In the 1970s, lead was everywhere. It was in our paint, our gas, and, yes, even our water. Lead has always been an issue in tap water since plumbing was invented, but with people becoming more mindful about what they put in their bodies, filters have become increasingly popular. However, you may be wondering if your ZeroWater filter is effective at removing this lead. Does your ZeroWater filter remove lead from your tap water?
According to ZeroWater’s website, ZeroWater filters remove 99% of lead from water. Their testing found that a ZeroWater pitcher filter can treat 40 gallons of contaminated water with 99% removal. This filter also removes other harmful contaminants such as chlorine and metals.
ZeroWater filters do remove lead, but how exactly do they do that? And when should the filter be replaced to optimize healthy drinking water? Keep reading to learn more about ZeroWater filters and when they should be replaced.
You may be interested in my articles on water pitcher filters for lead removal and removing lead from drinking water in your home.
Table of Contents
Can ZeroWater Filters Remove Lead?
ZeroWater filters do remove lead from water. In a 40-gallon (150 liters) test done on their water filters, ZeroWater found their filters removed 99% of lead.
In a similar test done on 20 gallons (75 liters) of water, it was also determined that ZeroWater filters removed 99% of lead from the water.
| Key Takeaways |
| 1. ZeroWater filters remove 99% of lead |
| 2. Five-stage process eliminates contaminants |
| 3. Filters last 40 gallons or 3-4 months |
| 4. Replace filters when water quality changes |
| 5. Filters remove chlorine, metals, and more |
How do ZeroWater filters remove lead?
Like with any filter on the market, ZeroWater filters must follow FDA rules and regulations.
The FDA requires a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level of 000 to 001 ppm to be considered purified enough for bottled use. If the TDS goes above 1,000 ppm, then it is considered unsafe to drink. For reference, the normal range for tap water is about 500 ppm.
For a filter to be considered effective, it must get the water down to 200 ppm. ZeroWater filters claim to do this and more. They claim to get your water down to 000, which is purified enough to be considered bottled water.
ZeroWater 5-stage filtration for lead removal
The way they do this is by five stages:
- Stage 1 is a coarse filter screen that removes large solids like dust or rust that can cloud your water.
- Stage 2 is a foam distributor. This stage removes any large slippery solids that may have been just small enough to slip past the coarse filter screen in stage 1.
- Stage 3 is a multi-layered activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy. That’s a lot of big words, but its job is relatively simple. It removes organic contaminants. This can be herbicides or pesticides, as well as mercury, chlorine, and chloramine. It also stops bacteria from growing in their tracks.
- Stage 4 is a dual comprehensive ion exchange resin. This is what removes inorganic compounds from your water. This can be metals, non-metals, or even radiological contaminants.
- Stage 5 is the final stage. This stage is an ultra-fine screen and non-woven membrane layers. This layer removes any of the tricky, little solids that somehow slipped past all the other layers of defense, holding the resin in place as it does so.
These five stages ensure that virtually nothing unsafe is left in your water, leaving you with clean, crystal-clear water every time.
Testing Results for Lead Removal with ZeroWater Filters
ZeroWater filters were tested for lead removal by the independent Quality Filter Testing Laboratory, following NSF/ANSI testing standards for pour-through devices. The filters were subjected to daily filtration of 2 gallons, with water samples taken after 20 liters of filtration.
Challenge water for metals, including lead, was prepared according to NSF/ANSI standards, and the filtration rate was set at 1 liter per 45 minutes load/rest cycle. The pH was adjusted to 6.5 and 8.5 for all contaminants, and the average results were reported.
The tests demonstrated that ZeroWater filters effectively removed 99% of lead from water.
When Should Your ZeroWater Filter Be Replaced to Maintain Lead Removal?
Like with anything that is used a lot, filters will eventually start to lose their effectiveness after a while, so it is important to pay attention to when you need to replace your water filter to maintain the removal of lead from your drinking water.
Your ZeroWater filter lasts for about 40 gallons, after which it is very important to replace it to maintain your healthy drinking water. The average person uses those 40 gallons of water in about 3 or 4 months.
It all depends on your use. If you think you use it more than a normal amount, then as a general rule of thumb, three months is a good time to change your filter. If you think you use it a little less than the normal amount, then after four months, you may want to change your filter.
The Signs Your ZeroWater Filter May Need to Be Changed
If you don’t remember exactly when you purchased your filter, or are unsure if you’ve been using it more or less than normal, don’t worry. We’ve all been there.
If you can’t remember how long you’ve had your filter, there are some signs you can look out for to determine if your filter needs to be replaced.
The signs you should look out for are as follows:
- It has an acidic taste, such as your water tasting like lemon
- Your water has become cloudy
- Your water smells foul or off
- It has a metallic or off taste to it
- It has a meter reading of 006 or higher
It is important to keep your filter up-to-date to maintain safe drinking water and lead removal. The easiest way to tell if your filter needs to be replaced is to use your senses. Things like smelling the water, tasting the water, and looking at the color of your water will give you big clues about the quality of your water.
A great way to avoid forgetting when you last changed your filter is by writing it down somewhere and keeping it somewhere safe. If you’re not sure where a good place may be, or you’re afraid you may lose it, then a great place to write it down may be on a piece of paper that you stick onto your fridge with a magnet to ensure you never lose it!
FAQs
What other contaminants do Zerowater filters remove?
ZeroWater filters remove the following contaminants:
- lime
- lead
- chlorine
- glyphosate
- PFAS (PFOS / PFOA)
- micro plastics
What other treatment methods remove lead from water?
Other treatment methods for removing lead from water include reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, and distillation. These methods effectively reduce lead levels, providing safer drinking water for consumption.
Do Brita filters remove lead?
Brita filters, specifically their faucet filtration systems and Longlast filters, are designed to remove lead. However, Brita’s standard pitcher filters are not specifically designed for lead removal, so it’s important to choose the right type of Brita filter for effective lead reduction.
Do PUR filters remove lead from drinking water?
Yes, PUR filters are designed to remove lead from drinking water. Their faucet filtration systems and pitcher filters use activated carbon and ion exchange technologies to reduce lead levels, providing safer water for consumption.
Do Refrigerator Filters Remove Lead?
Some refrigerator filters can remove lead, but it depends on the specific model and filter used. To ensure lead removal, check the filter specifications and ensure it meets NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction or has been certified for lead removal by an independent testing organization.
Conclusion
Maintaining safe drinking water is important to a person’s health and well-being. When you drink safe, clean water, your body feels refreshed and ready to go, so it’s a great idea to use a filter! Just remember to always write down when you last changed your filter and to keep your filters up-to-date to maintain safe drinking water. When you do that, then you can be sure your water is clean and ready to go!