Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was a bit cynical. For starters, these guys had chosen the rather self-important name "Zen" for their company. Second, the water filtration system in question doesn't cost much and that led me to wonder if it was just a heap of cheap materials. After all, anyone can box up some little multi-colored rocks into a plastic gizmo and make impressive health claims. But I was game; I bought the 8-gallon model, and I waited at the door with a PH meter to tackle the first challenge: would the Zen, in fact, increase the PH of the water? If it didn't, it was going back. If it did, the earned credibility would help me more readily accept the other claims of this water filter system. The unit arrived in two days and I was already prepared by other reviewers that it takes a little time to tinker the unit together, boil pebbles, scrub the dome, and rinse the 5-compartment mineral stack for 15 minutes. Sure, it's not exactly 'plug and play,' but if this system did what it claimed, it would be worth it. I then followed the manufacturer's directive to DISCARD THE FIRST TWO FULL TANKS of water that filtered through it. But I cheated, I took a teeny taste of Zen water after the first tank filtered through. Yuck! It tasted like rocks! This was discouraging, but I proceeded with allowing the second tank to filter through. (By the way, this took two days. That's not a complaint; I was already prepared, again by reviewers and the manufacturer that water takes time to filter through the Zen -- about 2 hours per gallon. So with an 8-gallon unit flushed twice at 2 hours a gallon, the math is simple. But this really isn't a problem once you're up and operating: you just start filtering water when you go to bed and you'll have more than you'll need the next morning.) So, once the Zen had passed two tanks of water through its elements, I tasted from the third batch and.... Wow! Fantastic taste! Just like natural spring water! I was very impressed. At this point, I pulled the PH meter out from my cowboy holster to challenge, at 'gun point,' Zen's claims of PH improvement. I re-calibrated my PH meter and took a dive. Zen came through with flying colors. My tap water started at PH 7.39. After filtering through the Zen, the water became 8.29. Awesome! I also tested my grocery store's brand of "Purified Water" in a bottle and it tested at 6.57 which is lackluster, especially because it's tasteless. Beyond the PH triumph, the Zen delivers a lot more. It provides many important minerals. My wife and I have been drinking distilled water for years in our tea and coffee. Reportedly, distilled water is not a good choice for drinking water. There are debates on both sides of the issue, but many will say distilled water leeches minerals from the human body. True or not true, who can say for sure, but why risk it? Another persuasion against continuing with distilled water is that it tested quite low on the PH scale (4.8 before I gave my PH meter a tune-up). Also, it lacks taste as well. After just two days of drinking Zen water, I could actually feel an amazing improvement overall: more energy and increased mental clarity. Exactly how much water we're supposed to drink each day varies on our weight and activity. However, the most common answer from respectable sources seem to agree: take your weight in pounds, multiply by roughly 2/3 or 67%, and that's how many ounces of water to drink each day. Meanwhile, I wanted to know exactly what each of the mineral compartments of the Zen System did in specific terms. So, consulting with the Zen people, here's what I found: FILTERS - The Ceramic Dome Filter traps contaminants, bacteria, spores, cysts and parasites. It also reduces organic chemicals, pesticides and herbicides. PRESERVES - Encased Mineral Stones helps preserve purity and freshness of stored water by inhibiting secondary breeding of bacteria. MAGNETIZES - Magnetized Water has been reported to increase overall health effects and boost immunity level. PURIFIES - Removes bad tastes, odor and chlorine. Colloidal Silver incapacitates bacteria. - lon Exchange Resin softens and purifies water by removing toxins and heavy metals. MINERALIZES - Far Infrared elements help boost strength and vitality, improves memory functions. It’s known to help regulate blood pressure, blood sugar level and hormonal functions. - Sillica Sand aids in digestion and boosts metabolism, improves circulation and immune system, helps strengthen collagen for radiant skin, shiny hair and stronger nails. - Mineral Sand and Stones infuse water with micro-nutrient such as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. ======= FAST FORWARD >>> Now, two years later, I can tell you that this is one of our top 3 favorite purchases from Amazon! This filter keeps churning out fabulous tasting water! Just be sure to put into your calendar reminders the few prescribed tasks of cleaning the dome and replacing the elements -- the first is not difficult and the second is not expensive. Just be sure to get the replacement elements from the authorized Zen Water Systems website.