Though our drinking water was already subject to our own in-house UV filtration system, it still left much to be desired when it came to taste. A secondary UV with ozone filtration, would alleviate any fears we have regarding the presence of bacteria in our water plus hopefully improve taste. We were anxious to test out the newest Zuvo.
Product Description
The Zuvo Series 150 Model ZPS149 Water Filtration System uses a 5-Step combined UV, ozone and carbon filtration process to treat water
- Zuvo Unit is 16” tall. About the size of a blender
- Uses an 8W UV Bulb (included). Replacement: ZLF10W $79.99 Replace when it burns out- expected life of 7-10 years
- Filtration system includes a 5-step process: Ozone, UV Light Exposure, Photo-Oxidation, Activated Carbon Filtration and Dual-Pass UV
- Clear reservoir
- 1/2 Gallon flow rate per minute
- Filter included. Replacement: ZFR10W $29.99. Replace every 6 months Filter life= 500 gallons
- ETL certified for electrical appliance safety.
- The Zuvo Model ZPS149 is designed for above counter installation. Other Zuvo models are for under-counter installation and include a Zuvo beverage faucet that is mounted at the sink.
- Third party lab tested; also meets National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards.
- MSRP: $ 149.99
- Learn more from the www.zuvowater.com
How the Zuvo 150 Performed
January 24, 2011
This particular Zuvo 150 model has the simplest above counter installation, which involved attaching the hose assembly by screwing it to our standard sink faucet and plugging it into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) wall outlet. This type of plug-in is essential for safe use of any electrical product that sits this close to a sink faucet. The Zuvo unit sits beside the sink (fits beneath overhead cabinets) and the small white hoses are visible to the end of the faucet. Zuvo does have models that install under-counter, nicer for a more permanent hook-up and to reduce counter clutter. Dispensing Zuvo filtered water is easy, simply pull the small release button on the tap assembly when water is on and it activates the UV/ozone process from which comes filtered water, out a small discharge on the tap assembly.
Being on a raw water source, our water was already UV filtered, but it still left concerns as to whether some bacteria remained and the taste of the water was substandard. Given that the Zuvo has a 5-step process, it reassured us that this secondary system would catch what the first one doesn't in terms of bacteria and chemicals. It's true that we cannot see this effective bacterial removal process other than the light that goes on when the Zuvo filter is activated. But knowing that the Zuvo has been tested against the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and has undergone third party testing for compliance to existing standards, give us assurance that it does what it is designed to do. The taste difference is definitely noticeable; water is much more palatable.
This particular Zuvo 150 model has the simplest above counter installation, which involved attaching the hose assembly by screwing it to our standard sink faucet and plugging it into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) wall outlet. This type of plug-in is essential for safe use of any electrical product that sits this close to a sink faucet. The Zuvo unit sits beside the sink (fits beneath overhead cabinets) and the small white hoses are visible to the end of the faucet. Zuvo does have models that install under-counter, nicer for a more permanent hook-up and to reduce counter clutter. Dispensing Zuvo filtered water is easy, simply pull the small release button on the tap assembly when water is on and it activates the UV/ozone process from which comes filtered water, out a small discharge on the tap assembly.
Being on a raw water source, our water was already UV filtered, but it still left concerns as to whether some bacteria remained and the taste of the water was substandard. Given that the Zuvo has a 5-step process, it reassured us that this secondary system would catch what the first one doesn't in terms of bacteria and chemicals. It's true that we cannot see this effective bacterial removal process other than the light that goes on when the Zuvo filter is activated. But knowing that the Zuvo has been tested against the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and has undergone third party testing for compliance to existing standards, give us assurance that it does what it is designed to do. The taste difference is definitely noticeable; water is much more palatable.
Overall Impression
This is the second Zuvo Filtration System that we have tested, the first being the original Zuvo about a year ago. There is not much difference between the two, one change being the water reservoir which is now clear. The other and biggest change however is price, this residential water filtration system is now much more affordable to consumers. Zuvo provides unlimited filtered water, unlike small carbon filtered pitchers or dispensers. Please note that you should not use hot water; it is designed for cold water only.
