Why are there black or brown specks in my water tank?Updated 2 months ago

What are the specks?

If you notice small black or brown specks or particles in your upper reservoir, these are almost always fine carbon dust or resin particles from a new filter. This is a cosmetic issue and the particles are harmless.

What to do

The specks will typically clear naturally over the first few fills as any loose material washes through the filter. You do not need to do anything special — simply continue using the pitcher as normal and the water in the lower pitcher will remain clear and fully filtered.

If you'd prefer, you can rinse the upper reservoir (not the filter) under cold water before your first use.

If specks persist after several fills

If you're still seeing significant debris after 3–4 fills, the filter may have a small crack. Check the filter body for any visible damage. If the filter appears damaged, please contact our customer service team — we're happy to help.

Green or white deposits

Green deposits usually indicate algae growth from storing the pitcher in light and warmth. White deposits are typically limescale. Both can be removed by cleaning the pitcher — see How do I clean my ZeroWater pitcher?