ZeroWater review (2026): 0 TDS, price & alternative

Published on July 22, 2026 | Reading time: ~12 minutes

If you're looking for an honest ZeroWater review, you primarily want to know if that famous 0 TDS measurement is worth the money. ZeroWater promises to remove 99.8% of all dissolved solids from your tap water, more than any ordinary filter pitcher. That sounds impressive, but it comes with a price tag, both literally and figuratively.

In this guide, we dissect the technology, the advantages, the disadvantages, and the true costs in the Netherlands. We then explain why "filtering everything out" isn't always the smartest choice, and which alternative both purifies and retains healthy minerals.

1. What is ZeroWater?

ZeroWater's approach differs from most filter pitchers. While a standard Brita pitcher removes about half of the dissolved solids, ZeroWater filters down to 0 ppm. The promise is to remove everything. This is appealing if you want to tackle a metallic aftertaste or limescale.

The downside: "everything" also includes the minerals calcium and magnesium that give water its fresh taste. This is precisely where the interesting part of this review begins.

2. How does the ZeroWater filter work?

ZeroWater uses a 5-stage filtration system, while a classic Brita pitcher uses 4 stages. The secret lies in the fourth stage: an ion-exchange resin that captures charged particles that other stages allow to pass.

• Stage 1: a coarse filter screen traps suspended particles and sediment.
• Stage 2: a foam dispenser distributes the water evenly.
• Stage 3: activated carbon and an oxidation-reduction alloy remove chlorine and organic substances.
• Stage 4: the ion-exchange resin captures dissolved minerals, salts, and metals; this is the core of the 0 TDS promise.
• Stage 5: a fine mesh screen with a membrane traps the last fine particles.

The result is water with a TDS value of almost zero. TDS stands for the sum of all dissolved solids in ppm (parts per million). Dutch tap water is often between 150 and 400 ppm, and even higher in hard water regions like Limburg and parts of Brabant. You can read more about these differences in our guide on hard water in the Netherlands.

3. What are the advantages of ZeroWater?

ZeroWater does several things well. An honest review highlights these just as clearly as the drawbacks:

• Maximum TDS reduction: With 99.8%, ZeroWater removes more dissolved solids than most competitors. For those who want to remove a metallic or stale aftertaste, this is noticeable.
• NSF certification for lead and chlorine: independently tested against a fixed standard, not just a claim on the packaging. According to NSF International, this is the most important benchmark for filter performance.
• Free TDS meter: You can measure yourself when a filter needs replacing and don't have to guess.
• No installation: You fill a pitcher and put it in the fridge. Ideal for a rental property where you can't make any structural changes.
• Complete limescale removal: In hard water regions, limescale in the kettle disappears completely.

In short, ZeroWater performs excellently in terms of pure purity. This is why the brand has a loyal following, especially among people who are sensitive to taste.

4. What are the disadvantages of ZeroWater?

Here are the points you'd rather know beforehand than after purchase. None of these are safety issues, but they are crucial for your daily experience and your wallet.

The water no longer contains minerals

At 0 TDS, calcium, magnesium, and potassium also disappear. These minerals contribute to daily intake and to the taste of water. Furthermore, mineral-poor water more easily absorbs CO2 from the air, making it taste more acidic or flat to some.

A saturated filter can smell like fish

Once the ion-exchange resin is full, it can no longer retain certain organic compounds. These then pass into your water and give off a fishy odor. This is a characteristic of the technology, not a manufacturing defect, but it means you must replace the filter promptly as soon as the TDS meter rises above 6 ppm.

In hard water, the filter saturates quickly

This is the biggest surprise for Dutch users. The lifespan depends entirely on your water hardness. With soft water, you can get 150 liters or more, but with hard water (401 ppm and higher), you'll drop below 30 liters per filter. Check your water hardness by municipality via our guide on water hardness by municipality before stocking up on filters.

5. What does ZeroWater cost in the Netherlands?

The initial purchase might seem friendly, but the real costs lie in the filters. A basic pitcher costs around €38 to €48, while larger dispensers go up to about €100. Replacement filters range from approximately €22 each (2-pack) to about €16 each for a large 16-pack.

Now for the calculation for Dutch water. An average household drinks 3 to 4 liters of water per day, roughly 1,100 to 1,400 liters per year. In a hard water region where a filter saturates after 30 liters, this means a filter change every 1 to 3 weeks. Expect 20 to 40 filters per year, which translates to roughly €240 to €480 just for filters.

6. ZeroWater vs. PureFilter vs. Brita

The table illustrates the pattern: ZeroWater wins on pure TDS reduction, but loses on minerals, capacity, and annual costs. A detailed comparison with the most well-known filter pitcher can be found on our page PureFilter vs. Brita.

7. The alternative: purify and retain minerals

The idea that "filtering everything out" is best isn't entirely correct. The PureFilter Mineral+ removes more than 100 contaminants, including lead, PFAS, microplastics, chlorine, and medicine residues, and then adds calcium, magnesium, and potassium back through its Swedish Mineral Rock™ technology. This way, you drink pure and flavorful water instead of "dead," mineral-poor water.

At PureFilter, we find that customers switching from a filter pitcher particularly appreciate the convenience. An inline filter sits under your sink and filters all the water coming out of the tap, without refilling, waiting, or lugging filters. Installation takes 5 to 10 minutes and does not require a plumber.

8. Buying advice: is ZeroWater for you?

The right choice depends on your situation:

• You live in a rental property and are not allowed to install anything: a ZeroWater pitcher is a good starting point, but consider frequent filter changes with hard water.
• You mainly want to remove a metallic aftertaste: ZeroWater's 0 TDS filtration effectively does this.
• You drink a lot of water and want low annual costs: then an inline filter like the PureFilter Mineral+ is more economical, with one cartridge per year instead of dozens.
• You value minerals and taste: choose a filter that purifies and remineralizes. If you're still in doubt, check out the best water filter or the frequently asked questions.

Do you want to know how an inline filter compares to a reverse osmosis system, which, like ZeroWater, removes all minerals? Read our explanation about the RO water filter.

9. Frequently Asked Questions about ZeroWater

10. Conclusion

This ZeroWater review shows a brand that delivers on its promise: purifying tap water to 0 TDS, independently tested for lead and chromium, with a handy TDS meter included. For those looking for a filter jug and primarily focused on taste and purity, it's a serious option.

The downside is equally clear. ZeroWater removes all minerals, saturates quickly in hard Dutch water, and can cost up to 240 to 480 euros per year in filters. Those who want pure and mineral-rich water, without the hassle of refilling, are better off with an inline solution.

The PureFilter Mineral+ combines these two worlds: it removes over 100 contaminants (NSF 42, 53, 61, and 372) and adds back calcium, magnesium, and potassium via Swedish Mineral Rock™. One cartridge lasts for 15,000 to 20,000 liters, and installation takes 5 to 10 minutes. Want to know more? Visit purefilter.nl.