ZENWATER 4-Gallon Countertop Gravity Water Filter System - Portable Alkaline Filtration System - Enjoy Clean and Mineral-Rich Hydration at Home, Office, or Travel

I will start by stating that I am not an employee of Zen, nor do I have any affiliation with them and am not receiving any form of payment or renumeration from them. I have well water which contains iron particles and sulphur (rotten egg) smell at times. The water is pre-filtered, as it comes into the house, using a 5 micron sediment filter, then through a water softener. The water at the tap still contains small particles of iron (which does not get trapped by the 5 micron sediment filter) and occasional sulphur smell. The PH of the water at the tap is acid, in the neighborhood of 2 to 3 on the acid PH scale. The reason for purchasing the Zen water condititioning/filtering unit was because of the obvious iron residue after pre-filtering and softening and the metallic taste in the tap water, which affected coffee and tea making and made the tap water unpleasant to drink. The unpleasant metallic taste in our tap water affected the boiling food items such as pasta and potatoes, which absorb a lot of water. Because of this, we began using bottled water for cooking, coffee and tea making and drinking. This was getting quite expensive as well as the monumental hassle of carrying several gallons of water from the store to home each week. This is what prompted us to investigate water filtration systems. After thorough evaluation of many different systems, we decide that the Zen or Berkey would suit our needs. We opted for the Zen because the only difference seemed to be the fact that the Berkey would filter viruses (and the obvious cost difference). Since we don't live off-grid, nor drink from streams, lakes or ponds, we decided that we did not need the level of filtration from the Berkey. Our water is potable, except for the above stated reasons. After our Zen filter arrived, we thoroughly read through the instructions. The set up took about 30 minutes or so. We flushed through two full cycles of filtered water as instructed then tasted the water. There was no iron taste, nor was there any sulphur smell. The water was very good. The Zen filtering system worked exactly as advertised. In days subsequent, we used only the filtered water for drinking, coffee and tea. Also, we used only the filtered water for cooking. The taste of all items was definitely improved and no longer had that unpleasant metallic flavor. Even the our cake, bread and pizza dough (a major ingredient is water) was greatly improved to the point where we could taste the difference in the finished product. There are some reviews which complain about leaking spigots and 5 stage filter. In the case of the spigot, I'm sure it's possible to receive a faulty product, but I have found that dealing with Zen directly, they have a great customer service department. I was careful to assemble the spigot using properly the gaskets supplied. I have no issue with a leaky spigot. It does not leak. In the case of the 5 stage filter leaking, Initially, I had some difficulty in screwing the filter on to the filter ring so that it would not leak. I used some plumber's teflon tape. While it made screwing the filter onto the filter ring much easier, it did not totally prevent leaking. I thought that some type of washer or gasket between the filter and ring would work, however, since I was not able to find a pre-made washer or gasket of sufficient size at my local hardware store, I purchased a small sheet of gasket material. Using the filter as a template, made a gasket to fit the filter. Now it seals perfectly. The only other way the filter can leak is the following: The water in the top tank must be filtered through a .2 to .5 micron ceramic filter, which drips the water into a recess in the top of the 5 stage filter. As long as the water flows through the 5 stage filter at the proper rate (more quickly than the ceramic filter) the recess in the top of the 5 stage won't over flow and cause a leak around the filter ring. The flow rate through the 5 stage filter can be slowed by the small particles inside the filter settling, thereby causing the water dripping through, to become restricted. When this happens, I simply remove the 5 stage filter from the tank and rap it against my hand several times to shift the granules. When I do this, I notice an immediate increase in the flow of water through the 5 stage filter. Other than that, I have had no negative issues with the Zen filtering system. It works exactly as advertised. After using it for a few weeks, I am very happy with it. My water no longer has a metallic taste and the PH has increased to between 7 and 8 using standard water testing reagent.

I got the 4 gallon model. That's plenty for our family of 2 adults and 2 children under 2. I got this to raise the pH of the water and because I was sick of bleaching algae out of my Brita countertop filter every month. --Water-- -It is not tasteless like many claim, but clean and crisp. It tastes just like the "minerals added for taste" bottled waters. If you want to know what I'm talking about, buy a bottle of Dasani or SmartWater and test it against something tasteless like Fuji or distilled. If you prefer the tasteless variety, order the mineral-free filter from their website. -The water tastes so good I drink more without even realizing it. -pH was the same immediately after filtering the night I set it up. The next morning, it had raised .2. In the afternoon, it was another .2 higher. The longer the water is in contact with the mineral stones, the higher the pH. This does seem to be a slow process though. I wish it alkalized faster, as we have acid tap water. --Features-- -It can be used with or without the base. -The tap lever can be pushed back to dispense like a fountain drink dispenser, or flipped up to stay open. -The magnetic tap that comes with the 4-gallon model is actually the nut that holds the tap on. It's longer than the regular one and doesn't leave room for the mineral stone case to sit neatly in the ring made for it. However, you can scatter the stones on the bottom, which actually looks nicer. -The bottom tank is 3 gallons and the top tank is 1 gallon. (See website for tank sizes) -Instructions say not to overfill, so I only fill top tank when bottom tank is one-third empty. It does take a while to filter but since it can hold so much it's not so bad. --Setup-- -Initial setup takes some time. The minerals stones need to be removed from plastic case, rinsed, boiled, and dried. The ceramic dome needs be be soaked and scrubbed. The filter needs water run through it until it comes out clear. The tanks need to be washed. Then you gotta put everything together. But after that first setup, you just have to maintain different parts separately, and that doesn't take as long. -Instructions are clear and simple. --Maintenance-- -Ceramic dome needs to soaked and scrubbed every few weeks or when filter process slows down. It should be replaced every 1 year or 1000 gallons. -Filter needs no maintenance but needs replacing every 6 months or 500 gallons. -Mineral stones should be boiled every 6 months, and replaced after 3-5 years or when worn down. They should still work but they'll be less effective because of less surface area. -Tanks should be washed every 3 months or as needed. --Parts-- You CAN NOT get genuine parts from Amazon. Believe me, I've tried. They're all sold by Purenex which makes cheap counterfeits. Even if it says it's by Zen Water Online, it's not sold by them. Go to their website and get genuine parts.

Easy assembly, I watched a YouTube video and affordable, the only criticism I can say is that the rocks are not too many but it's okay for the price of $140+. No product damages but be careful when washing the tanks because it scratches.

My daughter and I love how much better our water taste with this system. Totally in love with this product. Just wish it didn't get damaged from purolator as the shipping box looked like it was kicked around

A lil bigger then expected but worth it

Very good product!! Bought 2 of them. As well @Zen Water Systems, where can one buy the top tank portion as this one is kinda leaky. Thanks -Joseph

it works as promised. This product delivers.