Before cleaning, remove the filter and TDS meter from your device and set them both aside. Wash the pitcher, reservoir, lid, and spigot (if applicable) with lukewarm water and a mild dish soap using a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaning products, as they can scratch the plastic.

Pat dry your pitcher completely, even the TDS meter docking station, as any remaining tap water or soap may impact your TDS reading. Then reinstall your filter and redock your TDS meter for ongoing use.

Important: Do not put your pitcher or dispenser in the dishwasher. Hand washing is best.

The lid is designed to fit snugly so you can pour filtered water while unfiltered water is still moving through the filter, without worrying about spills.

Over time - from usage and washes - the seal should soften making it easier to open the lid.

No. Our filters are pre-soaked. But we do recommend rinsing the outside of the filter for 30 seconds before installing.

When it comes to filtration, slow can be a good thing. Our filters can flow slowly as they capture contaminants like forever chemicals, lead, nitrates and virtually all total dissolved solids.

However, if your water flow has stopped, it could be an air pocket in your filter. To fix it, tap your filter gently against a sink a few times to release the air pocket. Before reinserting it, run some water through the filter to remove any bubbles. In general, it is best to fill water directly where the filter sits instead of the bottom of the reservoir. If you are still having trouble, please reach out to our Culligan support team at 1.800.503.2939 or help@culligan.com

A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter measures the conductivity in the water based on the amount of dissolved minerals and salts present, shown in parts per million (ppm). It's a handy way to check your water quality before and after filtration.

Docked into your pitcher or dispenser:

The meter built into your pitcher's lid is always on and reads your water's TDS level automatically. There's no need to press any buttons or take it in and out.

The number on the display shows your current TDS reading. If the reading hits 6 or higher, the amber light will turn on and this means it's time to replace your filter.

A wavy line may appear briefly from time to time. This just means the meter is recalibrating and should return to a normal reading shortly. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

In a glass of water:

Step 1: Remove the meter from its docking station

Step 2: Dip the probes into your water sample, submerging them up to (but not above) 1 inch

Step 3: Wait a few seconds for the reading to stabilize.

Step 4: Read the number on the display. The number on the display shows your current TDS reading.

If the reading hits 6 or higher, the amber light will turn on. If you are testing Culligan filtered water, and the amber light turns on, it means it's time to replace your filter.

A wavy line may appear briefly from time to time. This just means the meter is recalibrating and should return to a normal reading shortly. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

If your meter doesn’t read “0” after first use of your new filter, try these quick tips:

• A new pitcher should be washed thoroughly with soap and water and dried before use. The TDS meter is very sensitive and could pick up any dissolved solids from the pitcher before use.
• When you’re setting up a new filter, give the outside a 30-second rinse under running water. Make sure to rinse your new filter well, then let it dry before using.
• Check that the new filter snapped in securely. You should hear a little click.
• After you fill your pitcher, dry off both the TDS meter and docking station completely before putting the meter in place. Residual tap water may have gotten into the docking station during that process that would impact the reading.
• Check that your TDS meter is completely docked into its station. You should not be able to see the prongs.

If none of these options work, please reach out to our Culligan support team at 1.800.503.2939 or help@culligan.com

For a new meter, please ensure that you have removed the white pull tab to activate the 2AAA Batteries within the TDS meter. For a previously used meter, please make sure that the 2AAA Batteries are not depleted.

If none of these options work, please reach out to our Culligan support team to receive a new one at 1.800.503.2939 or help@culligan.com

The TDS meter is designed to fit securely in its dock so it stays safely in place during use — which is great for keeping it stable, but it can make removal for cleaning a bit snug.

If it feels stuck, try gently wedging the edge of a spoon between the meter and the dock, and carefully wiggle it back and forth to help ease it loose. Go slowly to avoid applying too much force to the display or probes.

We've added a feature based directly on consumer feedback. When the TDS meter reads 6 or higher, the amber light will turn on, telling you it's time for a new filter.

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There are several factors that impact filter life - from household size to TDS levels in your water.

If your area's TDS levels are higher than average, you may need to replace your filters more often. Test your tap water using the included TDS meter and compare your TDS levels with the national average using this chart.

TDS Table

If you live in a region with high levels of dissolved solids, you can be certain that our filters are effectively removing TDS from your tap water.

When it comes to filtration, slow can be a good thing. Our filters can flow slowly as they capture contaminants like forever chemicals, lead, nitrates and virtually all total dissolved solids.

However, if your water flow has stopped, it could be an air pocket in your filter. To fix it, tap your filter gently against a sink a few times to release the air pocket. Before reinserting it, run some water through the filter to remove any bubbles. In general, it is best to fill water directly where the filter sits instead of the bottom of the reservoir. If you are still having trouble, please reach out to our Culligan support team at 1.800.503.2939 or help@culligan.com

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Total dissolved solids (TDS) are dissolved minerals, salts, metals, and other substances found in water. They can enter your water naturally or through sources such as plumbing, road salt, fertilizers, and runoff. TDS can affect the taste and appearance of your water.

