Skip to content
  • Login
Zerowater

Zerowater

www.zerowater.com
What is your customer experience with Zerowater?

Zerowater Overview

The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

  • Zerowater has 2.1 star rating based on 443 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.

  • 50% of users would likely recommend Zerowater to a friend or colleague.

  • Rating Distribution
  • Pros: Quality of water during lifespan, Great tasting water, Included meter on containers.
    Cons: High cost, Quality of product, Lifespan of filters.

View full overview ›

Media from reviews

Zerowater - Potential to Harm
Zerowater - Poor filter construction & Terrible Customer ServiceZerowater - Missing product in boxZerowater - Water filter questionZerowater - Filter leaks carbon in waterZerowater - Filter leaks carbon in water - Image 2Zerowater - Filter replacement
View all media ›

Top Zerowater Reviews

Positive Review

"Customer service"

stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating

Handle started to fall off pitcher with normal use& then filled with water the handle broke off& it was devastating because I love Zero Water! I called...

Critical Review

"Question about about newest product"

stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating

I'm thinking of choosing another company as you cannot talk to a live agent and get Josh over and over. My son has a ZeroWater system and told me he got an...

Show reviews that mention
water filters filter cup pitcher tds meter water filters luck taste ppm
Filter review
Sort by
Donna K Thr

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Question about about newest product

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Updated by user Apr 19, 2025

I’m nice I was s as now to talk to them, it was good.

Original review Apr 12, 2025

I'm thinking of choosing another company as you cannot talk to a live agent and get Josh over and over. My son has a ZeroWater system and told me he got an email that a new one is out.

I ordered and received one from Amazon. I want to know if Amazon has the newest model. I can't tell from the Amazon website, but Josh tells me they do.

Please tell me how to proceed. I prefer Amazon because there is no shipping cost.

View full review

User's recommendation: One because of inability to speak to human in customer service

Cindi M Phr

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Problems with filter

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

My zero water filter takes hours to filter a pitcher of water. I find the filters to be very expensive and time consuming, I might just return it and get something more affordable.

I had to change the filter after only one month, the water tasted like lemons. I tested the water the day before and it was 0, the next day it was 254.

The tester is not reliable. Bottom line is this thing is a time and money consuming pain in the a

View full review
Loss:
$75
Pros:
  • Water tastes good and device does show zero pds
Cons:
  • Too expensive for short life span on filter
  • Filter clogs very easily

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Don’t waste your money

Peggy W Tix

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Appleton, Wisconsin

Filter not operating correctly

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

I have purchased many zero water filters and have used them for a number of years. I had one other trouble some years ago with it not having a seal, it leaked.

The company was kind enough to replace it. Now I have a different problem. The water will not filter down into the reservoir. It started to do it very slowly and now will not do it at all.

I tried calling and had no luck jumping through the hoops that the company has for putting through a phone call .

I was not frustrated in the beginning. I am frustrated now.

View full review

User's recommendation: I have no recommendation because I don't know how to fix this particular problem.

Resolved
Ramiyah Ony
map-marker Phoenix, Arizona

Resolved: Question about black spots in the filter holder

Updated by user Jan 02, 2025

Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with apology. The "person" (AI?) I texted with gave me numerous ideas for dealing with the "black dots" problem.The first suggestion he gave did help (about 99%).

Original review Dec 23, 2024

No one ever answered the phone call! I watched the buffering symbol go around and around, and then the question popped up... Did I get my question answered.

View full review
John M Rbw

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Fort Wayne, Indiana

Potential to Harm

Zerowater - Potential to Harm

More than a year of use. I get lethargic, my near vision gets blurry, and gets better when I stop using it.

The scope of my ability to pay attention narrows. My aperture of awareness as well. A feeling of oddity takes hold of my body, like the onset of a food-borne illness. I have had the taste go lemon, I have had that moment when you get that dry throat itch from the water, like the back your throat was rubbed with a cotton swap after drinking.

I have read that having zero water will pull necessary minerals from your body, could that be the syndrome of my experience?

Is it growing non-visual algae or bacteria? It seems like the window of use is short, and the danger once the filter is spent, is not worth the risk and side effect.

View full review
Cariana Zao
map-marker Belton, Texas

The person I spoke The personI spoke with was very understanding and certainly very helpful .

My personal experience with this company is getting much better . They were very patient offered extra information which I found helpful.

View full review
Michele F Mrx

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Poor quality

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

I've had nothing but problems with Zero Water filters for the last four months. Right out of the box, they test at two to three PPM.

