I bought this filter pitcher 7 years ago. I had previously been using a smaller pitcher that would not fit in my refrigerator and I prefer to drink cold water. The municipal water in my town contains a heavy amount of chlorine and who knows what other chemicals and such to make it safe to drink. The Zero Filter removes these elements and delivers the best tasting water I can drink. I use the TDS water meter regularly and only change the filter when I get a 006 or higher reading.