General 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 the Culligan 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 the filter is IAPMO certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, lead, chromium and mercury.
Does the TDS Meter measure lead levels?
No, the meter measures Total Dissolved Solids and is not intended to measure lead or PFOA/PFOS levels.
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. Culligan 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, Culligan 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.
Does the 5-stage filter contain coconut?
Yes, our 5-stage filter does contain activated carbon derived from coconut shell. This environmentally friendly material serves as an effective and non-leaching agent in our filtration process, ensuring superior water filtration results compared to other alternatives.
Culligan & ZeroWater
Why did Culligan acquire ZeroWater?
Our decision to welcome ZeroWater into the Culligan family was driven by our shared dedication to provide the world with better access to cleaner, safer, better-tasting water.
By leveraging Culligan's research expertise, ZeroWater is actively working to enhance existing products and develop new ones to better serve your water needs. We have also combined our resources to expand product availability and reach more households.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in our commitment to improving water quality for you and your family.
By leveraging Culligan's research expertise, ZeroWater is actively working to enhance existing products and develop new ones to better serve your water needs. We have also combined our resources to expand product availability and reach more households.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in our commitment to improving water quality for you and your family.
Why has ZeroWater changed its name to Culligan ZeroWater?
Our new name combines the strong reputations of both of our companies and symbolizes our joint mission to give you better access to cleaner, safer, better-tasting water. By coming together under the name Culligan ZeroWater, we're able to offer a wider range of innovative products and enhance the ones you already trust. It's all about building a stronger brand that stands for quality and innovation, which means better water filtration options for you.
What changes should I expect with this new partnership?
You can look forward to an expanded range of innovative products and enhanced support. This partnership will drive advancements in filtration technology and accessibility, ensuring that high-quality water solutions are available to more people like you.
Will the quality of ZeroWater be impacted within a big corporation like Culligan
Worried about changes? Don't be. You can expect the same quality you know from ZeroWater, now backed by Culligan's resources. Our advanced 5-stage filter design will remain unchanged and will continue to remove 99.6% of total dissolved solids. We are always committed to providing you with the best water filtration solutions possible.
Will the Culligan acquisition of ZeroWater affect the 5-Stage Filter and its products?
Our commitment to quality and care remains at the heart of everything we do. The filters you trust will continue to remove virtually all total dissolved solids (99.9% of TDS) and reduce lead and other harmful contaminants including xyz. With the support of Culligan's research and expertise, we will continue to innovate and improve our products to meet your needs.
Will the cost of the pitchers and filters increase?
We are committed to maintaining the current pricing for our pitchers and filters. We believe access to high-quality water is a right, and we strive to make our products affordable to everyone.
Will manufacturing or production processes change?
Culligan is always seeking ways to optimize operations without compromising quality. Any changes in manufacturing or production processes will be guided by our commitment to sustainability.
Is this a consolidation in any way? Will people lose jobs?
We are focused on growth and innovation, not downsizing. As we integrate our operations, we aim to enhance our collective strengths and capabilities, which will benefit our employees and customers alike.
Who should we contact for support now?
ZeroWater customers can continue to contact our dedicated customer service team for support. Contact details remain the same, and any changes will be communicated directly to our customers and updated on our websites.
Where can customers find updates about the transition and future product developments?
Is ZeroWater still a separate entity within Culligan? Is ZeroWater considered an operating company, subsidiary, or brand?
ZeroWater operates as a distinct brand under the Culligan umbrella, benefiting from Culligan's resources while maintaining its specialized focus on water filtration.
How does it work?
How does the Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter work?
The Culligan 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 Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter system filter well water?
Once the well has been approved for drinking, Culligan 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 Culligan 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 Culligan 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 Culligan 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 Culligan 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 Culligan ZeroWater® Remove?
What does a Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter remove?
For a list of all removed contaminants, visit our performance results page.
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.
We encourage users to read the Water Quality Association's “Consumption of Low TDS Water” article which articulates this question in further detail.
We encourage users to read the Water Quality Association's “Consumption of Low TDS Water” article which articulates this question in further detail.
Does the Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce lead?
ZeroWater®'s 5-stage filtration system is IAPMO certified to reduce lead below the standards as set by the FDA (5 ppb).
Does the Culligan 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 Culligan 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 Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce Chromium 6?
Yes, Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filters are IAPMO certified to reduce Chromium 6 by 99.7%.
Does the Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce arsenic?
Our 5-stage filters have been independently tested by an EPA certified lab for the reduction of arsenic with an overall reduction percentage of 99%.
Does the Culligan 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 Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce uranium?
ZeroWater® 5-stage filters have materials commonly used in the industry to treat uranium. Culligan ZeroWater® filters have not been tested due to the high levels of uranium required for testing.
Does the Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce cryptosporidium?
At this point Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filters have not been tested for the removal of cryptosporidium(microbiological cysts).
Does the Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce chloramines?
ZeroWater®'s 5-stage filters have been independently tested in a 3rd party lab and proven very effective in reducing chloramines. However, if you have chloramines in your water, it may reduce the expected life of the filter, necessitating more frequent filter changes. Please note that our 5-stage filters have not been officially certified to NSF/ANSI standards for Chloramine reduction.
Does the Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce phenol?
At this point Culligan ZeroWater®'s 5-stage filters have not been tested for the removal of phenol.
Does the Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter reduce oxygen?
The filters do not remove dissolved oxygen from water.
5-Stage Filter Troubleshooting
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 Culligan 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.
TDS Meter Troubleshooting
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. View instructions sheet
Why is my TDS Meter only reading 000?
The meter should have a 000 reading in your filtered Culligan 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 800-503-2939. 1; Remove the cap from the meter and turn the meter on so that 000 appears in the display window. 2; 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. 3; 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 Culligan 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 Culligan 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, for more information regarding our recycling program, visit our Recycling page.
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 at 800-503-2939, option 2, so we can work with you to resolve this issue.
Will bacteria build up in the filter?
The Culligan 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 Culligan ZeroWater® products?
ZeroWater® filters are made of BPA Free Polypropylene. Culligan ZeroWater® devices are made of BPA Free Polypropylene and ABS.
What type of media is used in the Culligan 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.
Certifications
Is Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter certified?
The Culligan ZeroWater® 5-stage filter and compatible pitchers are system certified by IAPMO R&T against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for reduction of chlorine taste and odor and against NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for reduction of lead, chromium (Hexavalent), PFOA, PFOS and mercury for 15-gallon capacity.
Do you have a Performance Data Sheet?
Performance data sheets for all of our products can be found on our Performance Certifications page.
Warranty
What's the warranty on Culligan ZeroWater® pitchers and dispensers?
Limited Warranty for Culligan ZeroWater® Dispenser,Pitcher, Bottle Filtration System, and TDS Meter. Zero Technologies, LLC warrants the Culligan 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 Culligan 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, call 1-800-503-2939 or Contact Us. 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 call 1-800- 503-2939 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.