Understanding the ZeroWater Filtration Process
ZeroWater's effectiveness lies in its comprehensive 5-stage filtration process, which sets it apart from many conventional water filter pitchers. Unlike simple carbon filters that primarily address taste and odor, ZeroWater uses multiple technologies to produce water with a near-zero total dissolved solids (TDS) reading. The final filtered water has a purity level comparable to distilled or reverse osmosis water, without requiring electricity or complex plumbing.
The 5-stage process breaks down as follows:
- Stage 1: Coarse Filter Screen: Removes solid particles and sediment like rust and dust.
- Stage 2: Foam Distributor: Spreads the water evenly to ensure maximum contact with the subsequent filter media.
- Stage 3: Multi-Layer System: A combination of activated carbon and an oxidation reduction alloy targets and reduces non-ionic contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other organic substances, improving taste and odor.
- Stage 4: Ion-Exchange Resin: A mixed-bed ion-exchange resin is the core of the system. This resin is engineered to attract and hold dissolved ions, including beneficial minerals like magnesium and calcium, along with other inorganic compounds like nitrates and heavy metals. This is the stage responsible for the near-complete removal of dissolved solids, leading to the low TDS reading.
- Stage 5: Ultra-Fine Mesh Screen: A final screen captures any remaining fine particles, ensuring the water is polished before it reaches your glass.
Why does ZeroWater target TDS?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the collective amount of inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water, such as salts, minerals, and metals. The goal of ZeroWater's filtration is to reduce this number to zero, as measured by the included TDS meter. While this process effectively removes harmful substances like lead, it also removes benign or beneficial elements like magnesium and calcium. ZeroWater makes it clear that its technology cannot distinguish between 'good' and 'bad' dissolved solids; it simply removes them all.
ZeroWater vs. Carbon-Based Filters: A Comparison
To better understand what happens to minerals like magnesium, it is helpful to compare ZeroWater's process with that of standard carbon-based filters, such as Brita.
| Feature | ZeroWater (5-Stage Ion Exchange) | Standard Carbon Filter (e.g., Brita) |
|---|---|---|
| TDS Removal | Removes virtually all (99.6%) TDS, resulting in a 000ppm reading. | Removes some, but not all, dissolved solids, leaving many minerals intact. |
| Magnesium Removal | Yes, magnesium ions are captured by the ion-exchange resin. | No, magnesium ions typically pass through a standard carbon filter. |
| Lead Reduction | Certified by IAPMO to significantly reduce lead. | Some models reduce lead, but overall effectiveness can vary. |
| Chlorine Reduction | Reduces chlorine for improved taste and odor. | Reduces chlorine, which is their primary function. |
| Taste of Water | Often described as flat or neutral due to the absence of minerals. | Taste is improved by removing chlorine and other organic compounds. |
| Filter Life | Shorter filter life, as it expires when the TDS reading rises above 006ppm. | Generally lasts longer, based on volume or time, not TDS levels. |
What happens to the magnesium?
Within the ZeroWater filter, the ion-exchange resin is comprised of both positively and negatively charged beads. These beads attract the oppositely charged ions present in the water, a process known as deionization. Magnesium, as a positively charged ion, is captured and removed from the water by the cation-exchange resin. This is precisely how the filter achieves its characteristic low TDS reading. The mineral content, including magnesium, is essentially stripped from the water before it enters your glass.
The health implications of removing magnesium
While ZeroWater provides a high level of filtration purity by removing nearly all TDS, it also eliminates minerals that some people consider beneficial. Magnesium is an essential mineral for numerous bodily functions, including muscle function, nerve function, and maintaining bone health. Drinking demineralized water over an extended period could theoretically contribute to a mineral deficiency, though most people obtain the majority of their essential minerals through a balanced diet, not water.
Health experts and organizations like the Water Quality Association note that low-TDS water is safe to drink. However, they also emphasize that drinking water should not be considered a primary source for essential minerals. The final filtered water is not harmful, but for those who prefer mineralized water, ZeroWater is not the ideal choice. Some individuals who prefer the benefits of added minerals may choose to remineralize their water after filtering.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "Does zero water filter out magnesium?" is an unequivocal yes. The ZeroWater system's 5-stage filtration, specifically its ion-exchange technology, is designed to remove virtually all total dissolved solids, which inherently includes magnesium. This process results in exceptionally pure water with a near-zero TDS reading, providing peace of mind for those concerned about contaminants like lead and PFOA/PFOS. While this produces very clean water, it is important to remember that it also strips out beneficial minerals like magnesium and calcium. Ultimately, the choice of filter depends on your personal priorities for water purity versus mineral content. For those seeking mineral-rich water, an alternative filtration method may be more suitable.
