Why two carbon filters? Because the third stage is the obsessive-compulsive cleanup crew. It catches anything the first carbon filter missed—volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other microscopic offenders. Overkill? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.
Think of it as the safety net for when you’re a little lazy on the first replacement. It buys you time. But don’t push it; this filter also needs a yearly swap. Laziness has a price, and it’s usually bitter-tasting lemonade.
Stage 4: The Reverse Osmosis Membrane – The Star of the Show
This is the heart of the system: a tightly wound membrane that only lets water molecules pass through. It rejects everything else—arsenic, lead, fluoride, and even some viruses. It’s like a microscopic dictator with a very strict guest list.
This filter lasts 2-3 years, but only if you’ve been good about changing the first three stages. Skip those replacements, and the membrane gets coated in gunk, producing water slow as molasses. Your patience will run out before the water does, trust me.
Amazon.com: 5 stage Reverse Osmosis Replacement Filter set with 75 GPD
