an activated carbon that is capable of adsorbing taste - and - odor - causing and other organic compounds , wherein the activated carbon comprises a uniquely modified carbonaceous material . the activated carbon comprising : a pore volume per gram of the activated carbon more than about 0 . 32 ml in the pore width range between about 4 to 63 angstroms ; and a pore volume per gram of the activated carbon more than about 0 . 21 ml in the pore width range between about 63 to 500 angstroms ; provided that the pore volume per gram of the activated carbon in the pore width range of about 20 to 63 angstroms is at least about 25 % of the total pore volume per gram of the activated carbon in the pore width range of 4 to 63 angstroms , as measured per the argon adsorption density functional theory protocol ; provided that the activated carbon has a ph equal to or greater than 9 . 9 , when immersed as a slurry in nitrogen - purged deionized distilled water , while the slurry contains about 10 % by weight of activated carbon , as measured per the slurry ph protocol .