Is Zero Water Healthy? (An RDN Explains)

Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining good health. In the US we are lucky to have one of the world’s most reliable and safe water drinking systems. However, tap water can sometimes contain impurities and contaminants that affect its taste, odor, and safety.

The water filtration system Zero Water is one of the most popular water filter pitchers in the US and the company has gained it’s popularity due to its claim to provide pure and healthy water. But how does Zero Water work, and is it really healthy?

In this article we will briefly review Zero Water filters, the health benefits and concerns of Zero Water, compare Zero Water with regular drinking water, and discuss who should use the Zero Water filter.

🤔 What is Zero Water?

Zero Water is a water filter brand that claims to remove 99.6% of total dissolved solids (TDS) from tap water, leaving “pure” water. It removes 23 contaminants including chlorine, fluoride, asbestos, arsenic, nitrate, iron and lead.

The Zero Water filter is gravity filtered water. With the Zero Water pitcher you add water to the top and the water works its way through the filter.

The filter system uses a combination of filtration technologies to remove impurities and dissolved solids from water, including an anion exchange bed, activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy, and a multi-layer filtration system.

👨‍🔧 For more information on Zero Water filters and comparison to other similar water filter brands, visit this article.

🩺 Health Benefits

ZeroWater claims that the Zero Water filter removes the majority of dissolved solids from tap water including beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium as well as harmful contaminants.

If consumed in excess amounts, some of these can be harmful to human health.

For example, drinking contaminated water with high levels of fluoride and lead can lead to health problems. High levels of fluoride can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, arthritis and other bone damage.

In addition, undesirable levels of lead in your drinking water can lead to kidney damage and your central and peripheral nervous systems.

The Zero Water filter removes the above contaminants. This can be beneficial in some cases particularly if you live in an area where these levels may be above EPA and state guidelines.

However, there is limited scientific research to demonstrate drinking zero dissolved solids water is “healthier” than drinking unfiltered tap water.

⚠️ Concerns of ZeroWater

Lack of Minerals

However, it’s important to recognize not all minerals are harmful and some are necessary for optimal health. Similar to reverse osmosis water systems, this filtering system does not discriminate.

It removes the majority of dissolved solids – including beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.

We know that these minerals are essential nutrients for the human body. They are needed for strengthening teeth and bones, muscle and nerve function, improving the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and much more.

In a report put out by the World Health Organization it discussed how drinking water that is low in magnesium and calcium can lead to a variety of health issues including reduced hydration and a reduction in mineral intake.

This is typically linked to the fact that the typical American diet is limited in the essential nutrients our body’s need for basic function. This is because the American diet lacks variety and is limited in fruits and vegetables.

If you choose to drink mineral free water, it is important to make sure you have a balanced diet and consume a variety of foods to ensure you are consuming the necessary amounts of these minerals.

Hopefully, you already try to aim for a balanced diet (regardless of what water or supplements you may consume).

Bacteria and Viruses

Additionally, it’s important to note that Zero Water filter does not remove bacteria or viruses from water so it should only be used if your water has already been treated by your local water treatment system.

If your water is contaminated with these, Zero Water will not be able to provide safe drinking water. In these particular instances, boiling the water or using a water treatment system that can kill bacteria and viruses is recommended.

Development of the Bacteria

There is also some concern that zero water filters remove all the chlorine. The chlorine in our unfiltered tap water is what prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Because chlorine is no longer present, there is more risk for bacteria to develop in that water.

The biggest key here is, don’t let your Zero Water sit out. Luckily the zero water filter is meant to prevent bacteria growth within the filter itself, however make sure it is exchanged as recommended to prevent this.

🆚 Zero Water vs. Tap Water

The quality of tap water can vary depending on where you live and the quality of the municipal water treatment system. Unfiltered tap water can contain various contaminants such as chlorine, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals or pesticides.

There are many people who are concerned about the quality of their drinking water and may opt for bottled water. The downside that comes with that is increased plastic use and more money spent on water.

If you are concerned about the possible contaminants found in your drinking water you can also always request a consumer confidence report from your local water municipality.

If the report shows something you are concerned about, consider Zero Water filters or the ZeroWater pitcher. They are designed to remove these contaminants, as well as other dissolved solids, improving the taste, odor, and safety of your drinking water.

🙋🏼‍♂️ Who Should Use Zero Water?

Factors to consider when choosing a water filter system include the quality of the tap water and personal preferences.

If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, a Zero Water filter can be a good option to improve the taste and safety of your drinking water. There are many other options available on the market as well.

It’s important to keep in mind that ZeroWater may not be necessary for everyone and consulting with a healthcare provider or a certified water quality expert can be beneficial.

📝 Conclusion

In conclusion, ZeroWater filters can be a good option for those who are concerned about the quality of their tap water. The filter’s ability to remove contaminants and dissolved solids can improve the taste, odor, and safety of tap water.

As previously mentioned, it’s important to keep in mind that not all dissolved solids are harmful and some are required for overall health and body function including magnesium and calcium.

Additionally, ZeroWater does not remove bacteria or viruses from water, so if your tap water is contaminated, additional treatment is necessary.

Ultimately, the decision to use Zero Water or any other water filtration system depends on individual needs and preferences.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions:

Is It Healthy To Drink ZeroWater?

Using a ZeroWater filter is a good way to drink water. However, keep in mind it is not always necessary and may reduce your overall intake of calcium and magnesium. So, a balanced diet is important.

There is not enough scientific evidence to suggest zero dissolved solid water is “healthier” than normal drinking water.

Does Zero Water Remove All Minerals?

Yes, the ZeroWater filter will remove the majority of total dissolved solids including the beneficial minerals like magnesium and calcium.

Is Zero Water Better Than Brita?

Zero Water and Brita are both very popular gravity water filter pitchers. While they both look similar since they both function the same, they are also both very different because of the different features one has.

ZeroWater has a higher TDS removal, while Brita’s filter may need to be changed less frequently.

To read more about the differences between ZeroWater filters and Brita, please visit this blog article.

Does Zero Water Remove Too Much?

Generally, the healthiest kind of water still contains minerals in it. Zero Water does remove all the minerals in the water.

In most places in the US the Zero Water filter may not be necessary. If you live in a place where water quality is poor, the benefits of this filter may outweigh the desire for mineral containing water.