Why choose an under counter water filter rather than a water filter pitcher or a faucet filter?
An under sink water filter is installed under your sink (usually, kitchen sink, but any sink works!) In addition to the filter, you get tubing and fittings to hook it up to your cold water line. The cold water is diverted through the filter and then out the faucet, ready for you to drink.
While there are advantages and disadvantages to the various types of filters, an under-sink water filter provides several key benefits, including convenience, low maintenance, quality value, and of course, filtered water on tap anytime with superior-tasting purified water.
Established in 1987, CuZn Water Systems Inc., (pronounced “cousin”) is a reputable water filtration company from Arkansas. CuZn features the best-selling CuZn UC-200, a cost-effective, long-lasting under counter water filter that effectively removes all the harmful chemicals in your water while proving you a clear, crisp taste.
Key Features of the CuZn UC-200 Water Filter System
The most important feature of any water filter is contaminant elimination, and the CuZn effectively removes harmful contaminants while leaving the essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium in the water.
The system’s incredible three-stage filtration process has been tested to NSF standards 42 and 61. This process includes Micro Sediment Membranes, which filters undissolved particles (like, sand for example). The Powerful KDF-55 Filtration Media removes inorganic components like lead and heavy metals. This stage also prevents bacterial growth. The final stage, Acid Washed Catalytic Coconut Shell Carbon, removes organic contaminants such as chlorine, THMs, herbicides, and pesticides. This stage also targets offensive tastes and odors.
One of the best aspects of the CuZn UC-200 is the filter’s incredible life capacity. The filter will filter up to 50,000 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced. That’s typically equivalent to five years! In the water filter world, this long-lasting filter life is pretty much unheard of.
This system is compact at 4.5 x 4.5 x 15 inches and just 8 pounds. It will easily fit under your sink with plenty of room to spare. The system is constructed with metal, rather than plastic, which increases its durability.
Unlike filters that just contain carbon, the CuZn UC-200’s filter is bacteriostatic, meaning that it won’t grow bacteria growth or mold. While the CuZn UC-200 will filter most contaminants, it is not a water softener, so it won’t resolve issues such as limescale mineral deposits and should not be used for well water. The filter was designed to be used with chlorine-treated water from municipal water supplies.
This filter does not come with a separate faucet; instead, it connects directly to your kitchen’s cold water line. Do note that because the UC-200 leaves essential minerals intact, it will not reduce TDS readings, so a TDS reader is not effective in this case. However, CuZn recommends measuring chlorine levels with DPD-1 test strips after filtering, which more accurately measures a filter’s effectiveness.
The UC-200 will not reduce water pressure, which is significant since the filter connects directly to your cold water line. The rate of flow is 2 GPM, which works out to be around 27 gallons per day. This is an impressive flow rate and sufficient for even larger households.
The CuZn UC-200 is manufactured in the USA. CuZn proudly offers a comprehensive five-year performance warranty and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
What does this System remove?
Through the powerful three-stage filtration system, the CuZn UC-200 efficiently removes a wide variety of organic and inorganic contaminants including chlorine, water-soluble heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium VI, cadmium, etc.), herbicides, pesticides, sediment, algae, molds, bad taste, odors, and other undesirable contaminants.
While the UC-200 reduces these contaminants, it keeps beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The UC-200 does not remove fluoride.
What comes with the System?
The CuZn is an excellent value. It’s surprisingly inexpensive, especially considering all it has to offer. Also, you will be saving money in the long run since you won’t need to buy bottled water.
With this filtration system, you will get the UC-200 filter, a 36” Long 3/8” x 3/8” Braided Stainless Steel Compression Hose, brass fittings, and an instruction manual. CuZn reports that new video installations are available on their website, or you can search “UC-200 Water Filter Install” on YouTube.
What to Expect with the CuZn UC-200 Water Filter System
Installing this system is incredibly simple, and customers report it takes no longer than five minutes! The only tool you will need is an adjustable wrench. All you do is disconnect your existing cold water line and reconnect to the outlet of the UC-200. You will then connect the stainless steel hose to the cold water valve and the inlet of the UC-200. That’s it!
If you have non-standard plumbing or want to install a faucet with the UC-200, contact customer service, and they will supply an installation kit for all non-standard installations for free! You can expect excellent customer service from CuZn, if needed. Users of the UC-200 raved about how customer support is friendly, supportive, and go the extra mile.
The UC-200 is virtually maintenance-free. After you install it, you can forget about it and simply enjoy pure, fresh water always on tap.
- Effective three-stage filter removes a variety of contaminants
- Bacteriostatic filter fights bacteria and mold growth
- Easy installation (five minutes!)
- Good flow rate
- Inexpensive
- Filter lasts 50,000 gallons or five years
- Cannot be used with well water
- Does not remove fluoride
- Filter may clog if water is too contaminated
Hi Jennifer thanks for the detailed write up and wondering do you know if Cuzn UC-200 would assist in the reduction of PFOA (Perfluoroctanic Acid)?
Thanks,
Adam
Hi Adam, good question. PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) are hard to remove unless you use certain methods or technologies in your water filter. One of the effective methods is to use activated carbon filtering and that is, indeed, what this particular unit does (an enhanced coconut carbon filter).
Is there anything in the CuZn in the CU-200 that is recyclable?
Hi Craig, CuZn’s website states that “Virtually all of our filtration medias are compostable (will biodegrade in compost setting in about 3 years) or recyclable!”, as well I found the following company representatives advice on the question of recycling: “While different states and recycling services have dramatically different rules, there is almost always a local company that will recycle the brass (sometimes they even pay a little bit for the brass). Some recycling centers are still currently accepting and processing plastic, give the local recycler a call and ask. You could cut the black housings caps off, dump out the filter media (filter media will biodegrade in a landfill/compost environment), remove the label and recycle the body. Please do give us a call or send us an email if you wish to discuss any additional questions you have in greater detail! (contact info below)
Thank you,
Chris @ CuZn
800.345.PURE (7873)
Phone Support: 8am – 5:30pm est, M-F”
Hi Jennifer,
Have you or anyone else actually seen that this filter claims to have a 5 year lifespan, which I find hard to believe. A lot of other companies that make these under sink filters they last about 1 year, how is 5 years even possible? Please let me know when you have time since you reviewed this product
Hi Dave, the UC-200 unit does have pre-filter replacement filters that get replaced more often. But, the main housing and filtering unit itself is warrantied for either 3 years or 5 years, depending on the model you need. This is a fairly typical model for the industry, where there are more frequently replaced accessory filters in the overall system while the main filtering mechanism or housing lasts a number of years easily.