Have you just drunk water from a Zerowater filter that tasted like lemon?
Whilst lemon water tastes nice, it shouldn’t taste like lemon from a Zerowater filter.
Has the filter got an issue such as mold? Find out below
Why Does My ZeroWater Filter Water Taste like Lemon
There are a few reasons why your ZeroWater filter water might taste like lemon. Here are some possible explanations:
- Contaminants in the water: If your tap water contains high levels of certain minerals or other contaminants, the ZeroWater filter may remove them, leaving your water with a different taste. Sometimes, these minerals can give the water a slightly lemony taste.
- Old filter: If your ZeroWater filter is old or has not been changed according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, it may not be effectively removing contaminants from the water. This could cause a change in taste, including a slightly lemony flavor.
- Residual cleaning products: If you recently cleaned your pitcher or filter with a product that contains lemon or another citrus scent, this could be affecting the taste of your water. Even if you rinsed the pitcher or filter thoroughly, some residual cleaning product may remain, affecting the flavor of your water.
If you’re experiencing a lemony taste in your ZeroWater filter water and it’s not due to residual cleaning products, it’s a good idea to check your filter and ensure that it’s working properly
NOTE : Does your filtered water smell like fish? Fond out why in this article I wrote.
What To Do If ZeroWater Filter Water Taste like Lemon
Depending what the root cause is there are different things that you should do.
1. Contaminants In The Water
If you suspect that your tap water contains contaminants, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce your exposure and ensure that your water is safe to drink:
- Check your local water quality report: Your local water utility is required to provide an annual report that outlines the contaminants in your tap water and the levels at which they are present. You can often find this report online or request a copy from your water utility. Review this report to see if there are any contaminants of concern in your water and what levels they are present.
- Test your water: You can also have your water tested by a certified laboratory to get a more detailed analysis of any contaminants that may be present. You can purchase a water testing kit online or from a local hardware store or contact a professional water testing service.
- Use a water treatment system: If your water contains high levels of contaminants, you may need to use a water treatment system, such as a UV sterilizer, to remove them. A water treatment system can be installed at your home or business to provide clean, safe drinking water.
2. Replace Zerowater Filter
To replace a ZeroWater filter, follow these steps:
- Remove the old filter: Remove the pitcher lid and discard the old filter.
- Rinse the pitcher: Rinse the pitcher with water to remove any debris or residue.
- Install the new filter: Take the new filter out of its packaging and remove the protective plastic wrap. Insert the new filter into the slot where the old one was located, with the black rubber gasket side facing up.
- Prime the new filter: Fill the pitcher with cold tap water and let it run through the new filter until the water runs clear. This primes the filter and ensures that it is ready to use.
- Reset the TDS meter: If your ZeroWater pitcher comes with a TDS meter, reset it by pressing and holding the button until it reads “000.”
- Replace the lid: Once the new filter is in place and primed, replace the pitcher lid.
NOTE : Do you know how long a Zerowater filter lasts? Check out this article I wrote about that.
Below is a video showing these steps

3. Use A Water Treatment System
A water treatment system is a system that removes impurities from water, making it safe and suitable for use. Water treatment systems can be used in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, and municipalities, and can help to improve the taste, odor, and safety of drinking water.
There are several different types of water treatment systems, including:
- Filtration systems: These systems use filters to remove impurities from water, including sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants.
- Reverse osmosis systems: Reverse osmosis systems use a membrane to filter water, removing impurities like minerals, bacteria, and viruses.
- Ultraviolet systems: These systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in water.
- Water softeners: Water softeners remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from water, which can help to improve the taste and prevent buildup in pipes and appliances.
- Distillation systems: Distillation systems boil water and collect the resulting steam, which is then condensed back into water, leaving behind impurities.
Different water treatment systems are designed to target specific types of impurities, so it’s important to choose the right system for your needs and water quality.
Why Does My ZeroWater Filter Water Taste Sour
If your ZeroWater filter water tastes sour, it could be due to a few different reasons:
- Bacteria growth: If the filter is not maintained properly, bacteria can grow inside the filter, leading to a sour or musty taste in the water. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your filter to prevent this from happening.
- Old filter: If your filter is old and has been used for more than its recommended lifespan, it may no longer be effective at removing contaminants and may start to produce sour-tasting water.
- High levels of organic matter: If your water source has high levels of organic matter, such as decaying vegetation, it can cause a sour or earthy taste in the water, even after it has been filtered.
- pH imbalance: If the pH of your water is too low, it can cause a sour taste. ZeroWater filters are designed to remove contaminants and minerals that can affect the pH of water, but if the water is too acidic to begin with, the filter may not be able to correct it completely.
How To Check If Zerowater Filter Is Bad
There are several signs that can indicate that a ZeroWater filter is no longer effective and needs to be replaced:
- Slow filtration: If it takes longer than usual for the water to pass through the filter, it may be clogged with contaminants and need to be replaced.
- TDS meter reading is above 006: A TDS meter measures the total dissolved solids in water. A reading above 006 indicates that the filter is no longer effective and needs to be replaced.
- Unpleasant taste or odor: If the water has an unpleasant taste or odor, it may indicate that the filter is no longer effective at removing impurities.
- Discoloration: If the filtered water appears discolored, it may be an indication that the filter is no longer effective at removing contaminants.
- Visible buildup on filter: If there is visible buildup on the filter, it may indicate that the filter is clogged and no longer effective at removing impurities.
It’s important to note that ZeroWater filters have a recommended lifespan of approximately 3-5 months, depending on usage and water quality.
Will Replacing The Zerowater Filter Get Rid Of The Lemon Taste
Yes, replacing the ZeroWater filter can help get rid of the lemon taste in the filtered water. A lemon taste in the filtered water can be an indication that the filter is no longer effective at removing impurities, or that the filter is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Over time, the filter can become clogged with contaminants, which can affect the taste and odor of the filtered water. By replacing the filter, you will be replacing the clogged filter with a fresh one, which will be able to remove the impurities and improve the taste and odor of the filtered water.