Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've been using these filters since 2005, and I have been ordering them online in 6 packs from this site since 2009. I'm not sure what is going on, but after the second filter change in this most recent purchase, I've come to the conclusion that these filters have been "changed" such that their performance has dramatically declined. Simply put, my water now tastes POORLY. The first thing I noticed upon receipt of this latest 6-pack, is that the outer wrapping of the individual filters is not shrink/vacuum--packed. In all previous orders these filters where vacuum-packed. Secondly, there is no product labeling on the same wrappers, which was not the case in previous orders for they were labeled. Third, the filters feel "less heavy" and feel similar to salt shakers, in that one can tell there are loose granules inside (some of which appear loosely leaked inside the packaging--white round granules), which I never noticed before. Finally, the best and most important indicator that something has been altered is the taste of the hard (and very same) water for which I've been using these since 2005...it tastes poorly (bitter, chemical-like taste) compared to the "neutral" clean taste of said filtered-water previously, and there is a slight residue/cloudiness visible in appearance in the water, whereas it was clear with previous filters. Another indicator is the increased left-over deposits in my coffee maker (also the coffee now tastes bad). These filters are obviously NOT filtering/cleaning my water as in previous years. Finally, along with the change in package appearance of the 6-pack box, I noticed that these are also (now?) "Made in Mexico" which I don't recall was the case of my previous orders...can't say for sure, but the product was consistent in performance (and appearance) since 2005...(I'll also say that I was using the Pur 2 stage water filters successfully for 5 years previously). I haven't contacted the manufacturer, which I will do so in order to get their response to the above-mentioned issues. I shall update when I do so. Until then, I can NO LONGER recommend this product, which was so wonderfully working for me for the last few years. (I haven't checked local stores for comparison, and will do so). Until I find some answers to what happened, I don't recommend these filters. I will return with an update when I get one. IMMEDIATE UPDATE: I just called Pur at 800-787-5463 and spoke with a CS rep. His response included the following: thanking me for calling and reporting my complaints, asking me for the lot number of the filter(s) which are performing poorly, stating he would report my complaints to the appropriate department, reminding me that Pur consistently performs quality assurance tests to avoid issues (duh!), and stating that he would send me a "Buy One Get One Free" coupon which I can expect to receive within the next 2-3 weeks after I give him my address/phone number. There were communication difficulties...the CS rep had a pronounced foreign accent and admitted he was having problems hearing me. So we will see...I do intend to follow-up this call with an email. UPDATE: Decided to contact Amazon via phone for advice with very poor results. I DO NOT recommend trying to get much resolved via phone...unless, perhaps it's Kindle-related. However, after my 3rd attempt at contacting Amazon by email, I received a reply stating they are sending me a new 6 pack via overnight mail and are requesting a return of my remaining defective product. Very nice response this time...will follow up soon. It remains to be seen whether the 6 pack I previously ordered was a bad lot or that Pur's filter quality has dramatically declined. 5/14/11 UPDATE: Amazon quickly sent me replacement pack and asked that remaining "old" filters be returned. The quality of water tastes somewhat improved, but it seems that Pur changed this product for the worse. After I run through the remaining 4 filters, I shall no longer buy this product. 2 STARS.