PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 6-Pack, Genuine PUR Filter, 2-in-1 Powerful, Natural Mineral Filtration, Lead Removal, 18-Month Value, Blue (RF99996)

I have been using PUR to filter the tap water for more than 3 years. I always get the refills from local stores and never had a problem. Until I got this one about three weeks ago.The first one started with a flashing red! I took out and put it back a million times, but it was still flashing red. Then I gave up. After two weeks, it turned to steady red.I gave the second one to a friend. When I asked him if it worked fine, he told me the light did not turn on at all! He also said when he opened the package, it was all dusty.An hour ago I opened the third one to give it another shot. Inside the package was dusty, as can be seen around the filter in attached photo. And it started with a steady red!So far 3 out of 6 refills were garbage out of the package. I hope the vendor reads this and wants it back.Update: On Jan 23th, I tried two more. Both started with a steady red. That makes 5 out of 6 refills garbage. I am keeping the last one closed and I will contact PUR about this.Second update: I emailed PUR about this. Here is the reply I got:*********************************************************************************************Dear ***,Thank you for your recent email.I apologize for the unusual experience with this faucet mount. Based on your description, the issue you are experiencing is cause by a malfunction in your faucet mount, not the filters. It seems that the reset mechanism is not working. This should reset the light anytime a new filter is installed.The light on these units is simply a function of water flow measurement, not the actual status of the filter.This is based on an average life of 100 gallons filtered (3 month average). Over time the light is designed to change colors as certain amounts of water have been run through the unit. The actual life of the filter will vary based on water quality and usage.If the light stops working properly, you can substitute self monitoring of your filter and continue to use the unit. Unfortunately, the battery that powers this light cannot be replaced. However, this will not affect the performance of the filter and you may certainly continue to use the unit. The best indicator that your filter requires replacement is a noticeable drop in water pressure from the filter or decreased thickness of the water stream.If this unit is still under warranty, we will be happy to replace it for you! If you wish to look into this, please email me back with your full name, physical/shipping address, telephone number, date of purchase, and the model number of your unit. Once I have this information, I will be happy to assist you further.Below is where to look and what to look for on the unit to get the model number:Faucet Mounts· Usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the unit. If you can't locate the model number or if multiple model numbers are listed, please let us know if your unit is a "one click" model, if it is vertical or horizontal, the color, and if it has a flavor option available. Please also include the 9-10 digit number just above the threads on the filter housing cover.Kaz is committed to offering quality customer service and we hope we have done this for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require further assistance.Please visit our website[...] to view all of our current products and Web Specials/Rebates! The site also contains many Frequently asked questions, pricing, and the Owner Manuals for the products.*********************************************************************************************After this email, I am changing my review from 1 star to 4 star. I will update again once I get a new mount.*********************************************************************************************Third update:I emailed them again with the information I was asked previously. A "Consumer Relations Specialist" replied that my unit's warranty is expired but he would make an exception and extend it as a one time courtesy. That was a really nice offer, showing the company is caring about customers. I am updating my rating to five stars!

These filters save me so much money. I take a medication that gives me dry mouth, so I'm always sucking down water. Filters are easy to apply, the fit is good, water flow is adequate, and the fill up quite a damn few Nalgene bottles per filter!

Works as expected.

I find there is a tremendous difference in the taste of water using this filtration system.

Water flow is generous and easy to use.

I am a trained water quality chemist, and I approve the use of this filter.This filter is certified for up to 3 month or 100 gallon use. If you use it sparingly, it might last up to 4 months, but change it at least that often or else you could see contaminants leaching through the filter and into your drinking water. Replacements are pretty cheap and available here or in most department/grocery stores so you have no excuse - the filter can't protect you from harmful chemicals and bad flavors if you leave it in for too long.PUR has two basic filter models for their in-sink units. The RF9999 model (this one - usually blue) does a two-step process. It uses a charcoal-style filter to remove various chemicals from the water. This is where the other PUR filter model (usually white) stops and spits out "pure" water. The RF9999 model has a second step though, which runs the water over a "salt cake" that adds some minerals back into the water in order to improve the taste and make it better at keeping you hydrated than pure water.It will fit into ANY of the PUR in-sink filter units, which is great because you don't need to know your specific model number. If your filter screws onto your sink nozzle and says PUR on the outside, just use this filter and you're good. Will it fit the in-line filters like on your refrigerator door or underneath your sink? I don't know!! Will it fit a pitcher filter that you fill up with a couple quarts and store it in your fridge? I don't know!! I don't use those types of filters. All I know is, this is great for the ones that screw onto the end of your sink nozzle.In terms of filtration potential, with PUR you can trust what is advertised on the box. It is good for reducing lead and several other chemicals. It also removes chlorine by-products from the bleaching process at the water treatment plant that might make your water taste like a swimming pool. If you are worried about a specific contaminant, visit the PUR manufacturer's website and/or your local drinking water utility website for details.When installing a new filter, run the water through the filter for 5-10 minutes before using it. This cleans any leftover charcoal dust out and allows the filter material to be soaked, which is the only way it will work properly. If you turn off the filter for an hour or more (up to 36 hours) run the water for around 10 seconds before you use it, to let the filter clear out any junk first. If it has been more than about a day and a half, run the water for 5 minutes first to re-soak it.