Abstract: A water filter system including a base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridge seated in the base. The filter cartridge defines a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted in the second chamber and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water. The enhancement cartridge is removable from the system separate from the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A filter cartridge including a housing having a water inlet and outlet, a valve disposed in the housing and defining transversally aligned inlet and outlet passageways, and having a first key formation that vertically depends from the valve, a cartridge having transversely separated inlet and outlet ports transversely aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, each of the ports engageable in a corresponding one of the passageways, and a complementary key formation for engaging the first key formation for ensuring proper engagement of the ports in the passageways where the ports and the key formation project from a common plane. The valve is rotatable in the housing between an open position in which feed water passes through the inlet passageway and into the cartridge, and treated water flows to the outlet passageway, and a closed position in which water is prevented from flowing to and from the valve.

Abstract: An improved filter device for the removal of contaminants from water and method of using same. The present invention comprises an outer housing having an inlet at one end for water to be purified and an outlet for purified water at an opposing end thereof. An inner filter is situated within and in fluid communication with the outer housing to remove contaminants from the water. Within the inner filter is an inner filter housing. Within the inner filter housing is at least one uniform region of dispersed granular copper media. A filter pad is positioned within the inner filter housing. Further, a region of granular activated carbon is positioned opposite the uniform region by the filter pad.