A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter measures the conductivity in the water based on the amount of dissolved minerals and salts present, shown in parts per million (ppm). It's a handy way to check your water quality before and after filtration.

Docked into your pitcher or dispenser:

The meter built into your pitcher's lid is always on and reads your water's TDS level automatically. There's no need to press any buttons or take it in and out.

The number on the display shows your current TDS reading. If the reading hits 6 or higher, the amber light will turn on and this means it's time to replace your filter.

A wavy line may appear briefly from time to time. This just means the meter is recalibrating and should return to a normal reading shortly. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

In a glass of water:

Step 1: Remove the meter from its docking station

Step 2: Dip the probes into your water sample, submerging them up to (but not above) 1 inch

Step 3: Wait a few seconds for the reading to stabilize.

Step 4: Read the number on the display. The number on the display shows your current TDS reading.

If the reading hits 6 or higher, the amber light will turn on. If you are testing Culligan filtered water, and the amber light turns on, it means it's time to replace your filter.

A wavy line may appear briefly from time to time. This just means the meter is recalibrating and should return to a normal reading shortly. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

If the reading hits 6 or higher, the amber light will turn on. If you are testing Culligan filtered water, and the amber light turns on, it means it's time to replace your filter.

A wavy line may appear briefly from time to time. This just means the meter is recalibrating and should return to a normal reading shortly. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

In a glass of water:

Step 1: Remove the meter from its docking station

Step 2: Dip the probes into your water sample, submerging them up to (but not above) 1 inch

Step 3: Wait a few seconds for the reading to stabilize.

Step 4: Read the number on the display. The number on the display shows your current TDS reading.

Yes. It is completely safe to remove TDS from your drinking water.

Culligan with ZeroWater Technology removes 99.9% of total dissolved solids, including both unwanted contaminants and trace minerals. Our filters are designed to treat everything equally, reducing harmful elements along with minerals that may be naturally present in tap water.

Health experts agree that your body gets the minerals it needs from food, not water. And according to the Water Quality Association, low-TDS water is safe to drink and widely used around the world. For more, we encourage users to read the Water Quality Association's article: “Consumption of Low TDS Water."

There are several factors that impact filter life - from household size to TDS levels in your water.

If your area's TDS levels are higher than average, you may need to replace your filters more often. Test your tap water using the included TDS meter and compare your TDS levels with the national average using this chart.

TDS Table

If you live in a region with high levels of dissolved solids, you can be certain that our filters are effectively removing TDS from your tap water.

No. The TDS meter measures Total Dissolved Solids, not specific contaminants like lead, PFAS, or bacteria. Think of it as a helpful tool to monitor your filter’s performance. When the reading reaches 6 or higher, it’s time to replace your filter for the best taste and quality.

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Store your filters in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. As long as the filter remains sealed in its original packaging, it has no set shelf life.

Yes. Our 5-stage filter contains activated carbon derived from coconut shell. This environmentally friendly material serves as an effective and non-leaching agent in our filtration process, ensuring superior water filtration results compared to other alternatives.

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While both pitchers outperform the leading competitor, Culligan pitchers are a concerted effort to improve on an already superior product. Our latest pitchers and dispensers are thoughtfully redesigned for everyday ease, with upgraded features that make great-tasting water even easier to enjoy:

• Ergonomic handle for a more comfortable grip.
• Sliding lid for easy filling.
• Fully sealed top to prevent spills while pouring, even when full.
• No-drip spout for a clean, precise pour.
• Built-in TDS meter storage, so you always know your water quality.
• Space-saving design to fit perfectly in your fridge.

To make sure you have purchased the right filters for your pitcher:

Image for things to look for:
Legacy ZeroWater:
Pitchers and dispensers are a blue hue
TDS meter is a dark navy color
TDS meter will show three numbers, I.e. 000 or 003
Filter will drop in to the top of the reservoir and click in

Culligan with ZeroWater Technology pitchers:
Pitchers and dispensers are a clear plastic
The TDS meter is a light gray

While the core 5-stage filtration is the same, Culligan filters are certified for additional contaminants including:

Total PFAS
Nitrates
Pharmaceuticals
Pesticides

Additionally, the filters are placed into their reservoirs differently. Culligan filters are a drop in system while legacy ZeroWater filters are a twist-in system. This was a change made based on a year of consumer feedback in order to make the experience more seamless.

Yes. If you are a legacy ZeroWater pitcher user, first generation ZeroWater filters will still work in your ZeroWater compatible pitchers.

No. Our new filters were redesigned for simpler, top-down installation. They no longer twist in from the bottom like legacy ZeroWater filters. This change makes filter replacement easier and cleaner, but it does mean the new filters aren’t compatible with older devices.

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Our products are designed in the USA and manufactured with high-quality, globally sourced components. We partner with trusted suppliers worldwide to ensure our materials meet high standards for performance, safety, and reliability.

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