Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The WSS-1 is not equivalent to the manufacturer's recommended filter. I noticed that the description didn't mention removal of harmful contaminants (ANSI 53), so I emailed Water Sentinel. Getting no reply to my email, I phoned their customer service and they confirmed that the filter DOES NOT meet ANSI 53 for removal of harmful contaminants. My refrigerator is a Samsung RFG298AARS. The owner's manual specifies a Samsung model DA29-00003G filter, which is certified to meet both ANSI 42 (aesthetic effects, such as chlorine taste), and ANSI 53 (health effects, such as cysts, lead, benzene, asbestos, mercury). If you buy the WSS-1 you are buying a cartridge that is certified only to make water taste better, not to make it safer. Water Sentinels own product literature states: "This filter (WSS-1) should not be used with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before and or after the filter. This filter has been tested by the manufacturer against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine, Tastes and Odors." -- NSF/ANSI Standard 42: Drinking Water Treatment Units - Aesthetic Effects. Designed to reduce specific aesthetic or non-health-related contaminants (chlorine, taste and odor, and particulates) that may be present in public or private drinking water. NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units - Health Effects. Designed to reduce specific health-related contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, lead, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether), that may be present in public or private drinking water. [Source: the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)] -- Conclusion: I strongly recommend buying a filter that meets both ANSI 42 and ANSI 53 certifications and the manufacturer's specs, such as the DA29-00003G or an equivalent product. The Water Sentinel WSS-1 does NOT meet both standards. Water Sentinel's own literature warns against using the filter if your water is "microbiologically unsafe," putting the onus of safety assurance on the consumer. If you knew it was always safe, you wouldn't need a filter. I bought the DA29-0003G, I have owned several now with no problems. It costs a bit more, but does what I expect a filter to do--make the water safer while also making it taste good. (If a comparable product comes along with a lower cost, and the same certifications, I will consider it.)