The Claryum 3-Stage is Aquasana’s current under-sink system, and the direct successor to the AQ-4500 and AQ-4501 models this site covered for years. It sits in the cabinet and feeds a dedicated tap.
What it is certified to reduce
Aquasana lists certification to NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53 and 401. In plain terms: 42 covers chlorine, taste and odour; 53 covers health-related contaminants including lead and cysts; 401 covers so-called emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical residues.
That combination is the reason to choose this over a basic carbon filter. A filter certified only to Standard 42 improves taste and does nothing for lead.
Cartridge life and running cost
Rated at roughly 600 gallons or six months, whichever comes first. Household size decides which. A family of five will hit the volume limit well before six months; a couple may not.
Running cost is what matters over five years, not the purchase price. Check the replacement cartridge price before buying and multiply by two per year.
What it does not do
It does not soften water — hardness and scale need a softener, which is a different machine. It does not remove dissolved minerals or nitrates; that is reverse osmosis territory. And it treats one tap, not the whole house.
Who it suits
Homeowners on municipal water who want lead-capable filtration at the kitchen tap and are willing to fit a dedicated faucet. If you rent, or cannot drill the counter, a countertop or faucet-mount unit is the better route.
Buy in Canada
Ships domestically from Amazon.ca — no cross-border duties or brokerage fees.
Buy direct
Aquasana’s own store carries the full range and current promotions. Ships from the US.
Not sure yet?
Compare this against every other filter type on cost and what it removes.
Prices checked August 2026 and may change. Always confirm on the retailer’s site.
Current price
Aquasana lists the Claryum 3-Stage at $349.99 and the Max Flow version at $449.99 (checked August 2026). The Amazon.ca listing is the Claryum Direct Connect variant, which connects to your existing tap rather than a dedicated faucet — worth knowing before you order.
Our older AQ-4500 page → · Buying guide →
Disclosure: links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.