discarded it. I bought a new one thinking maybe the other one was just a one-time faculty defect. However, the new ones do the same thing. I called customer service but they are not open on the weekends. This seems like a defect to me. I never had a problem with the first filter system coming off.

I have been using the Brita water filter for four months now. I have been experiencing headaches, which is very rare for me, and my intuition tells me it has something to do with the water. I have been seeing charcoal residue in the water pitcher as soon as I put a new cartridge in. This is very upsetting!

I just wanted to report residue collecting at the bottom on my Brita Pitcher that I have been using for the last five years. My husband and I been having stomach problems for the last two years and just discovered that it could be from the Brita as we have now been buying bottled water. The stomach seems to be more manageable now that we have returned to bottled water but we are unsure if there permanent damage.

I just wanted to report residue collecting at the bottom on my Brita Pitcher that I have been using for the last 5 years. Me and my husband have been having stomach problems for the last two years and just discovered that it could be from the Brita as we have now been buying bottle water. The stomach seems to be more manageable now that we have returned to bottle water, but we are unsure if there is permanent damage.

There is a considerable amount of black residue in my Brita Water container. I realize that bits of charcoal were to be expected in the beginning but even my dog won't drink the water and she needs to be given filtered water as she is in poor health. As soon as I went back to tap water, she would drink again. I feel unsafe drinking water with black goo on the bottom of it and would never even have my dog drink it. I am very disappointed with the product and cannot return it. I didn't keep the receipt. I will probably just throw it away.

My friend is using a Brita Water Filtration Pitcher (BWFP)and at times the water is turning green. How can this be safe for human consumption?

We bought a Brita water filter pitcher. it filters the water fine. But when you tilt the pitcher even slightly, the water pours out all over the place and/or the lid falls off. I would like you to replace it with a better one that works or return the price paid. However, I do like the filtered water. Thank you.

I too have noticed a change in the quality of Brita water filters. When I first started using the filters some 12-13 years ago, I was used to a few bits comeing out in the beginning of a cycle then a few at the end, letting me know it was time to change the filter. Now, it is constant. And a film forms around the resevoir unless I keep it constantly cleaned. Yes, it's "activated charcoal" - the same that's given in hospitals. But how much of this stuff should we be ingesting??

There are also black spots in my Brita filter but they are charcoal from the filter. The Brita system uses a charcoal filter... So if you read the instructions it says to fill it up 2-3 times and empty the water out of the pitcher to clean out the spots. However charcoal doesn't harm you in any way and can actually be GOOD for you. Lastly charcoal filters are BETTER for you because they are slightly alkaline. Read this article about purified water from a Canadian doctor and bestselling author. CHOOSE WISELY!

I purchased my water filters through Amazon and followed the directions properly: soaking the filter 15 minutes, rinse filter, do not stream water directly on the filter itself. After ten pitchers full, I still see black carbon particles at the bottom of the filter container. I do not see how this can be healthy. I discontinued use and returned the product to Amazon.

Wow, I just read all these consumer complaints about the black particles and want to report that I had sent 2 letters in 2008 and a later email to Brita, all with the same complaint of floating black bits and a suggestion to add a fine net to the pouring spout. I received 2 responses, both totally useless. I have since switched from Brita, a horrid filter.

I used a Brita system that attaches to the faucet. I noticed black particles frequently and then all of a sudden the water had a very bad taste. I disconnected it and started using bottle water. At the same time I was using it, I began to experience what I consider symptoms of dementia i.e. I had difficulty concentrating on projects such as assembling furniture, installing new products on my computer, etc. I just couldn't think clearly enough to do it. Now, after being on bottled water for 2 months, my symptoms have cleared. I've been assembling/installing all the things I couldn't do before. I think this product could be dangerous.

I've been using Brita water filters for years but I'm alarmed recently by the black film that builds on the inside of the jug, especially on the bottom. I have no confidence in the safety of this water. I've switched filters and tried a new box of filters with the same result.

My husband and I are health-conscious, which is why we bought your Brita filter which affixes to the faucet. My daughter bought me a Zero water pitcher for Christmas. We tested the Brita water and was shocked and horrified that it was decidedly more polluted than New York City unfiltered water. Why did I buy a filter when plain unfiltered city water is much better? Brita read 10 to 20 points higher. This is an outrage. I was under the misconception that I was drinking pure healthful water, when in fact, I was drinking dirty water. I think people should be aware of this. I am turned off on your product. The commercials praising their purity are bogus.

I want to add my experience to the growing list. Recently, our replacement filters have been pouring black particles out into the drinking water. I spot them settling at the bottom of my cup all the time. I thought perhaps the first filter was defective, so I switched to the next one in the box. We buy them in packs of 5 at Costco. The 2nd filter was worse. I'm now switching to an entirely new box of 5 to see if it was just a bad batch. But having read the other complaints, I'm wondering if they have a quality control issue on their hands. If this continues, we will be switching water filtration products after over a decade of loyal Brita use.