Also, they don't drain. I put a fresh filter in my pitcher and after eight hours, it only filtered about a cup. I did contact Zero Water through email, and they replied that they are reviewing my complaint, but I haven't heard from them.

It's been more than two weeks. I have emailed them twice.

View full review
Loss:
$250
Pros:
  • Used to be great
Cons:
  • Since culligan took over the quality has tankec

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: No longer a good product since they sold to culligan

Michele F Mrx

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Faulty filters and TDS meter

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Updated by user Jul 26, 2024

I’m out about 250.00 dollars the cost of the 3 zerowater pitchers I bought and 8 bad filters

Original review Jul 26, 2024

The last 3 zero water filters not only are not filtering well taking up to 8 hours to filter 1 cup but also a brand new filter is testing at 15 ppm with my TDS meter the water taste lemony.The zerowater TDS meter says the water is testing at 0 which is false .I have filed a complaint with the BBB .Im also considering a lawsuit for fraud .I still have 4 unopened Filters so I can prove the faulty filters are indeed unused before I test them.

View full review
Loss:
$250
Pros:
  • Used to be great
Cons:
  • Now they are bad fresh out of package

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Do not buy

Resolved
Stephen P Cbo

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Wethersfield, Connecticut

Resolved: Waiting for my tank and filters

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Updated by user Mar 11, 2024

Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with apology. I sent email after email, only took 12 emails until they resolved the issue. Just waiting to be refunded after its shipped back..

Original review Mar 04, 2024

You keep sending me the water meters, i would appreciate it if you cancel my order for the 52 cup tank and filters with subscription.

View full review

User's recommendation: Don't waste your time or money.

Ann S Axv

Bad filters

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

I have been using the zero pitcher and filters for a long time now and have had pretty good luck. But now the filters that I purchased at the supermarket are bad.

Bad tasting and smelling. Just one more expensive item to throw away.

Oh well, I should have known it couldnt last. On to another brand.

View full review
Loss:
$59
Pros:
  • Good quality
Cons:
  • Not all filters are created equally

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Purchase only if you like throwing money away

Lina Ubc

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Poor filter construction & Terrible Customer Service

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Zerowater - Poor filter construction & Terrible Customer Service

Upon drinking the water from pouring into a glass I noticed strange crystallised particles in my mouth. Upon further inspection it seemed these particles had broken through the filter into the base of the pitcher.

I became increasingly ill (gastric) and needed medical attention. I immediately contacted the company explaining the situation and asking for help/support to pass onto my doctor. Their customer team (Erik) ignored several attempts at communication (email & phone).

Accordingly, I am now going through professional legal advice! I will never use this product again and advise anyone to avoid at the expense of your health.

View full review
Pros:
  • Unsure
Cons:
  • Poor customer service
  • Poor quality

Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: Do Not Buy - May Cause Physical Harm

Al P Zrc

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Filters take WAY too long

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

Read complaints (long after purchase sadly) about the filters often taking WAY too long to pass the water through. On our 2nd filter now and same as the first.

Read online about the issues with bubbles and how to help.

But tapping the filter only works for a very short period of time. We may go back to our PUR filter if we can't get this to work well more consistenty.

View full review
Pros:
  • Water tastes good and device does show zero pds
Cons:
  • Inconsistently slow filter practically stops working

Preferred solution: Fix the slow filter problem with their product.

User's recommendation: Not a good purchase due to inconsistent slow filtering.

Demonica Ayq

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Mcallen, Texas

About the sour/acidic taste of ZeroWater filtering system

Updated by user Dec 20, 2016

OK, after a year and half of continuous experience on the Zero Water filter and browsing all replies following my review so far, I think I have a deeper understanding of the "problem" of this product.

I mentioned that the TDS reading of the tap water in the city I was living (McAllen, TX) was about 700 and each Zero Water cartridge did not filter more than 5 gallons of water there. Now I have moved to the Nashville area in TN, where the TDS of tap water is just a little over 100, indicating much less ions contained in the water (very good quality).

The old cartridge which already filtered 2 gallons in TX continued to give me about 15 gallons more of clean water in TN before it turned sour. Then I tried with a brand new Zero Water cartridge and it has filtered 28 gallons of water and so far it is still keeping the TDS reading at 0 after filtering. Therefore, the acidic taste at the end of the lifetime of a filter cartridge seems to reflect a capacity "problem" instead of a quality problem.

To further explain this "problem", the cations (ions carrying positive charges) and the anions (ions carrying negative charges) in water are always equal in the number of charge. Cations may include calcium ion (Ca 2+), sodium ion (Na 1+), potassium ion (K 1+), magnesium ion (Mn 2+), and so on.

