This standard describes virgin granular and extruded activated carbons for use as a filter medium and adsorbent in water treatment. It involves the selection, placement, and use of granular activated carbon (GAC) in filter adsorbers where the GAC must function as filter medium and adsorbent, as well as in those systems where the primary function is adsorption.

This standard can be referenced in documents for purchasing and receiving GAC and can be used as a guide for testing the physical properties of GAC samples. The stipulations of this standard apply when this document has been referenced and only to GAC used in water supply service applications.