Questions
What is Ready-Read™?
Ready-Read™ technology provides peace of mind that you always get the purest tasting water. The new integrated meter allows for an instant TDS read out of water as it passes through the device’s body. Consumers can still remove the meter and test their water in a separate glass as well.
How do I use Ready-Read™?
Simply place the TDS meter into the dock above your spigot. Turn on, and it will instantly read the TDS level within your device. Once you have read it, hit the on/off button again to turn it off. If you want to test your tap water, or a competitors filtered water, just remove the TDS meter, and place in the cup of water. Once completed place it back on to the dock near your spigot.
How do I insert the spigot into my 22 cup Ready-Read™ device?
Remove all packaging from the 22 cup device. Thoroughly clean your device with mild soap and water. Then simply push the spigot into the front of your 22 cup device and push until you feel it lock into place.
How is ZeroWater® 5-Stage Water Filter Different?
ZeroWater® is a 5-stage filter that uses Ion Exchange Technology to remove virtually all (99.6%) detectable dissolved solids. And is the only pour through filter certified by NSF to reduce PFOA/PFOS, LEAD, and CHROMIUM.
How long will the 5-stage filter last?
View the chart here.
Does the TDS Meter measure lead levels?
View the chart here.
What's considered an acceptable level of lead on my water?
The EPA has established a maximum threshold of 15 ppb for lead content in tap water. ZeroWater® 5-stage filtration is certified to meet these requirements.
What is the meter reading?
The TDS meter included provides a reading of total dissolved solids in Parts Per Million, ppm.
What are total dissolved solids?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are organic and non-organic sediments found in water, which contribute to a difference in the taste and appearance of water. Dissolved solids enter our water supply through old piping, run-off from road salts, pesticides, fertilizers and more.
Does 5-stage filter reduce the pH of water?
No, ZeroWater® 5-stage filtration does not change the pH levels of the water. Continued use of the filter, after it expires, will only deteriorate the ion beads and a reduction in pH may occur. The reduction in pH is not dangerous but there is a chance under extreme filter exhaustion that the pH levels may be reduced low enough to where you will experience a taste difference in the water, occurring at a meter reading below 1 or 2. We highly recommend replacing your filter upon exhaustion and not attempting to overuse your filter.
What should I do if water is not passing through my filter?
A filter may develop an air bubble or air pocket. Carefully lift the reservoir, grip the body of the filter at its mid-section and give the filter 4-5 squeezes while there is water filtering through. This will return the flow back to its normal state.
How does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter work?
The ZeroWater® Ion Exchange Filter consist of 5 stages that combine multiple technologies to remove organic and inorganic contaminants in the water.
How does ion exchange technology work?
Our ion exchange technology is comprised of a mixed bed (cation & anion resins) of small sized polymeric beads. Ion exchange is a reversible chemical reaction where dissolved ions are removed from solution and replaced with other ions of the same or similar electrical charge. The cation beads contains hydrogen ions (positive charge). The anion beads contain hydroxide ions (negative charge). The resin works by exchanging contaminant ions in the water with the hydrogen and hydroxide ions.The contaminants attach to the beads while the hydrogen and hydroxide are released into the water. These two ions combine together to produce H2O.
How fast should my water filter through a 5-stage water filter device?
The filtration will be slower than conventional 2-stage filters because its 5-stage filtration works much harder to remove more contaminants. Our flow rate is 6.5 oz per minute.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter system filter well water?
Once the well has been approved for drinking, ZeroWater® 5-stage water filters work with well water the same way they do with any other tap water.
What’s the difference between 5-stage filtered ® vs. Distilled water?
Distilled water involves the process of boiling the water, transferring the steam to another container where the vapors are condensed and everything that doesn’t evaporate will remain in the first container. While the 5-stage filtration system by ZeroWater® uses the process of deionization which involves filtering the water. The ion exchange beads in the filter take the ions or minerals out of the water. People usually say that distilled water can taste flat whereas the 5-stage filtered water by ZeroWater is described as crisp and refreshing. Distillation also requires electricity and takes hours to treat water.
What’s the difference between the 5-stage filtration by ZeroWater® vs. Reverse Osmosis (RO)?
5-stage filters produce water that is a similar purity level to that produced from an RO system. Additionally, our systems don’t waste any water and operate
based on gravity. In addition, they do not need to be installed into your plumbing.
Pets/people need distilled for health reasons - is this the same quality?
The ZeroWater® 5-stage filter gives you the same quality as distilled, without the electricity or hassle of transporting the water home from the store. Distilled still has TDS.
What Does ZeroWater® Remove?
What does a ZeroWater® 5-stage filter remove?
Is it bad to remove all Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
ZeroWater®’s 5-stage filtration technology removes 99.6% of TDS and does not discriminate between bad chemicals and good minerals that could be present in the water; the filter removes all of these. Many nutritionists recommend that you receive essential vitamins and minerals from a well-balanced diet, and not necessarily from water alone. Additionally “The consumption of low TDS water, naturally occurring or received from a treatment process, does not result in harmful effects to the human body.” We encourage users to read the following article which articulates this question in further detail. Read article here.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce pharmaceuticals?
