Does ZeroWater remove PFAS?

Last reviewed July 2026.

Yes — ZeroWater holds a certified PFOA/PFOS claim. Not marketing copy: an accredited certifier lists it, and you can look the listing up.

Model by model

ZR-002: System certified by IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI 42 (chlorine) and 53 (lead, hexavalent chromium, PFOA/PFOS, mercury). Not in the NSF listing database — IAPMO is a separate accredited certifier.

A certification nerd's footnote: our ranking's "PFAS (401)" column tracks NSF/ANSI 401 — but PFOA/PFOS can also be certified inside an NSF/ANSI 53 claim set, which is exactly how ZeroWater's claim is listed (by IAPMO). Same verified claim, different standard number. This is why we read claim sets, not just standard numbers.

What the certified claim costs to run

Certification is per model, and so is the running cost. The cheapest ZeroWater model carrying the claim is the 5-Stage Replacement Filter (2-pack) (ZR-002) at about $18.50 per filter for a certified 15 gallons — $1.233 per certified gallon.

That capacity is what the certifier tested to, not a marketing estimate. For one person drinking about half a gallon a day it is roughly about 4 weeks per filter; for a family of four, closer to 8 days. Run past the rated capacity and the claim no longer applies — the media is exhausted even though the filter still passes water.

How to check this yourself

Nothing here needs to be taken on trust. ZeroWater's certifications are held by IAPMO, and each keeps a public database you can search by brand or model number. Look up the model printed on the filter — not the box, not the retail listing — and read which standards the entry lists. A model certified to 42 only will say exactly that.

Direct listings: ZR-002

If a figure on this page disagrees with the certifier's listing, the listing wins. Tell us and we will correct it.

What "removes PFAS" actually covers

The certified claim is PFOA/PFOS reduction — the two legacy compounds the standards test for — not "all PFAS", a family of thousands of chemicals. A certified filter is still the strongest verifiable option a pitcher or fridge filter can offer; just read the claim as written. Standards background: 42 vs 53 vs 401.

Related: Is ZeroWater NSF certified? · Does ZeroWater remove lead?

We do not test filters — we index what accredited certifiers publish, with attribution, and make no health or treatment claims. A certification covers a specific model against a specific standard; it is not a general seal of quality. We are not affiliated with NSF International.