There was no difference really between testing the original Zuvo or the newer Zuvo 150. Both systems improved our water's taste and since there's no change in water filtration technologies with either model, both gave us the assurance of adequate water filtration and bacterial removal. However, a lower price obviously is a noticeable and welcomed improvement. Hence the upgrade in rating.
The difference in taste from using our own filtration system alone, or with the addition of the Zuvo was very noticeable. The water simply tastes much better and the Zuvo does not remove all the good minerals that give water that refreshing taste. This improved water taste would warrant adding the Zuvo filter to an existing filtration system. As mentioned above, we have to go on faith that this water treatment system does what it is designed to do when it comes to bacteria and chemical removal. But knowing we have a second-stage system as a defense against harmful waterborne contaminants, alleviates our drinking water concerns.
There was no difference really between testing the original Zuvo or the newer Zuvo 150. Both systems improved our water's taste and since there's no change in water filtration technologies with either model, both gave us the assurance of adequate water filtration and bacterial removal. However, a lower price obviously is a noticeable and welcomed improvement. Hence the upgrade in rating.
The difference in taste from using our own filtration system alone, or with the addition of the Zuvo was very noticeable. The water simply tastes much better and the Zuvo does not remove all the good minerals that give water that refreshing taste. This improved water taste would warrant adding the Zuvo filter to an existing filtration system. As mentioned above, we have to go on faith that this water treatment system does what it is designed to do when it comes to bacteria and chemical removal. But knowing we have a second-stage system as a defense against harmful waterborne contaminants, alleviates our drinking water concerns.
Why Carbon Water Filters are Inadequate
While bottled water can be a quick and handy solution, it's an expensive one. And plastic bottles take forever to decompose in a landfill. Since there are currently no mandatory testing or standards for bottled water, there's also no way to ensure it's a safe water alternative. Read more about water bottle safety concerns.
Active carbon filtration will remove some particulates and usually helps to improve the taste of tap water but, it only removes certain particles and impurities; it does not remove certain harmful bacteria, chemicals, lead or other microbes. If you suspect the presence of bacteria, lead or other contaminants in your water, you need more than carbon filtration.
Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light is considered to be a highly effective way to reduce harmful bacteria and microbes in water. Ozone oxygenates water leaving no unpleasant chemical residue or aftertaste typical of water that has been chlorinated.
Zuvo Water Filtration Systems use a combined carbon filtering, UV lighting, plus ozone to deliver clean, safe and good tasting water. Installed easily (no tools) above-counter or below the counter with a little plumbing help, Zuvo provides unlimited cost-efficient filtered water. Unlike large UV water filtration systems that require more room, professional installation and substantial outlay, Zuvo offers a small water filtration system that's both affordable and easy to install. It's an efficient, low cost water filtration option for those who want better tasting water or want to make their tap water safer.
Active carbon filtration will remove some particulates and usually helps to improve the taste of tap water but, it only removes certain particles and impurities; it does not remove certain harmful bacteria, chemicals, lead or other microbes. If you suspect the presence of bacteria, lead or other contaminants in your water, you need more than carbon filtration.
Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light is considered to be a highly effective way to reduce harmful bacteria and microbes in water. Ozone oxygenates water leaving no unpleasant chemical residue or aftertaste typical of water that has been chlorinated.
Zuvo Water Filtration Systems use a combined carbon filtering, UV lighting, plus ozone to deliver clean, safe and good tasting water. Installed easily (no tools) above-counter or below the counter with a little plumbing help, Zuvo provides unlimited cost-efficient filtered water. Unlike large UV water filtration systems that require more room, professional installation and substantial outlay, Zuvo offers a small water filtration system that's both affordable and easy to install. It's an efficient, low cost water filtration option for those who want better tasting water or want to make their tap water safer.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