Anions may include sulfate ion (SO4 2-), chloride ion (Cl 1-), carbonate ion (CO3 2-), and so on. The numbers at front of + and - signs denote the number of charge each ion carries, but this is not important if you don't care about the detail. The Zero Water filter contains an ion exchange layer, which replaces the cations with hydrogen ion (acid ion, H 1+), and replaces the anions with hydroxyl ion (basic ion, OH 1-). As you may already know (H+) and (OH-) form pure water H2O.

This is how the filter gives you pure water. Everything is fine until either ion, (H+) or (OH-), is depleted in the cartridge. In our case the hydroxyl ion (OH-) is fully consumed first, and then the anions remain in the water after filtering, and the cations are still replaced by the hydrogen ion (acid ion), finally resulting in acids, such as sulphuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl), carbonic acid (H2CO3), and so on.

That's why the water tastes sour or acidic at the end.

Finally, my suggestion is, if the TDS reading is high in your area, it may be economically preferable to just buy water from supermarkets. If the TDS values is low, Zero Water is a convenient option.

Original review May 23, 2015
I am a chemist and a polymer expert. I know what ion exchange is. I had the same sour/acidic taste experience with ZeroWater. It seems to me a design problem of this product.

Background 1: What does a filter capture?
Many other branded filters, such as Brita, DO filter some harmful organic chemicals in water using activated carbon. They don't do anything with the salts in water (not only the sodium chloride used in cooking). General salts in water are not harmful, but they don't taste good at a high concentration. ZeroWater captures cations and anions in water using the ion exchange technique, so that the salts are filtered.

Background 2: What do you know from TDS number?
The TDS meter coming with ZeroWater tests the conductivity of water. That is, it only measures the concentration of salt/ion in water instead of all solids, and estimates the amount of total dissolved solid in water. The water with a 0 reading on the meter can still contain some organic chemicals. Anyway, it's reasonable to believe the total solid left in water is very close to zero based on the so-claimed 5 stage filtering technique including an activated carbon layer. However, a totally pure water is not good to health in fact. If you read a TDS value of 30 from a bottled spring water, it doesn't mean the water is not good. Instead, the water contains some minerals/salts needed by your body. Sometimes I added a small fraction of Brita filtered water in the ZeroWater to tune it to below 50 TDS.

Problem of ZeroWater:
After flushing the ZeroWater filter I started to enjoy the filtered water, which was much cleaner than the tap water (TDS around 700). However, after about 5 gallons of water were filtered, the filtered water turned bad and tasted extremely sour/acidic as many people had experienced. I noticed at that time that the flow rate of the filter was faster than before and some gas bubbles came out from the orifice at the bottom of the filter. The sour taste indicated there might be still a large amount of hydrogen ions available in the filter, and the filter should still have a considerable lifetime. It seemed that some structure in the filter was crushed because of the build-up of filtered substance or increased pressure inside, so the chemical holding hydrogen ions leaked out. The flow rate might be much faster due to the damage, taking out the small amount of air that would be otherwise locked inside the filter.

Hope this comment is useful to both the users and the engineering department of ZeroWater.
View full review
Loss:
$40
Reason of review:
Bad quality

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

83 comments
Guest

We have found that this sour taste happens immediately if we use a stainless steel container to fill the unit. Thoughts?

Guest

Wyou might find this YouTube clip useful... https://youtu.be/d92ydHBwmcg

Daksh Nmj

Thank you for explaining this for everybody. When i test the Water from a used Zero Water filter it reads more than the New Jersey tap water, which is at around 375 here. Thank you.

Jakell Dkj

Thank you to the two above commenters. I have a much better understanding but still not quite sure how to get the TDS rating prior to purchasing a new unit.

I have experience with Zero filtering unit which required changing faucet head and using their hose to pitcher.

Seeking larger container to filter NYC tap water, which used to be so good. Suggestions on either testing or best unit?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1816730

My unit worked fine at my house near Austin, TX, so I got one for my mother who lives between Lubbock, TX and Clovis, NM. The first filter worked great for just over a week, then went sour.

I thought someone put in vinegar by mistake, and eventually replaced the filter.

The second one lasted less than a week. For an expensive filter, this was not worth the money.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1816730

please don't spread false information.

Guest

Your understanding about water is unclear. And it shows.

Water, by nature, shouldn’t have no solids in the water. The water should be harm free of chemicals. There is no such thing as organic minerals/salts needed by your body. This is wrong and incorrect.

Again the water should have no dissolved solids in the water. I’ve been using Zerowater for nine years with no problems or needing “minerals/salt for my body.

