A refrigeration system includes a water circulation system and a replaceable water filter. The refrigerator includes a sensor that determines if a water filter is present, and a user interface that prompts a user to purge a water filter upon installation of a new water filter in the refrigerator. The water filter may include a memory storage device that stores information concerning the allowable life of the water filter, the remaining life of the water filter, and other information. Information concerning the remaining life of the water filter and other information can be displayed or otherwise communicated to a user by the user interface.