What our evidence labels mean
| Label | Meaning | What it does not mean |
|---|---|---|
| Sources checked | Exact model, ASIN, manufacturer page, manual, and listing are recorded | Hands-on use or measured performance |
| Exact-system certified | A current certifier listing was matched to the exact system and claim | Every contaminant is covered |
| Component/material certified | A component or material carries a documented standard claim | The complete system is certified |
| Listing not found | We did not verify a current exact certifier record | Proof that a product fails |
Our six-step review
- Start with the water source and current evidence: municipal Consumer Confidence Report or certified-lab well test.
- Define the treatment job—sediment, aesthetic chlorine, hardness, iron/manganese, microbial risk, or another measured condition.
- Resolve exact US model, variant, ASIN, manual, replacement parts, operating limits, and retailer identity.
- Check whether certification applies to the exact system, only a component, or only a manufacturer claim.
- Compare flow, pressure, service clearance, power, drain, bypass, installation, replacement cycle, and ownership cost.
- Publish a conditional fit, reasons to pause, and checks that can end in ‘do not buy yet.’
How a product earns a place
- It represents a distinct, report-matched treatment path.
- Exact model and Amazon US identity are resolvable.
- Primary documentation exposes installation and maintenance requirements.
- Material limits can be stated plainly.
- It does not require us to convert a marketing claim into a health or safety guarantee.
What we do not claim
We do not invent water samples, pressure readings, field installations, taste tests, laboratory results, plumber review, or years of ownership. Manufacturer reduction percentages stay attributed. A product name, media ingredient, TDS reading, or improved taste is never treated as proof that water is safe.
Freshness is split into separate checks
- Editorial review: the comparison and conclusion were materially reviewed.
- Evidence review: source documents and exact identities were checked.
- Retailer check: the Amazon listing exists; seller and buy-box state may still change.
- Certification check: the exact certifier listing and claim scope were checked independently.
Sources
Editorial transparency
This page is governed by our editorial policy, review methodology, and corrections process.