Epic Water Filters · Water Filters
Epic Filter Cap Kit
Material as recorded poses lower concern with no PFAS coating on record.
The plastic filter cap and activated carbon cartridge are not materials linked to PFAS. Epic Water Filters has no PFAS statement on record for this product.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Plastic filter cap, activated carbon cartridge
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
Aqua Pure
3M Aqua-Pure AP802B Whole House Filter Housing
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
What Epic Filter Cap Kit is made of, ingredients and materials
The Epic Filter Cap Kit consists of a plastic filter housing (likely polypropylene or similar thermoplastic) and a replaceable activated carbon cartridge. Activated carbon is inert and does not leach chemicals into water under normal use. The plastic cap itself does not contact hot water during filtration, reducing leaching risk. Nalgene does not publicly disclose the specific plastic resin, but the closed-loop design and cool-water operation minimize polymer degradation hazards.
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Bacterial growth from cartridge saturation
If cartridges are not replaced on schedule or the cap is sealed with moisture trapped inside, activated carbon can become a growth substrate for bacteria. Nalgene does not publish colonization data or maintenance intervals.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Plastic cap polymer degradation
No leaching of BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors has been reported for Nalgene filter caps. The product does not contact hot water during normal use, further reducing degradation risk.
Housing leachables from cartridge interface
Activated carbon itself does not leach; the interface between plastic cap and carbon cartridge is not known to release chemicals. Nalgene has not disclosed testing for this interface.
Microplastics
The cap is not heated or stressed beyond normal hand manipulation; mechanical shedding of microplastics is not documented for this product or similar Nalgene designs.
Source, EPA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Activated carbon cartridges do not typically off-gas formaldehyde. No manufacturing process defects or adhesive hazards are on record for Nalgene filter kits.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Nalgene is known for durable drinkware and has a mixed transparency record. The company phased out BPA in bottles after consumer pressure in 2008 but has not made a public commitment to PFAS-free certification for filter products. No recalls or contamination incidents are on public record for this specific filter cap kit. The brand does not publish third-party test results or NSF certification for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Water filter pitchers and cap kits vary widely in maintenance risk; activated carbon filters present lower concern than ion-exchange or UV systems if cartridges are replaced on schedule. Nalgene's design avoids standing water stagnation in sealed housings, a common bacterial growth issue in poorly designed pitcher filters. However, the product lacks NSF/ANSI 42 or 53 certification, which third-party filtered alternatives often carry. Cost and ease of use are competitive, but transparency on materials trails market leaders.
If you buy it
Replace cartridges every 40-100 gallons or every 2-3 months, depending on water quality; expired cartridges lose effectiveness and can harbor bacteria. Rinse the cap assembly with tap water weekly and allow it to air dry to prevent mold. Do not expose the plastic cap to hot water or sunlight for extended periods, as UV and heat can degrade the polymer. Store the kit away from direct heat sources and follow manufacturer instructions for cartridge installation to ensure proper seal.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Epic Water Filters has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Water Filters
Aquamira
Water Storage Treatment 2 oz Glass Bottles 60 gallons Purification
- glass bottles, sodium dichloroisocyanurate treatment chemical
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Chemical overdose or misuse
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Big Berkey
Empty Housing with NO Filters Included
- Stainless steel housing and spigot
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth and biofilm if filters not replaced
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
LifeStraw
Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher
- Borosilicate glass pitcher, replaceable activated-carbon filter cartridge
- Bacterial growth in filter cartridge if unmaintained
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More water filters grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.