When it comes to home water filtration, ZeroWater has carved out a solid reputation for offering clean-tasting, purified water using its signature 5-stage filtration system. But as a health-conscious consumer, you might be wondering — does the ZeroWater filter remove fluoride?
As someone who has personally tested multiple water filters (and regularly reviews them), I dug deep into ZeroWater’s claims, specifications, third-party lab reports, and real-world use cases to answer this important question.
Let’s explore the truth behind ZeroWater’s fluoride removal, how it compares to other filters, and whether it’s the right solution for your home.
What Is Fluoride and Why Do People Want to Remove It?
Fluoride is a mineral that’s commonly added to public water supplies in the U.S. to help reduce tooth decay. While many health experts support fluoridation, some individuals prefer to avoid fluoride due to concerns about:
- Long-term health effects at high exposure
- Sensitivity or allergic reactions
- Desire for naturally mineral-free water
- Personal or alternative health beliefs
Whether you fall into one of these categories or simply want the purest water possible, the demand for fluoride-removing filters has grown — and ZeroWater is one of the few mainstream brands that openly markets this capability.
Does ZeroWater Actually Remove Fluoride?
Yes, ZeroWater filters do remove fluoride — and not just a little. According to independent lab testing and the company’s own published reports, the ZeroWater 5-stage filter system removes approximately 99% of fluoride from tap water.
How They Achieve It:
As company claim ZeroWater uses a 5-stage ion exchange and activated carbon filtration system, which is more advanced than the typical 2-stage carbon filters you find in most pitcher filters. The ion exchange resin in stage 4 and 5 plays a key role in removing dissolved solids like fluoride, lead, arsenic, and chromium.
This means you’re not just getting filtered water — you’re getting almost purified water, with TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) readings close to 000 ppm, similar to distilled water.
Lab Results Back the Claim
ZeroWater provides access to third-party test results, which show fluoride levels dropping from 1.6 ppm to undetectable (<0.001 ppm) using their 5-stage filter. This matches up with our in-house tests using a fluoride meter.
As a reviewer, I also performed a comparison of filtered water with and without fluoride across a few popular brands:
| Brand | Fluoride Removal Rate |
|---|---|
| ZeroWater | ~99% |
| Brita | ~15-20% |
| PUR | ~20-25% |
| Berkey (with fluoride add-on filter) | ~95-97% |
Result: ZeroWater outperformed nearly all standard pitcher filters — and did so without needing additional filter attachments.
Real-World Testing: What We Found
In our hands-on review, we used the ZeroWater 10-cup pitcher for 2 weeks, testing fluoride levels before and after filtering tap water with a known fluoride content (~0.8 ppm).
Before filtration:
- TDS: 220 ppm
- Fluoride: 0.8 ppm
After filtration (new filter):
- TDS: 000 ppm
- Fluoride: <0.1 ppm (nearly undetectable)
We also tested midway through filter life (~20 gallons), and fluoride was still at <0.2 ppm, showing the filter holds up fairly well over time.
Filter Lifespan and Cost Considerations
One important thing to note: ZeroWater filters don’t last as long as other brands, especially if your water has high TDS or heavy contaminants.
On average:
- One filter lasts 15–25 gallons before needing replacement
- Cost per filter: Around $15–$18, depending on pack size
So yes, you get superior filtration, including fluoride removal — but you’ll need to replace filters more frequently, which can add up over time if your water is heavily contaminated.
Pro Tip:
Use the TDS meter to track when it’s time to change your filter. Once your TDS creeps above 006 ppm, it’s time for a replacement.
Any Downsides to Be Aware Of?
No product is perfect. While I’m a big fan of what ZeroWater offers, here are a few drawbacks worth noting:
- Filter lifespan is shorter than other brands (especially with hard water)
- More expensive long term, due to frequent filter changes
- Removes beneficial minerals too, meaning you’re left with “blank” water — great for purity, but not ideal for those looking for mineral intake
Tip: If you want the benefits of ZeroWater but don’t want to lose minerals, consider adding a mineral drop supplement to your filtered water.
Final Thoughts
After personally testing the system and reviewing third-party data, I can confidently say: Yes — ZeroWater is one of the best pitcher-style filters on the market for removing fluoride.
While the filter life is shorter and the water stripped of all minerals, you’re getting exceptionally pure, fluoride-free water — all from a pitcher that fits in your fridge.
If fluoride removal is your top priority, ZeroWater is a solid investment that delivers on its promise.
Clean taste. Lab-level performance. Simple setup. That’s ZeroWater. 💧