Guest

I bought 2 jugs with filters a week ago (1day apart), today after giving my mother a glass of water she complained of a burning sensation of her tongue and throat. When I tried the water it tasted horrid from the one jug though the other one is still ok.

A filter that lasts only 1 week is very poor quality and certainly deserves some adaptions. Out $60

Farzana Fdg
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1844340

Maybe filtered zero water smells like fish because the reader is above 6PPM. It's recommended to change filter once it reaches 6PPM.

Guest

I WILL NEVER BUY ZERO WATER AGAIN !!! WATER SUCKS SMELLS LIKE OLD FISH.

I BOUGHT 4 EXTRA FILTERS, USED 3 ( 1 ) THAT CAME WITH THE UNIT, IVE HAD THE UNIT A MONTH $$$$$$$ TRASHED IT BAD BUY. OH AND MY TAP WATER IS WAY BETTER THAN ZERO.

Guest

We have had our Zero water filter for 2 weeks and the last 5 days the water has been awful . One day its acidy/lemony and the next its like I drank from the Ocean.

This thing is terrible . I am going back to my faithful Britta.

Guest

My tap water TDS is 18. After 3 uses of the brnad new 10 cup unit, the water tastes like lemonaid. Wrote to Zerowater to see the response.

Guest

I have the same problem. New filter lasts 2 weeks before water turns really sour. Very unhappy, waste of money!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Ezmae Hje

I have had heartburn since I started drinking zero water..I think it has caused damage to my stomach and don’t know what to do to make it go back to normal..totally lost my appetite too..these should be taken off the market they are dangerous

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Ezmae Hje

Yes. After less than 2 wks, the filtered water is sour. Im very concerned about the ph level of this water if the filter is no longer doing its job at full capacity.

Ezmae Hje

I get the worst heartburn after drinking water from the Zero water pitcher. Does anyone else have this problem?

Guest

Great Info...thanks

Ruston Qgb

I would like to know if there is an acidic taste to the water through ZeroWater filtration, why is it reading at zero. I drank more than a few sour water bottles thinking it was okay!!

going back to bottled spring water...... *** I thought I had something here.

Shameria Qfu

i stopped using zero water filter

Guest

Current thought is your body does not need the minerals in tap water. Many sources claim this is true. I imagine this information is well outdated.

View more comments (82)
Anonymous
map-marker New Hyde Park, New York

Missing product in box

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Zerowater - Missing product in box

On the package it CLEARY states bonus 2nd filter included. The extra filter was not in the package. I was told to email photos and Did Not hear back as of now!!!

View full review

User's recommendation: Look in the box before taking home

Craig C Xts

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Zanesville, Ohio

Filters

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

Your customer service representative didnt know when youre supposed to change your filters, I find that unbelievable Ive been using your product for quite a few years. I stopped because the water started to have like a lemonade taste almost to it the other thing I want to know is if your filter filters out PFAs that are in the water system of most municipalities today.

View full review
Phoebe F Qxo

Customer service

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

Handle started to fall off pitcher with normal use& then filled with water the handle broke off& it was devastating because I love Zero Water! I called customer service and a young man Named Curtis was very kind to send me a replacement pitcher& assure me it was not my fault. Thank you!

View full review
Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Amazing water
  • Great customer service
Cons:
  • Pitcher a bit flimsy

User's recommendation: Buy the pitcher that has handle attached at top And bottom!

About

Summary

The ZeroWater technology was first patented in 1996. As of 2008, ZeroWater holds 4 patents regarding filters with additional patents pending. ZeroWater introduces water filtering system that removes almost anything from the water, lead, perchlorates, antibiotics, hormones and other contaminants. From the outside Zero Water looks like any other water filtration system, but on the inside it offers a far more advanced filtration technology. Zero Water sells different water filtration units. The main pitcher system sells for 39.00 and the water cooler system sells for 99.00, which is useful for businesses. Since with ZeroWater technology water undergoes 5 stages of purification, the water takes a long time to be filtered. Zero Water system filters can be recycled free of cost. Customers send the used filters back to Zero Water and get a shipping discount for their next purchase.

Zerowater reviews and complaints

Zerowater is ranked 75 out of 454 in Household Essentials category

Area Served

USA

Payment Methods

VISA

Why Trust Reviews on PissedConsumer?

  • Professional auto and live moderation
  • 100% user-generated content
  • Equal opportunity and protection
  • Zero tolerance for fake reviews
  • Verified content
  • PissedConsumer is on the Inc. 5000 list

For more information read Blog article