I have used Brita water filter for 15 years, but I'm giving up and getting a competing brand. At first I thought I had defective filters bought in a large pack from Costco. Not only is there a lot of black particles that never quit being released during the entire life of a filter, but also there are fine grains that are even more worrisome since they are more difficult to see and avoid. I've bought two different smaller packs from two different places and they all have the same problem. I have no intention of drinking fine brown grains and larger black ones when the entire purpose is to have cleaner, better tasting water! I have wasted almost $100 trying to find the Brita filters that used to work wonderfully, and now I know they don't work at all anymore.

I've been using Brita water filter for years, but no more. I have experience the same problem as many others - fine black particles in the water that won't go away after continued usage. I can feel them in my throat. I can't imagine that ingesting pieces of the filter would be okay for my health and health is a primary reason why I filter my water. I'll be switching to another highly rated brand.

Brita Faucet Filtration System Filtre Complete packaging was purchased at Target North Lakes about 4 months ago and worked. Have sinse replaced Two replacement filters one at Target Westfield North lakes. The light was not always working in the time frame for a replacement. The second one was purchased at Big W North Lakes on the 02 11 09 and whithin two weeks the light mechanism has failed to flash while filling containers in the the Brita filter position.

I started to notice a lot of black particles on the bottom of my glass after it was filered through the brita system. I thought I had a defective filter and changed it, following the instructions on the package. I was very disappointed when I still had the black particles in my glass and noticed them in the bottom of the pitcher itself! I've been using the Brita for many years and this is the first I've had this problem. I thought it was the water where I was living until I stumbled upon all these complaints from others having the same problem! Brita needs to get a better product or take these defective ones off the shelves!

We bought new set of Brita Filters. We followed the procedure of keeping it under tap and soaking in water. Despite it settles fine particles from the filter. It doesn't seem to be stopping even after several filtering. I am going return it where I bought it and going to call Brita as well. Is this real quality issue?

i took the filters back to target anyway as i wanted a full refund, which they gave me.

it is infuriating that this company refuses to acknowledge that this residue definitely caused physical problems which disappeared the day i switched back to bottled water.

it may be that their testing showed no problem with it, but then i was not in their test group.

i can only wonder how many others have had this problem and have not reported it, or haven't figured it out.

I have used Brita water pitchers and filters for 5 years. Recently, I have noticed black particles at the bottom of my water pitcher. After a couple weeks of use from one filter. I buy my Brita filters from Target and have even tried purchasing a new pitcher. However, nothing has helped and the black particles end up at the bottom of my pitcher or the bottom of my drinking glass.

i think i'm going to switch back to bottled water for a while and see if anything changes. if so, the britta people will definitely be hearing from me.

I have been using brita water replacement filters for many years and never had a complaint about them. I recently purchased a three pack of replacement filters and they were all faulty. I tried to use them without any luck as it took forever for the water to go through. I would appreciate a gift card for my troubles. They were $16.99 before taxes. I am sorry I did not keep the sales receipt. It was purchased with my groceries. Thank you for your understanding.

I just reported this incident to Brita using their CONTACT US page. My pitchers and water coolers are getting fine carbon dust residues at the bottom of their surfaces. I recently bought a 10-pack filter cartridge box from Costco and has been using these for the Brita Pitcher system. After using 3 of the 10 cartridges, I noticed the fine black residue as stated above. I frequently change filters as I religiously monitor the recommended 40-gallon capacity of each cartridge.

I believe this experience would be common to all if only the customers would swipe the bottom of their containers. I only saw one other incident from another user.

Unknown. Psychologically, though, I am worried about the future effect of this carbon residue on the health of my family of 6 as I have 4 kids.

I purchased a Brita pitcher for consumption of filtered water. After using it for several months, I observed at the bottom of the pitcher a very fine black powder, which I suspected to be the activated charcoal used to make the water filters. I called the company on September 17 and told them the situation. They proceeded to say that it could be a faulty filter, so they would send me another new filter. Certainly, it is very disturbing to think that I could possibly had been drinking this powder for months, including putting it in the baby bottle of my infant.

So they sent me a new filter and gave me instructions on how to install it. These instructions were very different than the ones found in in the box that contains the replacement filters. I got the new filter and placed it in the pitcher, proceeding to do exactly what I was told to have clear filtered water. I still found the black powder in the drinking water, so I called again on September 29, so they gave me the same set of instructions and sent me another new filter.

I received the second new filter and did as told to avoid any activated charcoal from entering my drinking water. Unfortunately, the fine powder (activated charcoal) leaves the filter and enters the drinking water. When I emptied the pitcher completely, I swiped a piece of clean cotton over the bottom of the pitcher and it turns out black. It is extremely disturbing that the public is drinking supposedly filtered water with activated charcoal floating in it. This fine powder is very difficult to detect with the naked eye. This requires immediate attention

Possible health hazard, as well as false claim of selling a product that filters water.