Here in Chico, we know clean water isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity whether you’re brewing coffee, filling the dog bowl, or rinsing off after a long day; the quality of your water matters. But what if that “filter” in your fridge isn’t filtering much at all?
That’s exactly what the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) tackled in a recent webinar: Filter it Out – An Effort to End the Sale of Counterfeit Refrigerator Filters. And it’s a real problem.
What’s Hiding in That “Bargain” Filter?
Counterfeit filters are flooding online stores. They look legit, but they’re anything but safe. Independent testing from NSF, WQA, and IAPMO found that 100% of counterfeit filters failed to meet basic safety standards. Instead of removing harmful contaminants, they let lead and cysts flow right through and even added toxins like arsenic and N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) into clean water.
In some cases, these fakes were packed with burnt peanut shells and rocks to simulate the appearance of real carbon filters.
Why It Matters in Chico
Our town relies on water, but by the time water reaches your tap, it might not be as clean as we want it to be. That’s why a trusted home filter matters. It’s the final barrier between your family and the contaminants that can sneak in.
And here’s the hard truth: these counterfeits are tricky to spot. They mimic packaging, logos, and even certification claims. Unless you test your water or know exactly where your filter came from, it’s easy to get fooled.
Certified Solutions That Actually Work
At Culligan of Chico, we don’t just sell filters. We stand behind them. Every product we offer, including our Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis System, is built with certified, food-grade materials and tested to meet or exceed NSF/ANSI standards. No mystery plastics. No toxins. No peanut shells. Just products and filters you can trust.
The Aquasential RO system, paired with our Total Defense cartridge, takes on lead, chlorine, PFAS, and more. It even tracks water quality in real-time, so you always know you are getting great-tasting water.
Don’t Guess. Test.
If you’ve never tested your water, now’s the time. Our Culligan Team offers free in-home water testing across Chico. No pressure. Just real answers and the solutions that match your water and your home.
Still unsure about which filter you need? Take our quick Water Quality Quiz to get started.
Bottom line? Don’t let a fake filter sneak into your home. Contact Culligan of Chico today, and let’s make sure your water is clean, safe, and exactly as it should be.
Because when it comes to your water, “close enough” isn’t good enough.
FAQ: What You Should Know About Water Filters in Chico
How can I tell if my water filter is fake?
Counterfeit filters often look almost identical to the real thing. Signs include unusual packaging, incorrect part numbers, no brand website listed, or an unknown seller. If you bought it online and the price seemed too good to be true, it probably was.
Do fake filters damage my fridge or void the warranty?
Yes. Fake filters can cause leaks, damage the filter housing, and void the manufacturer’s warranty on your appliance. They’re not designed with quality in mind and so may not fit properly or hold up under pressure.
Can basic filters remove PFAS and lead?
No. Most pitcher-style and generic filters are not rated to remove PFAS or heavy metals. Our Aquasential® RO system with Total Defense is certified to handle those tough contaminants and more.
Is Chico’s tap water safe to drink?
Even treated water can contain contaminants such as chlorine, PFAS, or minerals that affect taste and health. A free in-home test can reveal what’s really coming out of your tap.
How often should I replace my water filter?
It depends on the filter, the type of contaminants, and the amount of water used. Most filters are rated for 6 months or 350–700 gallons, but with Chico’s water, many don’t last that long. This leads to poor water quality and the need for additional filters. Our Culligan Unlimited plan handles the replacements for you — no guesswork, no overdue filters.
Where can I learn more about fake filters and water safety?
Visit FilterItOut.org to see side-by-side comparisons, lab testing results, and consumer resources on counterfeit filter risks.
