KX Matrikx 06-250-125-975 Lead, Cyst, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction Filter, 10-Inch

***Note: It's been brought to my attention that the Matrikx CTO Plus should probably be installed first (tap source). Based on the product description, it is designed to deal with turbidity and sediment and has a slightly larger pore size. This is crucial if you're dealing with an untreated water source (e.g. well water). I've updated the review to reflect my current configuration.I'm on typical city-sourced water (with no turbidity/sediment problem). I was looking for a substitute for Watts Premier 560088 Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack that I was using in my Watts WP2BVC under-counter filter system (identical to the Watts 500313 2-Stage Undercounter Lead, Cyst & VOC Reducing Drinking Water System (WP2LCV) system, but uses different filter media for the carbon block).I decided to go with dual carbon block system because I had concerns about finding a sediment filter that didn't introduce additional contaminants, and I don't have a really turbidity/sediment problem. I got the KX Matrikx 01-250-125-975 High Capacity Chemical, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction Filter, 10-Inch (Matrikx CTO Plus, purple cap) and the KX Matrikx 06-250-125-975 Lead, Cyst, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction Filter, 10-Inch (Matrikx Pb1, grey cap). I flushed the filters in stages: installed the CTO Plus in the front housing (tap source) and flushed for 10 minutes, then installed the PB1 in the second housing (leave the CTO Plus in as well) and flush for another 10 minutes. This was to prevent the second carbon block from being saturated with the flush waste from the first carbon block. The first taste test yielded exactly the results I was expecting: high quality clean water. While impressive out of the gate, I'll have to revisit this review and see how these filters perform in the long run.FYI: If there are problems unscrewing the filter housing (even with a Housing Wrench), the system is probably hydrolocked. In addition to closing the tap source valve, check that the faucet valve is open to let air in. Also, if the O-ring is not replaced, be sure to carefully remove the existing one (I used a small straight-slot screwdriver), and coat it with silicone grease.Update 21-AUG-2015: Changed rating from 4 to 5 stars. It's been well over a year and these filters continue to provide clean water at original pressure. I estimate we use no more than 5 gallons of filtered water a day. While that is less than half the expected life of this configuration, I'm pleased that it's working as advertised.Update 16-AUG-2016: I've decided to replace the filters for good measure. There was no problems with the flow, but I believe the taste was finally starting to be affected. The attached photos show a build up of sludge from two years of use on the tap source filter housing. I cleaned this using a half cup of bleach in hot water, rinsing, then soap and hot water with a paper towel. I will definitely be buying another set of these filters.

Made in India, not USA ! Not sure if I want to use, or not.

I live in an area where water contamination happens frequently (Northeast PA, Wilkes Barre and vicinity.) Any time a main breaks, you get reverse siphoning which means you get all kinds of crap sucked back into the water system, then it must be flushed out for a day or 2 before it's again safe to drink. And not to mention the documented cases of accidental chlorine poisoning through the public sanitary water supply. I don't always get the news that the water is under a "boil water warning" in a timely manner - so long story short - DO NOT TRUST TAP WATER.For my peace of mind, I prefer to filter the water through a dual-filter system (usually found as an under-counter or countertop setup, using two 10-inch filters.)I use a shower chlorine filter Sprite HO2-WH High Output Shower Filter, White to remove much of the chlorine.I use a dual filter system for drinking water, similar to this set: WMU - Countertop Dual-Stage Water Filtration System then the water gets put through a Pur dispenser PUR 18 Cup Dispenser w/ 1 Filter filter.I use the KX tech PB1 filters on both sides of the dual filter, not needing a larger micron pre-filter where I am located (we live about 200 yards from the water treatment plant, so the water is clean, although very high in chlorine.)If you have more turbid water, you may need a larger micron 1st stage filter, such as the KX Matrikx VOC KX Matrikx 01-250-125-975 High Capacity Chemical, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction Filter, 10-Inch then use the KX Matrikx PB1 filter in the 2nd stage to ensure safe water.These are ANSI certified filters. They do the job they advertise - removing pathogens and a large portion of volatile organic chemicals.You can use the same filter until it's basically clogged to the point of reduced water flow - anywhere from 6 months to a year or more, depending on how turbid the input water is. In my case. I dispose of the filters after a year, just to reduce the TDS (total dissolved solids, basically minerals and salts.) The filters are usable well beyond this time, as long as I'm still getting good flow.To my mind, these are worth the money for better tasting and safer drinking water!

I've been using this cartridge for many years to filter NY city water, always loved the crisp and great taste it provides. After installation I just let the water run for about 10-15 minutes to rinse out the extra sweetness or grease from manufacturing. Then your water is ready for drinking. I like it better then Poland water.UPDATE: just a single (month) week after installing the one recently bought on Amazon, there is almost no water coming out of the filter! Arggh..Something must have gone from bad to erase with the quality of the filters. I gave it another shot after using it for many years from a local supplier without a single issue.Reading now some other reviews more carefully, I can only assume the cartridges I received were counterfeits, not the ones made in USA. Unfortunately I haven't checked the labels but this is the second filter in a row that just stopped working in a month.