ZeroWater®’s 5-stage filters have not been independently tested to reduce pharmaceuticals from your tap water.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce fluoride?
Our 5-stage filters have been independently tested by an EPA certified lab for the reduction of fluoride with an overall reduction percentage of 99%.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce Chromium 6?
Yes, ZeroWater® 5-stage filters are NSF certified to reduce Chromium 6 by 99.7%.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce bacteria?
The current system is meant to be used with municipally treated, potable water as the current filter will not remove microbiological contaminants.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce uranium?
ZeroWater® 5-stage filters have materials commonly used in the industry to treat uranium. ZeroWater® filters have not been tested due to the high levels of uranium required for testing.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce cryptosporidium?
At this point ZeroWater® 5-stage filters have not been tested for the removal of cryptosporidium(microbiological cysts).
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce chloramines?
ZeroWater®’s 5-stage filters have been independently tested to reduce Chloramines. However, the presence of chloramines can reduce the expected life of the filter, so if you have chloramines in your water, you may need to change your filter more often than normal.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce phenol?
At this point ZeroWater®’s 5-stage filters have not been tested for the removal of phenol.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce oxygen?
The filters do not remove dissolved oxygen from water.
Does the ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce chloramines?
Although ZeroWater®’s 5-stage filters have not officially been tested or certified to NSF/ANSI standards for Chloramine reduction, the granular activated carbon in the 5-stage filtration has been proven very effective in reducing chloramines when checking levels in our lab. The presence of chloramines can reduce the expected life of the filter, so if you have chloramines in your water, you may need to change your filter more often than normal.
Troubleshooting Filter
Why can't I get a zero reading with my pitcher/dispenser?
There are a few ways which this can be resolved.
1. Make sure there is a complete seal when the filter is threaded. Ensure the filter is threaded correctly (watch for cross-threading) and that the blue filter gasket is fully seated against the water reservoir.
2. The most accurate way to get reading is to test the water directly inside the pitcher. You can do this by removing the reservoir from the pitcher and sticking the meter in the filtered water sitting in the pitcher.
Why does my filtered water taste acidic or fishy?
When the filtered water tastes acidic or fishy the filter has reached the point of exhaustion and must be replaced. Filter life depends on your household water consumption and the amount of TDS (total dissolved solids) in your tap water (water chemistry varies by source and how it’s treated locally by your town or municipality). Please refer to the tds chart to determine how many gallons you will get per filter. It is important that you periodically test your filtered water with your water quality meter and when the meter reads 006 or higher the filter should be replaced.
My brand new filter was wet! Why?
The contents inside the filter are rinsed with purified water before they are packed. Sometimes, this can cause condensation inside the bag/lid, which is harmless. Unlike other popular filters, our filters do not need to be soaked, flushed, or otherwise prepped prior to using.
Do I need to soak or prime my filters?
No need to presoak our filter, we have already done it for you with purified water. This can cause condensation inside the bag/lid, which is harmless.
Is there only 1 type of filter/model number?
There is only one type of filter which fits into the 5-stage filter pitcher line by Zerowater. However, the filters for the ExtremeLife faucet mount and the EcoFilter both fit into different filtration devices that are not intended to filter 99.6% dissolved solids.
Troubleshooting Meter
How do I use the TDS meter?
The TDS meter supplied is intended to detect and measure TDS (total dissolved solids) in PPM. Test your water regularly.
To use the TDS meter, remove cap, turn the meter on so that 000 is displayed, and submerge the tip of the meter into the water. We recommend that you change filter when the meter reads 006 on filtered water.
The meter includes (2) LR44 alkaline batteries. To change the batteries, slide off the battery compartment section. Align positive ends of the new replacement batteries pointed to the left. Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard or rechargeable batteries.
Why is my TDS Meter only reading 000?
The meter should have a 000 reading in your filtered ZeroWater® but will most certainly read something greater than 000 in unfiltered water.
If your meter is reading 000 in your unfiltered water:
1. Turn the meter on
2. Remove the battery compartment (opposite the side with the blue cap & 2 metal probes) by pulling and sliding it out of the meter.
3. This acts as a battery restart.
4. Reinsert the battery compartment back into the meter and turn it on.
5.Remove the blue cap to expose the 2 metal probes and retest your unfiltered water.
How often should I measure the TDS level in my water?
The TDS water quality meter that comes with your system is provided so that you can measure your TDS on an ongoing basis -perhaps every other day. This is especially important if you have high TDS water (over 300), as your filter will need to be changed more often. By using the TDS meter to frequently measure your filtered water, you will know it is time for a filter change before it has gone too far past 006.
Why is my TDS Meter not working?
As with any electronic device, sometimes you may encounter issues with the TDS meter.
Try the following troubleshooting tips for resolution, if these do not work please contact our customer service team at info@zerowater.com
· Remove the cap from the meter and turn the meter on so that 000 appears in the display window.
