New Wave Enviro - Premium Shower Filter Replacement Cartridge - 1 FilterNew Wave Enviro - Premium Shower Filter Replacement Cartridge is a for replacing the old cartridge in your new wave enviro premium shower filter. The housing unit does not need to be replaced.10 Stages of Protection Against Major Water Contaminants Stage 1 - 30 micron sponge filter. Traps larger solids (sediments) such as rust. Stage 2 - 8 oz. of KDF-55. KDF-55 is a patented alloy which removes free chlorine and some heavy metals, thereby prolonging the life of the filter and is an excellent Bacteriostat. Stage 3 - 10 micron felt pad which removes smaller floating solids and separates the layers, preserving their integrity. Stage 4 - 30 cubic inches of ultra fine mesh, superior coconut shell and granulated activated carbon. Granulated activated carbon has long been accepted by the E.P.A. and others as the premier, cost-effective way to remove chlorine, bad odors and color from drinking water. G.A.C. also removes organic contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, arsenic, mercury and trihalomethanes - a cancer-causing organic pollutant. Stage 5 - 10 micron felt pad for fine sediment removal. Stage 6 - 7 cubic inches of ion exchange resin which removes lead to below minimum E.P.A. standards. Stage 7 - Additional 30 micron felt pad provides an extra buffer against floating sediment of any kind. Stage 8 - 7 cubic inch bed of G.A.C. which provides extra protection against cancer-causing organic pollutants. Stage 9 - 2 oz. of calcite which raises the water's pH and lowers acidity. It also increases alkalinity, which many nutritionists recommend. Stage 10 - 1 micron absolute depth filter. A filter with a micron rating this small screens outcysts and protozoa, (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), and gives the filtered water a sparkling clarity.