SmallBizGenius Analysis

ZeroWater receives mixed reviews, with many customers praising the initial water quality but expressing concerns about filter longevity and customer service. While some users find the product effective and convenient, others report issues with filter performance, taste, and difficulty obtaining refunds or support.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 58 recent reviews

Filter Longevity

3.0/10

Many reviewers complain that ZeroWater filters do not last as long as advertised, often needing replacement within a week or two. Several customers note a decline in filter lifespan compared to their past experiences with the product. For example, one reviewer stated, 'Expensive filters last only a week' while another mentioned, 'The filter lasted 2 weeks. It’s very expensive...Before it would last about 2months.'

25 reviews mention this

Water Taste and Quality

4.5/10

Several reviewers report issues with the taste and quality of the filtered water, often describing it as fishy, metallic, or bitter. Some customers indicate that the water develops an unpleasant taste shortly after installing a new filter. One reviewer noted, 'After trying 3 filters we keep getting a fish smell in the water,' and another stated, 'After that, the water smelled fishy and was bitter.'

20 reviews mention this

Customer Service

2.5/10

A significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with ZeroWater's customer service, citing difficulties in obtaining refunds, resolving issues with faulty filters, and receiving timely responses. Some customers report being hung up on or receiving unhelpful assistance. One reviewer said, 'I contacted the company and they said they were sending me a new filter. What they sent me was an empty box, literally. I contacted them and they did not reply.'

12 reviews mention this

Filter Design and Quality Control

3.5/10

Several reviewers criticize the change in filter design, specifically the switch from screw-on lids to plastic seals, citing difficulty in removing the seals and concerns about plastic particles contaminating the water. Some customers also report issues with leaking filters. One reviewer stated, 'This last redesign of the top cover is beyond difficult to use,' while another mentioned, 'First filters came wet with some mold around the top. Next lot all leaked from the top so tap water was going straight into the ‘filtered’ section of the jug.'

10 reviews mention this

Product Effectiveness (Initial)

8.0/10

Some reviewers initially praise the effectiveness of ZeroWater filters in removing impurities and improving water taste. These customers often report a significant reduction in TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels. For example, one reviewer stated, 'I spent a good few months looking into all the options before choosing Zero Water...The water truly does taste good.'

8 reviews mention this

Delivery Issues

2.0/10

A few reviewers report issues with delivery, including delays and non-delivery of ordered items. These customers express frustration with the company's communication and lack of resolution. One reviewer mentioned, 'They’re quick to take payment but don’t deliver on time,' while another detailed a lengthy delay and poor communication regarding their order.

3 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Effective at initially removing impurities and improving water taste for some users Mentioned 8x
"Knowing and seeing the taste and look of the water is so much cleaner than the water we get from Priest River Idaho city water!"
Fast filtering system Mentioned 3x
"The filter system works fast"
Convenient countertop design Mentioned 2x
"Although the product is good and convenient"
Recycling program for used filters Mentioned 1x
"I signed up for zero water because I like the idea of sending in the filters to be recycled. No one else offers this service."
Helpful customer service in some instances Mentioned 1x
"Paul, from customer service, turned a somewhat disappointing experience into a phenomenal experience. Absolutely incredible company, I would rate this 10 out of five stories if I could."

Common Complaints

Filters have a short lifespan and need frequent replacement Mentioned 25x
"Expensive filters last only a week"
Water develops an unpleasant taste (fishy, metallic) after a short period Mentioned 20x
"After trying 3 filters we keep getting a fish smell in the water."
Poor customer service and difficulty obtaining refunds or support Mentioned 12x
"The company made it difficult to get a return label. Three weeks after returning the filters still no £55 refund."
Filters leak or have design flaws (plastic seals, mold) Mentioned 10x
"First filters came wet with some mold around the top. Next lot all leaked from the top so tap water was going straight into the ‘filtered’ section of the jug."
Inconsistent water quality and filter performance Mentioned 5x
"Expensive, inconsistent and really not that great. to begin with, the water tasted very good but increasingly despite the TDS tester showing only very low levels of bad stuff, water smells and tastes awful"

Common Questions About Zerowater

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is ZeroWater legit and trustworthy?

ZeroWater's legitimacy is not in question, as it does offer a functional water filtration system. However, based on the reviews, its trustworthiness is debatable. Many customers report significant issues with the longevity and quality of the filters, with some experiencing unpleasant tastes and smells in the filtered water. Additionally, a substantial number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with the company's customer service, citing difficulties in resolving issues and obtaining refunds.

Based on 45 reviews

Does ZeroWater have good customer service?

ZeroWater's customer service receives predominantly negative feedback. Many reviewers report difficulties in contacting the company, resolving issues with faulty filters, and obtaining refunds. Some customers describe being hung up on or receiving unhelpful assistance. While a few reviewers mention positive experiences with customer service representatives, the overall sentiment suggests that ZeroWater's customer support is unreliable and often frustrating.

Based on 20 reviews

Is ZeroWater worth it for small business?

For small businesses, ZeroWater may not be the most reliable or cost-effective option. The inconsistent filter performance and potential customer service challenges could lead to increased expenses and frustration. While the initial water quality may be appealing, the short lifespan of the filters and the risk of unpleasant tastes could outweigh the benefits. Businesses seeking a consistent and dependable water filtration solution may want to consider alternative systems with more reliable filter performance and better customer support.

Based on 15 reviews

What is ZeroWater's return policy like?

ZeroWater's return policy appears to be a source of frustration for many customers. Several reviewers report difficulties in obtaining refunds for faulty filters or unsatisfactory products. Some customers mention having to pay for return shipping and experiencing delays in receiving their refunds. The reviews suggest that ZeroWater's return process can be cumbersome and unreliable, leading to dissatisfaction among customers.

Based on 10 reviews

Why do ZeroWater filters fail so quickly?

The exact reasons for the short lifespan of ZeroWater filters are not explicitly stated by the company, but several reviewers speculate that the filters may be made with cheaper materials or have undergone design changes that affect their performance. Some customers also suggest that the filters may be more susceptible to clogging or contamination, leading to a decline in water quality and a shorter lifespan. Additionally, variations in tap water quality may contribute to the inconsistent filter performance reported by reviewers.

Based on 10 reviews