Is AquaTru plastic free? A full breakdown of materials and options

September 23, 2025 •

3 min read

The pursuit of pure, plastic-free water is a common health goal, making material safety a key concern when choosing a filtration system. The question, "Is AquaTru plastic free?" is frequently asked by consumers looking for a non-plastic option, and the answer involves understanding the specific components and models available.

Quick Summary

AquaTru is not entirely plastic-free, but its standard models use BPA-free Tritan plastic for the water tanks, while the Carafe model features a borosilicate glass tank for filtered water, offering a better option for those minimizing plastic exposure.

Key Points

Not Entirely Plastic-Free: The AquaTru system, in all its forms, uses plastic for its internal parts and housing, which is standard for advanced RO systems.
BPA-Free Tritan Plastic: The standard AquaTru Classic models use BPA-free and BPS-free Tritan plastic for their filtered water tanks, which is tested to be non-leaching.
Glass Carafe Option: The AquaTru Carafe model offers a borosilicate glass tank for storing the final, purified water, providing a plastic-free storage solution.
Filter Components: The reverse osmosis membranes and filter housings are made of plastic, as these materials are necessary for the filtration process.
Prioritizing Glass Storage: For those most concerned about plastic exposure, the Carafe model allows for pouring and storing purified water in glass, while the system itself still relies on plastic for its function.
NSF Certified Safety: AquaTru systems are certified to NSF standards, confirming that all components are safe for contact with drinking water and do not leach harmful substances.

AquaTru's Approach to Materials: Plastic and Glass Explained

When considering the AquaTru water filtration system, it is important to know that it is not completely plastic-free. The system's construction, like many advanced filtration devices, relies on a combination of materials. However, AquaTru has made specific material choices to address consumer health concerns, most notably by using high-quality, non-leaching plastics and offering a glass alternative in some products.

The Role of Tritan Plastic in AquaTru Classic

For its classic countertop models, AquaTru uses a material called Tritan® plastic for the clean water tank. Tritan is a high-grade, food-safe plastic that is certified to be free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS), two chemicals known for their potential hormone-disrupting properties. In fact, the company emphasizes that independent laboratory testing has shown Tritan plastic to be free from estrogenic and androgenic activity. While not glass, this material is chosen to be a safer alternative to conventional plastics for water storage.

Material Choice: Tritan is chosen for its durability and safety profile, resisting the leaching of harmful chemicals into the purified water.
Independent Testing: AquaTru points to independent tests confirming Tritan's safety, reassuring consumers that it does not pose the risks associated with other plastics.
Durability: Its resilience and shatterproof nature make it a practical choice for a countertop appliance that may be handled frequently.

The Carafe Model: A Borosilicate Glass Option

Recognizing that some customers prefer to avoid plastic entirely, AquaTru offers a Carafe model that features a borosilicate glass tank for the filtered water. This model allows users to store and pour their purified water from a non-plastic container, addressing concerns about long-term plastic exposure. While the machine's internal parts and the source water tank are still made of plastic, the final product is stored in a pure glass carafe.

Internal Components and Filtration Technology

Beyond the external tanks, the internal workings of all AquaTru systems, which are essential for its reverse osmosis (RO) process, involve plastic components. This is a standard practice for many water filtration systems, not just AquaTru. The filter housings, tubing, and connections are typically made from various types of plastic. The reverse osmosis membrane itself is a semi-permeable membrane made from thin film composite material, a type of plastic. While these parts are not in contact with the final, filtered water for extended periods, they are part of the overall system.

Comparison of AquaTru Models


Feature	AquaTru Classic	AquaTru Carafe
Filtered Water Tank	Tritan Plastic (BPA/BPS-free)	Borosilicate Glass
System Housing	Plastic	Plastic
Filtered Water Capacity	2.7 Liters (91 oz)	1.9 Liters (64 oz)
Fridge Storage	Large tank not ideal for fridge	Glass carafe fits easily in fridge

Is Tritan Plastic Truly Safe?

The safety of Tritan plastic has been a subject of some debate. While it is marketed as BPA-free and BPS-free, some studies have raised questions about potential estrogenic activity. However, independent labs and organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) have certified the safety of materials in contact with drinking water. AquaTru systems are certified to NSF standards, a crucial credential that indicates the entire unit has been tested to not leach harmful substances into the water. For those with the highest level of concern, the Carafe model's glass tank is the best option for water storage.

For more information on water filtration standards and safety, you can visit the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) website.

Choosing a Truly Plastic-Free Alternative

For individuals seeking a genuinely plastic-free water purification solution, other options exist outside of countertop reverse osmosis systems. These typically involve gravity-fed filters or stainless steel systems. While these alternatives might not offer the same level of contaminant removal as a multi-stage RO system like AquaTru, they can be an effective choice for those whose top priority is avoiding all contact with plastic.

The Verdict: Minimizing Plastic with AquaTru

In summary, AquaTru is not a 100% plastic-free water filtration system. All models incorporate plastic in their internal components and housings. However, the company offers a more health-conscious approach by using BPA-free Tritan plastic in the water tanks of its Classic models and providing a borosilicate glass carafe option for the purified water in its Carafe model. For those looking to significantly reduce plastic contact while benefiting from advanced reverse osmosis, the AquaTru Carafe is a compelling choice, allowing for the final storage of water in glass. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal balance between advanced filtration technology and a completely plastic-free lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, AquaTru is BPA-free. For the Classic models, the company uses Tritan® plastic, which is certified to be free of BPA, BPS, and other harmful estrogenic compounds.

Yes, while the filtered water carafe itself is made of borosilicate glass, the rest of the unit, including the source water tank, internal components, and filter housings, are made of plastic.

Tritan plastic is a durable, high-quality, food-grade plastic used in AquaTru's classic water tanks. It is preferred for its safety profile, as it is free from BPA and BPS, and has been tested to be non-leaching.

A completely plastic-free reverse osmosis system is not available, as the RO membranes and internal mechanics typically require plastic components. However, options like the AquaTru Carafe allow for the final water storage to be in glass.

Yes, the filters and filter housings within the AquaTru system are made with plastic, as is standard for this type of technology. These components are part of the multi-stage filtration process.

The Carafe model reduces plastic exposure by providing a borosilicate glass vessel for the final storage of purified water. After filtration, the clean water is dispensed into this glass carafe, minimizing its contact with plastic.

AquaTru's use of Tritan plastic for the Classic model's water tank is intended to prevent leaching, and the company cites independent testing confirming its non-leaching properties. The Carafe model offers additional assurance by storing the final water in glass.