Honestly, last year I wasn’t feeling so good. I usually drink arrowhead water. I’ve been so weak and constipated which is not Me and my stomach has been so bloated and hurting. Tired of the Brat diet I decided to try to figure this out. I even made a list to see what I was eating or drinking that could be making me sick. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'waterev_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',136,'0','0']));The black stuff in your Brita pitcher is 'activated carbon.' After you have ensured that there is no water in the pitcher, wash the pitcher in the sink with soapy water. Copyright 2021 by Water Evidence. I have been unwittingly making myself sick and given myself sinus infection after sinus infection. Use a paper towel instead. I inspected the outside of the filter and did not see any black dots or yellow and pink mold. I had stomach issues for years, ans just recently decided to give up brita and what do you know. One thing i have not been able to eliminate entirely is the pink bacteria that can grow in the top of the reservoir. I have never kept my filter in the fridge because i dont like my water really cold. Thank you for sharing information , now i am sharing your blog by Facebook. Many people filter well water with Brita pitchers. I pretty much lost a week of my life recently because there was stuff growing in it and I didn’t realize it. Within that year of purchase there was mold inside the container (green) and wiping the sides with a paper towel to see any discoloration showed brown on the towel. I’ve been having gastro and sinus trouble for ages now. The little filter changer reminder meter thing doesnt seem to work. It is the first time I have gone this long without stomach pain and acid reflux in, literally, years. I did leave my brita on the counter because I try to monitor water intake. There were times when I thought I was going to stop breathing and had to use inhalers (I do not have asthma – been tested) and anti-histamines and twice a day anti-biotics. I definitely did. I almost got sick right in my sink. Either the big jug or the bottles. He only drinks water from the filter whereas i only drink tap water. I have installed a Brita faucet filter AND drink water out of a Brita … I wish I figured it out sooner, ill never get those years back. I immediately stopped drinking my diluted orange juice and had a regular full glass and felt completely better. I found out that I am allergic to chrome, stainless steal and, aluminum. The pitcher, at least 5 years old, is very clean. It started in my neck went to my shoulder then arm. Well people, after my daughter moved back in and complained of having heartburn every single night since she’s been here , about 6 weeks, I decided to investigate WHY, and hoped I could resolve WHY I have had chronic vomiting and nausea, WHY my 6 yr old and 9 yr old have it. Perchlorates, fluoride, chromium 6 or old lead household plumbing requires a better filtration system. The last days I used it I had become so week that I couldn’t even cut a slice of cheese. Conclusively, our Brita is only a very expensive water holder, bacteria producer, and odor reducer. The most obvious way to detect a dirty Brita filter is if it turns green. I didn’t realise until reading this page it seems to be a common problem. I suggest you do the same. I, my husband, amd my children , missed school and work due to numerous bouts of stomach illnesses. I’ve cleaned the filter every week and washed out the jug, but to no avail. A few have mentioned about a smell but as I have no sense of smell I cannot rule that out, but after reading all these comments I am now going back to ordinary tap water and see how it goes. Filter life also depends where its stored (like the fridge). Diarrhoea is back. I just noticed the black mold under the filter– even though the pitcher was clean and the water looked clear.