Filtrete High Performance Whole House Sanitary Quick-Change Filter System, 4WH-QCTO-S01

Not sure why the negative reviews are here but I installed this filter last winter as a pre filter for our new water softener and plumbing system. I chose this system over others available due to the long 12 month filter change interval (most were 4-6 months) and honestly it looks cool with bright green and blue colors, not that I spend that much time in the basement staring at it but... I have to trust 3M on the filtering rating but as large a company as 3M is I'm sure it was tested and offers the rated 3 micron filtration and assume the negative reviews are incorrect installs and contaminated downstream lines. We do have city water and didn't have any prior issues with sediment, rust, scale... just hard water with plenty of chlorine. After installing I have had no issues or problems from the filter. Pros: 1: 12 month service life. 2: Easy change, 1/4 turn to remove and install filter. 3: Filter is well made and sturdy. 4: Looks cool and does it's job. 5: Available online from the rain forest place ;) 6: Cool little time minder thingy that lets you know when to change filter. 7: No loss of flow or pressure after 12 months of use (three person household). Cons: 1: Large filter that isn't recyclable, huge chunk of plastic that goes to landfill. 2: Mounting head is a little flimsy, would be happy to see beefier mounting tabs, (I know that this is the filter review but...) 3: Not available at big box stores in my area that I'm aware of. 4: All the pictures on 3M website and even the box do not show correct mounting and plumbing procedures? 5: Initial installation is probably more that many DIY types can do on their own. (I still know that this is the filter review) 6: Terrible 3M websites make it hard to look up, search or even find information about their products. Even when you do find it there's not much in the way of details.

Great replacement filter cartridge!