· If the meter was stored with the pitcher in the refrigerator, it may need to come up to room temperature in order to function properly.
· You may need replacement batteries. The meter takes 2 LR44 button cell batteries, available at most locations that sell watch and hearing aid batteries. To replace batteries remove the battery cap, located at the end of the meter, opposite of the end used to test the water. The battery cap should pull straight out. The flat side of both batteries should face left. Once the batteries have been replaced, slide the cap back into the meter.
What type of batteries does the meter use?
The meter takes 2 LR44 button cell batteries which can be found anywhere you would buy a watch battery.
What can't the meter detect?
The meter cannot detect uncharged particles such as organic contaminants. It cannot detect undissolved particles such as bacteria.
Do TDS levels change in hot or cold water from the same tap?
TDS levels change in hot or cold water from the same tap because containments dissolve easily in warmer water which leads to a higher reading. The TDS meter corrects for temperature, but if the water is too hot it will give artificially high values. In general, the most accurate reading will be at or near room temperature.
What is the hold button for?
The hold button can be used to hold the TDS reading on the meter when the meter is removed from the water. After placing the meter in the water and getting a reading, press the hold button and remove the meter from the water.
Care/Maintenance
How do I clean my pitcher?
Clean your device in warm water using mild soap then rinse and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Additionally, rinse the exterior of your filter with warm water for 30 seconds, and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. We have found that drying with a cloth towel can leave soap residue, making obtaining a 000 reading difficult.
Are ZeroWater parts dishwasher safe?
We do not suggest putting your device into the dishwasher, but hand washing instead.
When do I change the filters?
Filter life depends on your household water consumption and the amount of TDS (total dissolved solids) in your tap water (water chemistry varies by source and how it’s treated locally by your town or municipality). Please refer to the tds chart to determine how many gallons you will get per filter. It is important that you periodically test your filtered water with your water quality meter and when the meter reads 006 or higher the filter should be replaced. It is strongly recommended that the reading not go past that point. Unlike conventional filters, you many notice a difference in taste or smell when the ZeroWater® filter has reached end of life. We highly recommend you change your filter at this point.
Do the filters have a shelf life?
The filters do not have a shelf life as long as they remain sealed in their plastic bag and are stored in a cool dry place.
Can I recycle my filter?
Yes, we have a recycling program. Follow the directions in this form, we are working on making this process easier for our customers.
How should I store my unused filters?
Filters should be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
My pitcher faucet/spout is leaking, what should I do?
Sorry to hear of the issue with your pitcher/dispenser. Please contact our Customer Service team info@zerofilter.eu, option 2, so we can work with you to resolve this issue.
Will bacteria build up in the filter?
The ZeroWater® system contains specific materials which inhibit the growth of bacteria within the cartridge or inside the filter cartridge.
What type of plastic is used in ZeroWater® products?
ZeroWater® filters are made of BPA Free Polypropylene. ZeroWater® devices are made of BPA Free Polypropylene and ABS.
What type of media is used in the ZeroWater 5-Stage Filter?
Our standard pitcher filters use coal-based activated carbon mixed with KDF and a mixed bed of ion exchange resin in a BPA-free housing.
Certification
Is ZeroWater® 5-stage filter certified?
The ZeroWater® 5-stage filter and compatible pitchers are certified by NSF International for standards 42 and 53. System Tested and Certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 for the reduction of the claims specified on the Performance Data Sheet and at www.nsf.org.
Do you have a Performance Data Sheet?
Yes! You can find it here!
Warranty
What's the warranty on ZeroWater® pitchers and dispensers?
Limited Warranty for ZeroWater® Dispenser,Pitcher, Bottle Filtration System, and TDS Meter.
Zero Technologies, LLC warrants the ZeroWater® Dispenser, Pitcher, Bottle FiltrationSystem, Travel Bottle and TDS Meter to be free from manufacturing defects for 90 days from the date of purchase, when used in compliance with the Owner’s Manual. During this 90-day period, if you discover a manufacturing defect in your ZeroWater® Dispenser, Pitcher, Bottle Filtration System, Travel Bottle or TDS Meter (excluding the filter), we will replace the parts free of charge. To file a warranty claim, at info@zerofilter.eu or Customer service. Dated proof of purchase required.
What's the warranty on the filter cartridge?
Filter Cartridge Limited Warranty
Zero Technologies, LLC warrants its filters to be free from manufacturing defects for 30 days from the date of purchase, when used in compliance with the Owner’s Manual. During this 30-day period, if you discover a manufacturing defect in your filter, we will replace free of charge (minus shipping costs). Dated proof of purchase required. To place a claim for a defective filter, you must first email us at info@zerofilter.eu and speak to customer service to trouble shoot the problem. If a potential manufacturing defect is identified, we will provide instructions on how to return the filter for laboratory testing. If the lab determines that the filter is defective we will replace it free of charge. If no defect is found, your filter will be returned to you. NOTE: This warranty does not guarantee the life of the filter for any specific period or volume of use. For more information about expected filter life, see the tds chart.